Main Courses > Pasta & Noodles > Classic Italian Pasta > Fettuccine Alfredo

Authentic Fettuccine Alfredo

Indulge in the creamy richness of authentic Fettuccine Alfredo. This classic Italian pasta dish is made with just a few simple ingredients: fresh fettuccine, butter, and Parmesan cheese. Learn how to create this elegant and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.

Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Servings
4
Ingredients
  • 1 lb Fettuccine Pasta
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 2 tablespoons Optional: Fresh Parsley (chopped)

Cooking the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.

Preparing the Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add heavy cream and reduce heat. Add a little of salt and Black Pepper.

Combining Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the melted butter. Toss to coat. Reduce heat to low. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, tossing constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.

Serving

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

  • Calories: ~350 kcal
  • Protein: ~12g
  • Fat: ~25g
  • Carbohydrates: ~20g
  • Sodium: ~300mg

Other Considerations for Nutrition

This recipe is high in fat and calories. Use whole-wheat fettuccine to increase fiber content. Consider reducing the amount of butter or Parmesan cheese for a lighter version. Heavy Cream increases the fat content. Using skim milk instead reduce the amount of fat.

← Authentic Dan Dan Noodles Authentic Japchae Recipe →

FAQ

  • Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?

    Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is highly recommended for the best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.
  • Can I add other ingredients to Fettuccine Alfredo?

    Yes, you can customize Fettuccine Alfredo by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, vegetables (such as broccoli or peas), or mushrooms.
  • How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

    The key is to use the reserved pasta water. The starch in the water helps to emulsify the sauce and keep it smooth and creamy.
  • How can I store leftover Fettuccine Alfredo?

    Store leftover Fettuccine Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to prevent the sauce from drying out.