pasta alfredo recipe
Pasta Alfredo is a classic Italian dish known for its creamy and rich flavor. This dish features fettuccine tossed in a luscious sauce made from butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a perfect comfort food that is easy to make and always satisfying.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 slotted spoon
- 1 strainer
- 1 saucepan
- 1 whisk or wooden spoon
- 1 serving bowl
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half.
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese Be sure to use freshly grated cheese for best flavor and texture.
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, making sure not to boil.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the cream mixture, whisking until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the drained fettuccine to the sauce, tossing until the pasta is well coated with the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Serve immediately and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables to the dish for added protein and flavor.
For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Be sure to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.