An Easy Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
If you’re still looking for that perfect fettuccine alfredo recipe, look no further. Our recipe, with less than 10 ingredients, is decedent without being too rich. It’s not too fancy but has a complex flavor: we use two types of garlic, freshly cracked black pepper and nutmeg, to cut the heaviness. Kids and adults alike will be satisfied with this cheesy, comforting dish. And it’s the perfect accompaniment for almost any protein. You’ll never use jarred fettuccine alfredo sauce again after you make this quick alfredo sauce. We’ll also share our favorite tips and tricks so you can make it in a pinch every time. If you’re a real pasta lover,s tart with our Creamy Cavatappi, our classic Cacio e Pepe and then check out all of our favorite pasta recipes.
What is authentic Alfredo made of?
But first, is fettuccine Alfredo actually Italian? Yes! It was created in Italy, Rome, in 1914 where chef Alfredo Di Lelio simply mixed Parmesan Reggiano with a little butter and salt to create an elegant but delicious meal. Since then, Americans have adjusted it to their tastebuds to include cream and other ingredients. Authentic fettuccine alfredo would simply contain fresh fettuccine noodles, butter, fresh grated Parmesan Reggiano, and fresh cracked pepper, served tableside. Other varieties include Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo and Seafood Fettuccine Alfredo.
In our homemade fettuccine alfredo recipe, we use:
Fettuccine
Unsalted butter
Garlic cloves
Garlic powder
Ground nutmeg
Kosher salt
Freshly cracked black pepper
Heavy whipping cream
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Flat leaf parsley
Is heavy cream or milk better for Alfredo? We like to use heavy cream to create a thick, decedent sauce that mimics how they make it in restaurants. Pro Tip: since the ingredients are simple, if you want to splurge, we suggest using the Parmesan Reggiano which comes in a wedge, and remember you always want to grate it yourself. No pre-shredded Parmesan please!
How to Make Fettuccine Alfredo
Follow these simple step-by-step instructions below to make the best fettuccine alfredo – we even included some of our favorite tips and tricks:
Prepare the fettuccine noodles! Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the noodles to al dente, according to the package. Pro Tip: Once the noodles are cooked, save a cup of pasta water to use to thin the sauce and coat the noodles.
Make the homemade alfredo sauce! Melt the butter and add the aromatics – both garlic, nutmeg, salt, and fresh cracked pepper. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Slowly add in the parmesan and stir until fully combined. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
Assemble the fettuccine alfredo! Toss the al dente noodles into the sauce and mix to coat each noodle thoroughly. If needed, use some of the reserved pasta water to help combine and thin out the sauce. Pro Tip: using tongs, twirl, and place onto individual plates. Sprinkle with parsley, freshly cracked pepper, and grated parm. Enjoy immediately.
What to Serve with Fettuccine Alfredo Pasta
Whether we’re serving this to a crowd or for a quick weeknight meal, we like to balance it with a hearty side of protein or veggies. Our favorite, budget-friendly protein – chicken – turns into Lemon Chicken, Chicken Paillard, Instant Pot Chicken, or the ever so simple Chicken Quarters with Shallot and Olive Salad which really cuts through the richness of the meal. Looking to keep it plant-based? Try this Cauliflower with Walnut Kale Pesto to delight your guests. You can never go wrong with serving it alongside a big salad – keeping in theme – Antipasto Salad, Simple Italian Salad, or The Best Tomato Salad. Or stick to a classic: Kale Caesar Salad. When we don’t have any greens in the fridge but are looking to lighten the meal up, we stick to roasting whatever we have, but our go-to’s are Roasted Asparagus, Roasted Brussels and the simple, yet elevated, Green Bean Almondine. Round out the meal with flavor-packed Garlic Bread.
Tools You’ll Need for Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo
Tongs or pasta spider for serving
Our Favorite Vegetarian Pasta Recipes
A budget-friendly meal that satisfies everyone is sometimes hard to come by. Luckily, we keep a variety of vegetarian-friendly pasta recipes in our back pocket. Some of our favorite, no-fail recipes include:
Impastable Not To Love!
Pasta and cheese are an irresistible combo! Did you make the Fettuccine Alfredo for your family or friends? How did it turn out? Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram using @themodernproper and #themodernproper. Happy eating!
