Silky Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Dreamy & Velvety Classic Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Pasta lovers rejoice as this classic fettuccine Alfredo recipe promises a creamy, indulgent experience that melts in your mouth.

Rich, velvety sauce coats each strand of perfectly cooked pasta with luxurious Italian charm.

The simplicity of ingredients belies the incredible depth of flavor waiting to tantalize your taste buds.

Parmesan cheese and butter dance together, creating a silky smooth sauce that speaks volumes about traditional Italian cooking.

Every twirl of your fork promises a delectable bite that transports you straight to the heart of Rome.

Comfort and elegance merge in this timeless dish that turns an ordinary meal into a memorable culinary celebration.

Get ready to master a restaurant-quality masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Cooking Directions for Creamy Fettuccine Alfredo

  • Pasta Preparation

Grab a big pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt and bring it to a rolling boil. Drop in the fettuccine and let it dance around until it reaches that perfect tender-yet-firm texture. Once done, carefully drain the water, letting the pasta rest momentarily.

  • Creamy Sauce Magic

Slide a skillet onto the stove and let butter melt into a golden puddle. Pour in the rich, velvety cream and let it simmer gently. Watch as the liquid transforms into a luxurious, slightly thickened sauce that whispers promises of deliciousness.

  • Pasta Fusion

Lovingly transfer the cooked fettuccine into the creamy skillet. Swirl and toss the pasta, ensuring every strand gets a generous coating of the silky sauce. The pasta will glisten with anticipation.

  • Cheese Embrace

Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Stir softly as the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a smooth, dreamy blanket that hugs each pasta strand. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to elevate the flavors.

  • Finishing Touch

Serve the fettuccine immediately, its warmth inviting and aroma tempting. Scatter some fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and a hint of freshness that makes the dish sing.

Tricks for a Creamier, Cheesier Fettuccine Alfredo

  • Boost the dish by adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon to transform this simple pasta into a more substantial meal.
  • Toss in roasted vegetables like asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms to introduce extra nutrition and create a more colorful plate.
  • Replace heavy cream with a combination of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version that still maintains a rich, creamy texture.
  • Elevate the flavor by stirring in fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano during the sauce-making process for an aromatic and vibrant finish.

How to Serve Fettuccine Alfredo Just Right

  • Sprinkle Fresh Herbs: Chop vibrant parsley, basil, or chives to add a burst of color and fresh flavor on top of the creamy pasta.
  • Pair with Protein: Grill tender chicken breast, seared shrimp, or crispy bacon bits to create a more substantial and satisfying meal.
  • Add Roasted Vegetables: Toss in some oven-roasted cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or zucchini to introduce a delightful texture and nutritional boost to the classic dish.
  • Complement with Wine: Select a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay to balance the richness of the Alfredo sauce and enhance the dining experience.

Storage & Reheating for Classic Fettuccine Alfredo

  • Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover fettuccine alfredo in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Reheat Gently: Warm the pasta slowly in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to restore its creamy texture, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and maintain smoothness.
  • Freeze Carefully: Pack the pasta in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible, where it can stay good for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Prevent Separation: The sauce might break or become grainy when reheated, so add a little extra cream or butter while warming to help restore its original silky consistency.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 764 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients to Make Classic Fettuccine Alfredo

For Pasta Base:
  • Fettuccine: Silky, wide noodles that beautifully cradle the rich, creamy sauce and provide a classic Italian texture.
For Sauce Components:
  • Butter, Heavy Cream: Luxurious dairy duo that creates a velvety, indulgent base with a smooth, rich consistency.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Aged, sharp cheese that adds depth, saltiness, and a nutty essence to the sauce.
For Seasoning and Garnish:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and elevate the overall taste profile.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright, aromatic herb that adds a pop of color and a fresh, clean finish to the dish.

The Tools You’ll Use for Classic Fettuccine Alfredo

  • Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta with plenty of space.
  • Colander: Perfect for draining cooked fettuccine quickly and efficiently.
  • Large skillet: Crucial for creating the creamy alfredo sauce and mixing pasta.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring sauce and coating pasta evenly.
  • Cheese grater: Helps create fresh, fine Parmesan cheese for melting smoothly.
  • Measuring cups: Useful for accurately measuring cream and ingredients.
  • Chef's knife: Handy for chopping fresh parsley for garnish.
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Silky Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Silky Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe


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4.7 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Creamy fettuccine alfredo brings Italian culinary magic to dinner tables with rich parmesan and butter sauce. Simple ingredients create luxurious comfort for pasta enthusiasts looking to savor genuine Roman-style cooking with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (453 grams) fettuccine pasta
  • 2 cups (473 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Boiling Preparation: Fill a large pot with water, season generously with salt, and bring to a rolling boil at 212°F.
  2. Pasta Cooking: Immerse fettuccine into bubbling water, stirring intermittently to prevent clumping, and cook until perfectly al dente with a slight resistance when bitten.
  3. Sauce Foundation: In a spacious skillet, gently melt unsalted butter over medium heat, creating a golden base without scorching, then introduce heavy cream and whisk until a smooth, silky consistency emerges.
  4. Sauce Development: Allow the butter-cream mixture to simmer, developing a rich texture that elegantly coats a spoon, creating a luxurious foundation for the pasta.
  5. Pasta Integration: Drain the cooked fettuccine completely, then transfer directly into the simmering cream sauce, using tongs to ensure each strand becomes thoroughly enveloped in the velvety mixture.
  6. Cheese Incorporation: Gradually fold freshly grated Parmesan into the sauce, stirring continuously until the cheese melts seamlessly, transforming the mixture into a creamy, uniform coating.
  7. Seasoning and Finishing: Enhance the dish with a delicate balance of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting to achieve a perfectly harmonized flavor profile, then garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant final touch.

Notes

  • Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir frequently during boiling to ensure noodles don’t clump together and cook evenly.
  • Butter Browning Caution: Maintain medium heat when melting butter to avoid burning, which can create bitter flavors.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Add Parmesan gradually and stir continuously to achieve a smooth, lump-free sauce without separation.
  • Serving Timing: Serve immediately after preparation to preserve the sauce’s creamy consistency and optimal temperature.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 764
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 260 mg
  • Fat: 65 g
  • Saturated Fat: 39 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 155 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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