Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic Italian pasta dish known for its creamy, cheesy sauce and rich flavor. Despite its decadent taste, this dish is surprisingly easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. In this recipe, I’ll show you how to create a velvety smooth Alfredo sauce that coats tender fettuccine noodles perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting meal, this Easy Fettuccine Alfredo recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients for Easy Fettuccine Alfredo
For the Fettuccine Alfredo:
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Easy Fettuccine Alfredo
Follow these simple steps to prepare a delicious batch of Fettuccine Alfredo:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Cheese: Gradually sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese into the simmering cream, stirring constantly until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Season to Taste: Season the Alfredo sauce with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, tossing gently to coat the noodles evenly.
- Serve: Transfer the Fettuccine Alfredo to serving plates or bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!
About the Main Ingredients
Fettuccine Pasta: Fettuccine is a type of pasta that is long, flat, and ribbon-like in shape. It is traditionally made from durum wheat flour and water, giving it a firm texture and ability to hold up well to creamy sauces like Alfredo. Fettuccine is commonly used in Italian cuisine and pairs perfectly with rich and indulgent sauces.
Unsalted Butter: Butter is a key ingredient in Alfredo sauce, adding richness and flavor to the dish. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe, ensuring that the sauce is perfectly seasoned to your liking.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream, also known as whipping cream, adds creaminess and body to the Alfredo sauce. It has a high fat content, which helps create a luxurious texture and mouthfeel. When heated gently, heavy cream thickens slightly, contributing to the velvety consistency of the sauce.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese is the star of the show in Fettuccine Alfredo, providing its signature salty and nutty flavor. Grating the cheese finely ensures that it melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a luscious and creamy texture. For the best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties.
Salt and Pepper: Seasoning is crucial in any dish, and Fettuccine Alfredo is no exception. Salt enhances the flavors of the sauce and pasta, while freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle hint of spice and depth. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences, keeping in mind that Parmesan cheese is naturally salty, so go easy on the salt initially.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness to the finished dish. It serves as a vibrant garnish that not only enhances the presentation but also provides a subtle herbal flavor that complements the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
With these simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up a batch of Easy Fettuccine Alfredo that rivals your favorite Italian restaurant. Whether enjoyed as a cozy dinner for two or a crowd-pleasing meal for a family gathering, this classic pasta dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food.
