Fettuccine Alfredo
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Fettuccine alfredo made with butter, cream, garlic and parmesan over al dente fettuccine pasta is the perfect quick dinner recipe!
Our fettuccine alfredo recipe can be on the table in about 20 minutes from start to finish. Serve it with sautéed vegetables or oven roasted broccoli.
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Fettuccine Alfredo
Fettuccine Alfredo
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Fettuccine Alfredo Ingredients
- Fettuccine noodles – These are the long thin flat noodles. Spaghetti can also be substituted.
- Butter – I prefer salted.
- Heavy cream – Also called whipping cream or heavy whipping cream.
- Garlic – Minced. Fresh will give you the most flavor, but pre-minced from a jar can also be used.
- Parmesan cheese – Use freshly grated parmesan for the best result.
- Spices – Salt, pepper, nutmeg.
How do you make fettuccine alfredo (step-by-step)
⭐ First, cook noodles to al dente, according to package instructions. While noodles are boiling, in a large skillet, sauté butter in garlic until butter has melted and garlic is fragrant.
⭐ Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until cream has thickened.
⭐ Next, turn heat to very low and add the seasonings and parmesan cheese and whisk until cheese has melted and sauce is smooth.
⭐ Finally, drain fettuccine and add cooked pasta to the sauce. Mix well.
Scroll down to the printable recipe card toward the bottom of this article for ingredient measurements and detailed cooking instructions.
Preparation
Can you make fettuccine alfredo recipe ahead of time?
This recipe really is best when enjoyed immediately after making. If you need to prepare it ahead of time, you should make the sauce and pasta, but keep them separate. Toss the pasta with some olive oil to prevent sticking, then refrigerate individually until ready to use.
Heat up the sauce on the stove top or in the microwave and add it to the pasta when ready to eat.
How do you keep fettuccine alfredo sauce from clumping?
To keep the sauce from clumping, lower the heat or remove it from the heat as soon as it has melted and reached your desired consistency. Clumping is usually the result of overcooking.
Can you thicken fettuccine alfredo sauce?
The easiest way to thicken your sauce is by adding more parmesan cheese. Whisk additional cheese in slowly until it is the thickness you like.
How to make without cream?
To lighten up the recipe you can substitute heavy cream for milk or even Greek yogurt. Understand that it will not have the exact same consistency or flavor, but it will still by yummy!
Leftovers and storage
How long do leftovers last?
This dish is definitely best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers will last in the refrigerator about 3 days.
Can you freeze fettuccine alfredo?
Yes, you freeze, but for best results freeze only the sauce. Defrost in the refrigerator.
When ready to eat, boil noodles according to package directions. While noodles are cooking, heat up sauce over medium heat on the stovetop, whisking frequently.
How to reheat leftovers
Heat on the stove top over medium heat and add extra milk or broth to loosen sauce and noodles, stirring frequently.
Tips, tricks, and frequently asked questions
What is fettuccine alfredo?
The original recipe dates back to the 1400’s in Rome, Italy. Although, the original recipe was made with just butter parmesan and pasta water. Our recipe, and most current recipes include cream as well as herbs and spices.
What can I use instead of heavy cream in fettuccine alfredo sauce?
You can substitute, half and half or milk, but understand it will create a runnier sauce. You can also add a combination of the milk and some plain unsweetened Greek yogurt or even sour cream (this will add a tangy flavor).
Nutrition
Is fettuccine alfredo bad for you?
This will depend on the diet you follow, but objectively speaking, the recipe is high in fat and calories (from the cream and cheese), as well as carbohydrates (from the pasta).
How to lighten up fettuccine alfredo
Try swapping the heavy cream for milk or Greek yogurt as mentioned above. You can also skip the traditional noodles and substitute them with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash (made in the microwave!).
What can I add to easy fettuccine alfredo?
My favorite thing to add is a cup or two of frozen peas. You can also toss in meat like baked chicken or sliced grilled pork chops. Other vegetables that work well in it are broccoli or bell peppers!
What to eat with homemade fettuccine alfredo (serving suggestions)
I love this recipe with parmesan crusted chicken breasts and quick crescent roll garlic knots. For a veggie, zucchini cooked in red sauce is perfection. Roasted brussels sprouts are also delicious.
Other pasta recipes to try
- Easy chicken spaghetti
- Creamy stovetop mac and cheese
- Vegetable chow mein recipe
- Creamy macaroni salad
- See all our homemade pasta dishes!
More amazing Italian inspired dishes
- Tortellini pasta salad
- Easy lasagna soup
- Stuffed shells with sausage and peppers
- Baked spaghetti casserole
- See all our Italian dinner recipes!
Other recipes with alfredo sauce
- Sun dried tomato and roasted garlic alfredo
- Chicken alfredo casserole bake
- Chicken alfredo recipe
- Slow cooker chicken spinach alfredo
- White pizza flatbread
Tools we love
- Collapsible strainers – If you have a small kitchen and a lot of mouths to feed (like me!) this collapsible strainer set is just what you need.
- Enameled cast iron – Perfect pot of pasta maker!
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How to Make Fettuccine Alfredo
Fettuccine Alfredo
Ingredients
- 1 pound fettuccine noodles
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 cups grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Boil noodles according to package directions.
- While noodles are boiling, use a large skillet to cook butter and garlic until butter has melted and garlic is fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently until cream has thickened, about 10 minutes. Turn heat to very low.
- Add the seasonings and parmesan cheese and whisk until cheese has melted and sauce is smooth.
- Drain pasta and add to the sauce. Mix well.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Fettuccine Alfredo
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Great recipe – easy to make! My family loves when I make this for them!
So creamy and delicious! The nutmeg in this alfredo sauce is just absolutely perfect! It rounds out the flavor so nicely. Perfect weeknight meal!
This looks so yummy and tasty! I can’t wait to give this a try! My son is going to be all over this recipe! So excited!
I didn’t have nutmeg so the internet said cinnamon is a great substitute, & it was AMAZING!! My boyfriend said it’s better than Olive Garden lol!!
Yay!