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Creamy Alfredo Pasta

Creamy Alfredo Pasta

Creamy Alfredo Pasta is a rich and velvety dish featuring fettuccine pasta tossed in a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce made from butter, heavy cream, garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This comforting yet indulgent pasta recipe is quick to prepare and easily customizable with proteins or vegetables, making it the perfect choice for both family dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water for later use.
  2. Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook gently until fragrant and golden, being careful not to let it burn.
  3. Prepare the Alfredo sauce: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. Let the mixture simmer and reduce slightly over about 4 to 5 minutes, creating a silky and thickened sauce base.
  4. Incorporate the cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
  5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss well to coat every strand in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it and help it cling perfectly to the noodles.
  6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for color and freshness. Serve immediately while the pasta is creamy and warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use fresh Parmesan cheese grated from a block for the best flavor and smooth melting.
  • Do not overheat the sauce to prevent cream separation or cheese clumping; keep the heat moderate.
  • Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
  • Salt the pasta water generously to season the noodles from within.
  • Serve the Alfredo pasta immediately to enjoy its silky texture and rich flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Alfredo Pasta, Fettuccine Alfredo, Classic Italian Pasta, Cream Sauce Pasta, Easy Pasta Recipe