Italian-American
Fettuccine Alfredo
Wide ribbons of fettuccine in a rich garlic-butter cream sauce with nutty Parmigiano-Reggiano and a whisper of nutmeg.
- Silky, restaurant-style sauce
- Just nine ingredients
- Twenty-minute comfort food
Our Alfredo is the creamy American favorite made properly, with real cream, real butter and a generous amount of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. We reduce the cream first so the sauce is thick enough to coat the pasta without flour. Adding the cheese over low heat, one handful at a time, keeps it smooth and silky. Serve it on warm plates the moment it is ready.
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring, until fragrant but not browned.
Pour in the cream, bring it to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced by about a quarter and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Meanwhile, cook the fettuccine until 1 to 2 minutes shy of al dente.
Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the fettuccine.
Add the pasta to the cream sauce and toss for 1 minute over low heat so the noodles absorb some of the sauce.
Add the Parmigiano-Reggiano one handful at a time, tossing constantly with tongs and letting each addition melt before adding the next. Keep the heat low and do not let the sauce boil, or the cheese can turn grainy.
Add pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time as needed to keep the sauce loose and glossy.
Season with the nutmeg, pepper and salt to taste.
Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately on warm plates.
Test kitchen tips
- Grate the cheese yourself from a wedge; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking starches that keep it from melting smoothly.
- To reheat leftovers, warm them in a skillet over low heat with a few tablespoons of milk, tossing until creamy again.
- Add sauteed shrimp, sliced grilled chicken or steamed broccoli at the end to turn it into a heartier meal.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 860
- Protein
- 26g
- Carbs
- 86g
- Fat
- 46g
- Fiber
- 4g
- Sugar
- 4g
- Sodium
- 620mg
Nutrition values are estimates calculated per serving. See our disclaimer.
