Alfredo Pasta

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4.2(419 reviews)
Updated

Classic Alfredo pasta β€” fettuccine in a silky butter-Parmesan-cream sauce. The Italian-American restaurant favorite. The trick is freshly grated Parmesan (not pre-shredded) and pasta water for the proper emulsion.

⏱

Prep Time

19 min

πŸ”₯

Cook Time

25 min

🍽

Servings

6

⚑

Calories

305 cal

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Alfredo Pasta β€” homemade International lunch recipe with pasta, cream, butter, 6 servings, ready in 44 minutes
Lunch
Easy

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Smart Servings Scaler

servings
  • Pasta300 g
  • CreamΒΎ cup
  • ButterΒ½ cup
  • Garlic4 Β½ cloves
  • Parmesan CheeseΒΎ cup
  • Olive Oil3 tbsp
  • Basil1 Β½
  • Black PepperΒΎ tsp
  • Salt1 Β½ tsp

All quantities scaled automatically from 6 servings.

Ingredients

Makes 6 servings Β· Use the Servings Scaler above to adjust

  • Pasta300 g
  • Cream0.75 cup
  • Butter0.5 cup
  • Garlic4.5 cloves
  • Parmesan Cheese0.75 cup
  • Olive Oil3 tbsp
  • Basil1.5
  • Black Pepper0.75 tsp
  • Salt1.5 tsp

Instructions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook 1 lb of fettuccine for 1 minute less than the package time. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

  2. 2

    While pasta cooks, heat Β½ cup of butter and 1 cup of heavy cream in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Bring to a low simmer, cook 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

  3. 3

    Off heat (essential β€” boiling cheese splits), whisk in 1.5 cups of freshly grated Parmesan in handfuls, whisking between each so it melts smoothly.

  4. 4

    Season with Β½ teaspoon salt, Β½ teaspoon black pepper, ΒΌ teaspoon nutmeg (the secret ingredient that distinguishes great Alfredo).

  5. 5

    Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce. Toss with tongs until coated. Add pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until the sauce silkily coats every strand.

  6. 6

    Finish with a final grating of Parmesan, more cracked black pepper, and chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately on warm plates β€” Alfredo waits for no one.

🎬Cooking Video

Watch how to make Alfredo Pasta

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πŸ’‘ Expert Tips

  • 1.Freshly grate Parmesan. Pre-shredded comes coated in anti-caking powder that prevents smooth melting. Grate from a block.
  • 2.Off-heat for the cheese. Boiling cheese makes the sauce gritty and split. Keep the heat low.
  • 3.Pasta water is essential. The starch emulsifies the fat with the dairy and gives that glossy clinging coat.
  • 4.Nutmeg is the secret. Just ΒΌ teaspoon transforms Alfredo from generic creamy pasta to genuinely Italian-flavored.

πŸ”¬ Why It Works

American Alfredo is butter, cream, and Parmesan emulsified with pasta water β€” different from the original Italian Alfredo (just butter, Parmesan, pasta water β€” no cream). The American version is creamier and more reliable. The off-heat cheese addition is what keeps the sauce smooth; the pasta water is what gives it the glossy clinging texture. Nutmeg is the chef's touch that elevates it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add chicken?β–Ύ
Yes β€” chicken Alfredo is the most common American version. Cook chicken separately first, then add to the sauce. See chicken-alfredo-pasta recipe for details.
Why did my sauce split?β–Ύ
Heated the cheese too hot. Off-heat for the cheese, always. If it splits, add a splash of pasta water and whisk hard β€” sometimes you can save it.
Can I make this ahead?β–Ύ
Alfredo waits poorly β€” the sauce thickens and separates as it cools. Make just before serving. Leftovers reheat OK with milk.
Real Italian Alfredo?β–Ύ
Original Italian Alfredo (created in Rome) is just butter, Parmesan, and pasta water β€” no cream. The cream is an American addition that makes it foolproof but heavier.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (recipe makes 6 servings)

Calories305kcal
Protein35g
Carbohydrates16g
Fat13g
Fiber4g
Sugar34g

* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are estimates.

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