Fettuccine Alfredo
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 15 min
Total Time: 20 min
Serves: 4
This easy Fettuccine Alfredo recipe is creamy, comforting, and comes together in just 20 minutes with a handful of simple ingredients. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an introduction to making pasta sauces from scratch, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
12 oz fettuccine pasta (regular or whole wheat)
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a boil.
Add fettuccine and cook according to package directions (usually 10–12 minutes) until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
Step 2: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
(Optional) Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add Parmesan cheese and whisk continuously until smooth and melted.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Combine & Serve
Add cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the sauce.
Toss gently to coat all the pasta. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley if desired.