Fettuccine Alfredo, also known as Fettuccine al burro, is a rich and creamy Italian pasta dish that's both simple and luxurious, much like our chicken and shrimp Alfredo. It features homemade Alfredo sauce mixed with fettuccine, butter, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and a selection of seasonings. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it pairs wonderfully with sides like roasted vegetables and is ready in just 30 minutes.
What You’ll Find On This Page
While the traditional recipe relies on butter and Parmesan, the American version often includes heavy cream and garlic for extra richness. This dish is not only versatile and easy to make but also adaptable to any pasta you prefer. Let’s get started on this delicious, creamy pasta favorite!
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
Making this delicious Fettuccine Alfredo is quite simple, using just a few common ingredients you can pick up from your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Unsalted Butter: The foundation of our sauce, adding irresistible buttery richness.
- Heavy Cream: A rich addition that makes the sauce velvety and smooth, similar to what you might enjoy at a restaurant.
- Garlic: A small amount of garlic enriches the sauce with its warm, inviting aroma.
- Parmesan Cheese: The key ingredient for that true Italian Alfredo flavor, Parmesan elevates the sauce with its savory depth.
- Seasonings: I typically use dried Italian herbs and a sprinkle of black pepper, but you can customize this with your favorite spices.
- Parsley Leaves: These bring a fresh pop of color and a light, clean taste as our garnish.
- Fettuccine Pasta: The traditional pasta choice for Alfredo, though any type you prefer will work beautifully.
- Water: Essential for boiling the pasta to just the right texture—al dente.
How to Make Fettuccine Alfredo at Home?
Let's make creamy Fettuccine Alfredo together! Follow our easy recipe with step-by-step photos and a handy video. We'll cook the pasta, whip up the sauce, and combine them for the perfect dish. Ready? Let’s go!
Explore a World of Pasta Recipes:
- Chicken Alfredo
- Shrimp Alfredo
- White Sauce Pasta
- Pesto Pasta
- Pesto Chicken Pasta
- Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Creamy Orzo
- Salmon Pasta
- Pasta Salad
- Mac and Cheese
- Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
- Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe
Fettuccine Alfredo
Ingredients
For Cooking Pasta
- 12 oz Fettuccine Pasta
- 5 cups Water, or adjust enough to cook pasta
- 1 tsp Oil
- Salt, to taste
For Making Alfredo Pasta
- ¼ cup Butter
- 2 tsp Garlic, finely chopped
- 2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- Salt, to taste
- ½ tsp Italian Seasoning, mixed
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- 1½ cups Parmesan Cheese
- Parsley Leaves, to garnish
Instructions
Cooking Fettuccine Pasta
- Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add oil and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor and prevent sticking.
- Gently add the Fettuccine to the boiling water. Follow the package instructions for cooking time to ensure it’s perfectly al dente, which means the pasta should be tender but still firm to the bite. This texture is ideal for holding onto the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside, but remember to reserve some of the pasta water. You can use this starchy water later to adjust the consistency of your Alfredo sauce.
Making Fettuccine Alfredo Pasta
- Begin by melting the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy whipping cream and stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently. This slow cooking helps thicken the cream without burning.
- Add salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper to the cream. Mix thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are well distributed throughout the sauce.
- Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it’s completely melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked Fettuccine directly to the sauce in the pan. Toss it gently with the Alfredo sauce to ensure that every piece is evenly coated.
- Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the pasta for a burst of color and freshness. Remove the pan from the heat and serve immediately to enjoy the pasta at its creamy best.
Serving
- Enjoy this creamy Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo Pasta with a variety of accompaniments. Pair it with roasted or baked vegetables, meats like chicken or beef, salmon, shrimp, or a simple salad for a well-rounded, delicious meal.
Save This Recipe!
We'll email you the post link so you can come back later!
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Rich Sauce: Traditional Fettuccine al burro might not use cream and garlic, but adding them creates a rich, restaurant-style sauce. The cream gives a luxurious texture and the garlic adds a deep flavor. Feel free to adjust these ingredients to suit your taste.
- Pasta Perfection: For the ideal texture, cook your pasta al dente. Just follow the instructions on the package to ensure your Fettuccine has the perfect bite.
- Reserve Pasta Water: If your Alfredo sauce turns out thicker than you like, don't worry. Just add a little of the pasta water you saved earlier. This simple trick not only adjusts the sauce’s consistency to your liking but also enhances its ability to coat the pasta evenly.
- Customizable Add-ins: Personalize your dish by adding extras like roasted chicken, shrimp, salmon, or your choice of vegetables. These not only boost the flavor but also tailor the dish to your taste.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Looking for more? Explore our extensive collection of pasta, Italian dishes, and comfort food recipes. From simple one-pot meals to more elaborate dishes, we have something to suit any mood or occasion—perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo warm for a truly comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables like green beans, asparagus, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
For non-vegetarian options, consider complementing it with roasted or baked chicken, lemon chicken, salmon, or shrimp recipes. These additions make the dish versatile and satisfying for any preference.
Storage Suggestions
I suggest enjoying your Fettuccine Alfredo right after it's made to capture its best texture and flavor. Alfredo sauce tends to thicken upon cooling, so serving it promptly is crucial.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. When reheating, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over low-medium heat, or in the microwave on a low setting. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce stays smooth and the cheese doesn’t separate.
Leave a Review