Fettuccine Alfredo Pasta Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
3
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Calories
712 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Snacks, Brunch
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Cuisine
Italian, International
Fettuccine Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Description
This recipe prepares fettuccine pasta cooked in salted boiling water until al dente, then drained with some pasta water reserved to adjust sauce consistency. Meanwhile, a simple Alfredo sauce is made by melting butter in a skillet over low heat, briefly sautéing finely chopped garlic, then adding whipping cream and Parmesan cheese.
The sauce is combined with the cooked pasta, tossing to coat evenly and using reserved pasta water if needed for a smoother texture. Black pepper and optional grated nutmeg season the dish, with attention to salt if using salted butter. The result is a creamy, mild Alfredo sauce clinging to tender fettuccine strands.
Traditionally served with fettuccine, the recipe notes that other pasta shapes may be used. Adding cooked vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms is suggested for variation. Garnishing with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley or herbs provides a fresh finish.
The recipe advises mindful use of salted versus unsalted butter when seasoning and encourages adjusting black pepper or adding cayenne for more spice. The sauce is simple yet rich, relying on quality dairy and cheese.
Ingredients
For Cooking Pasta
- 226 grams Fettuccine pasta ½ pound
- 6 cups water
- 1 to 1.5 teaspoons salt or add as required
Other Ingredients
- 3 to 4 tablespoons butter - 30 grams, unsalted or salted
- ½ teaspoon garlic - finely chopped
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 6 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese - 50 grams, vegetarian
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper or add as required, ground
- 1 dash nutmeg or ground nutmeg, add as required - optional, grated
- salt as required
For Garnish
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan Cheese - grated, vegetarian
- 1 to 2 teaspoons parsley chopped or fresh soft herbs of choice, optional, leaves
Instructions
Cooking Fettuccine
- In a deep pan or a sauce pan add water and salt. Stir.
- Place saucepan on stovetop and bring the water to a boil on high heat.
- Once the water comes to a boil, add the fettuccine pasta or other pasta of choice. Use a spoon to push the fettuccine down into the boiling water as they soften, until fully submerged.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions or until the al dente. That means cooked through but with a slight bite. Boil fettuccine on medium to high heat.
- Drain the water, making sure to save and set aside about a ½ cup of the cooked pasta water. You might want to use a bit to thin out the alfredo sauce.
Making Alfredo Sauce
- Meanwhile when the pasta is cooking, begin to make the alfredo sauce. In a large, deep skillet melt salted or unsalted butter on low heat. If using salted butter you’ll want to add less salt to finish the dish.
- Once the butter has melted, add chopped garlic. Sauté for a few seconds until the raw aroma of garlic goes away. There is no need to brown the garlic.
- Add the whipping cream. Mix well with a wired whisk. Bring the cream to a gentle boil on low heat.
- With a whisk continuously stir as you bring the cream mixture to a low simmer on a low heat. Keep an eye on the cream to ensure it does not get burnt or brown.
- Once the cream begins to gently boil, further simmer for 1 to 2 minutes on low heat, until the cream thickens a bit.
- Add grated vegetarian parmesan cheese to the cream and mix well.
Making Fettuccine Alfredo
- Add the cooked and drained pasta to the prepared alfredo sauce in the pan
- With the help of tongs thoroughly mix the pasta and sauce together, so that every pasta is coated in the creamy Alfredo.
- Continue to cook the fettuccine alfredo on low heat for another minute or two, stirring frequently to keep the pasta from sticking or clumping together. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, and stir to combine.
- Taste the dish, and season with salt as needed and crushed black pepper. I also recommend adding a dash of freshly grated nutmeg.
- Mix again, and turn off the heat.
Serving and Storing Suggestions
- Serve the pasta hot. Garnish fettuccine alfredo with grated vegetarian parmesan cheese and chopped parsley or soft fresh herb of your choice.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container for 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator. While reheating, add a bit of water or milk to thin the consistency slightly.
Notes
- If using salted butter, reduce added salt to prevent over-seasoning the sauce.
- Adjust pepper levels or add white or cayenne pepper for more spice if desired.
- You can add sautéed, steamed, or roasted vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
- Any pasta can be used, though fettuccine is traditional for Alfredo sauce.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick during mixing.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 3Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 712 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 712kcal | 36% |
| Carbohydrates | 57g | 19% |
| Protein | 17g | 34% |
| Fat | 47g | 72% |
| Saturated Fat | 28g | 140% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 210mg | 70% |
| Sodium | 646mg | 27% |
| Potassium | 264mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 1662IU | 33% |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | 1mg | |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 1mg | |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 2mg | |
| Vitamin B6 | 1mg | |
| Vitamin B12 | 1µg | 42% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Vitamin D | 1µg | 5% |
| Vitamin E | 1mg | |
| Vitamin K | 6µg | |
| Calcium | 236mg | 24% |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate) | 27µg | |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
| Magnesium | 61mg | 15% |
| Phosphorus | 316mg | |
| Zinc | 2mg |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.