Fettuccine Alfredo for Two
User Reviews
5
Fettuccine Alfredo for Two
Description
Get the Recipe Fettuccine Alfredo for Two features classic ingredients like butter, fresh garlic, half-and-half, Parmesan cheese, and fettuccine noodles brought together into a creamy sauce. The butter and garlic start the sauce on low heat to avoid burning, then half-and-half is whisked in and simmered with pasta water to loosen the sauce and integrate flavors. Adding grated Parmesan and additional butter at the end results in a velvety, smooth texture that clings well to the noodles.
The dish has a gentle garlic aroma and rich, buttery notes balanced by the slight saltiness of the Parmesan. Tossing the pasta into the sauce and simmering briefly helps the noodles absorb some of the sauce without becoming mushy. Black pepper adds subtle warmth without overpowering the dish.
This recipe makes a satisfying portion for two, suitable as a comforting dinner or light meal. It is best served immediately after preparation to enjoy the sauce's best texture and flavor. Care taken in tempering the half-and-half prevents curdling, and reserved pasta water controls sauce thickness effectively.
The notes suggest warming the half-and-half to prevent shock when adding to the skillet and caution against reheating the finished dish, recommending instead rewarming gently with reserved pasta water if necessary. Optional additions like chicken, shrimp, or broccoli can customize the dish further.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. fettuccine noodles high quality recommended
- 5 Tablespoon butter divided, unsalted
- 6-8 garlic minced, cloves
- ½ cup half-and-half room temperature*
- ½ teaspoon salt more or less to taste, fine sea salt
- ¼-½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 cup water more depending on the sauce, reserved pasta water
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- parsley for garnish, fresh
Instructions
- Fill a large stockpot with water and a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and add fettuccine noodles, cooking a few minutes under package directions.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons (41g) of the butter on low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently so it doesn't burn. Keep the heat low!
- Increase the heat to medium and whisk in the half-and-half; add half of the salt and pepper. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, then add ½ cup of the pasta water. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Add the grated parmesan cheese and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, whisking until smooth and combined. Test the sauce for salt levels, adding more as needed.
- Add the pasta into the sauce and toss to combine. Let the pasta simmer for 1-2 minutes until al dente. If the sauce is too thick (which may be the case especially if you used heavy cream), add additional pasta water 1-2 tablespoons at a time to loosen, stirring between each addition.
- Serve immediately. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley as desired.
Notes
- Warm half-and-half to room temperature before adding to the sauce to prevent curdling.
- For reheating, gently warm the pasta with 2-4 tablespoons of reserved pasta water over low heat to loosen the sauce.
- Optional add-ins include cooked chicken, shrimp, or broccoli for variation.
- Use cheese labeled vegetarian if dietary preference requires.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 886 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 886kcal | 44% |
| Carbohydrates | 87g | 29% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 48g | 74% |
| Saturated Fat | 28g | 140% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 215mg | 72% |
| Sodium | 1018mg | 42% |
| Potassium | 431mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 1376IU | 28% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 406mg | 41% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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