Go Back
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Salt to taste - Chopped fresh parsley In this dish, fettuccine pasta forms the base. It cooks up nice and thick. The unsalted butter gives a rich flavor, while the minced garlic adds a tasty kick. Heavy cream brings that creamy texture we love. Grated Parmesan cheese makes the sauce smooth and cheesy. Black pepper adds a hint of spice. Finally, salt and parsley help to finish the dish right. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps later. First, fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt to it. This helps the pasta taste better. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 12 oz of fettuccine pasta. Cook it according to the package directions until it's al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. It usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, save 1 cup of the pasta water. This water adds flavor and helps the sauce stick. Drain the pasta and set it aside. In the same pot, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant but not brown. Next, slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir to mix it well. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens a bit. After that, add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Now, it’s time to bring the pasta and sauce together. Add the cooked fettuccine to your creamy sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce until it’s well coated. If the sauce looks too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time. This will help you reach the right consistency. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt or black pepper if needed. Serve your fettuccine alfredo right away for the best taste. You can find the complete instructions in the Full Recipe. Choosing the right cheese For a rich flavor, I love using freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It melts well and gives a nice taste. Avoid pre-grated cheese; it often has additives that can change the sauce texture. You can also mix in some Pecorino Romano for an extra kick. Importance of reserved pasta water Always save some pasta water before draining. This water is starchy, and it helps the sauce stick to the pasta. Add it slowly to adjust the sauce's thickness. It helps make a creamy, smooth sauce that clings to each strand of fettuccine. Understanding al dente Cooking your fettuccine al dente means it should be firm when bitten. It should not be mushy. This texture holds up well in the sauce. Check the package for cooking time, but start tasting a minute or two early. Timing for best texture Once your pasta is ready, drain it right away. Don't let it sit too long, as it can become soggy. Combine it with the sauce immediately for the best taste and texture. This makes every bite of your fettuccine Alfredo delightful. Plate presentation ideas When serving, twirl the fettuccine in the center of a plate. This creates a lovely nest. Top it with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley for color. It makes the dish look fancy and inviting. Best accompaniments Pair your fettuccine Alfredo with a fresh green salad. A light Caesar salad works great. You can also serve garlic bread on the side for a full meal experience. This combination will impress your guests and make your meal special. {{image_2}} You can make your fettuccine Alfredo heartier by adding proteins. Grilled chicken is a classic choice. Just slice it thin and mix it in. Shrimp also works well. Sauté shrimp until pink, then toss with the pasta. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try adding cooked mushrooms or roasted vegetables. Both add great flavor. Herbs and spices can truly elevate your dish. Fresh basil or parsley can add a nice touch. Try a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. You can also use different cheese varieties. Pecorino Romano adds a sharp taste. A mix of cheeses can make the dish even richer. Want to lighten the dish? Use lower-calorie substitutes. Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. This change keeps the creaminess but cuts calories. You can also use a cauliflower puree instead of cream. It gives a great texture without the extra fat. After enjoying your Easy Fettuccine Alfredo, you may have leftovers. To store them, follow these tips: - Let the pasta cool to room temperature. - Place it in an airtight container. - Refrigerate within two hours to keep it fresh. - Use it within three days for best taste. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, you have two main options: the microwave or stovetop. - Microwave: Place the pasta in a bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst to heat it evenly. - Stovetop: Put the pasta in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water for creaminess. Stir gently until warmed through. Can you freeze fettuccine alfredo? Yes, but keep in mind it may change texture. Here are some tips: - Cool the pasta completely before freezing. - Use freezer-safe bags or containers to avoid freezer burn. - Label the container with the date. - To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat using the stovetop method for best results. For a complete overview of making this dish, check the Full Recipe for step-by-step guidance. Making Easy Fettuccine Alfredo is quick and simple. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook. In total, you will spend around 20 minutes from start to finish. This makes it a great choice for busy nights when you want a tasty meal fast. Yes, you can prepare Easy Fettuccine Alfredo ahead of time. Cook the fettuccine and sauce, then store them separately. Keep them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, reheat the pasta and sauce together in a pan. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to bring back the creaminess. If you need to skip heavy cream, there are good options. You can use half-and-half for a lighter sauce. Milk with a bit of butter also works well. For a dairy-free choice, try coconut cream or cashew cream. These alternatives will change the flavor a bit, but they can still make your dish creamy and delicious. Easy Fettuccine Alfredo is a simple delight to make. You need fettuccine pasta, butter, garlic, cream, cheese, and spices. Follow the steps to cook and mix everything well. Try tips for better sauce and texture. You can also explore variations for fun flavors. Store leftovers correctly for later, and reheating is a breeze. With these insights, you can master this dish with ease. Enjoy making Fettuccine Alfredo your way. Happy cooking!

Easy Fettuccine Alfredo

Indulge in the creamy goodness of Garlic Fettuccine Alfredo with this easy and delicious recipe! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish combines fettuccine pasta, rich heavy cream, and a blend of garlic and Parmesan cheese that will leave your taste buds dancing. Follow our simple steps to create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Click through now to explore this fantastic recipe and elevate your dinner game!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

12 oz fettuccine pasta

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Salt to taste

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

    In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.

      Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken.

        Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

          Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

            Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or black pepper if needed.

              Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4