Fettuccine Alfredo 🍝🧈🧄🧀 Silky, Buttery, and Decadently Simple With Cream, Parmesan, and Pasta in Perfect Balance

This is the real-deal Alfredo: no flour, no roux — just butter, garlic, cream, and cheese working together to coat ribbons of pasta in a velvety, savory sauce. It’s luxurious without being fussy, and fast enough for a weeknight.

Add shrimp, chicken, mushrooms, or just serve it straight. It doesn’t need help to shine.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3 generously)

For the pasta

• 8 oz fettuccine (fresh or dried)
• Salted water for boiling

For the Alfredo sauce

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan (plus more for serving)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: pinch of nutmeg or lemon zest for depth

To finish

• Chopped parsley or basil (optional)
• More Parmesan and cracked pepper on top

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the pasta
Cook fettuccine in well-salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Start the sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add garlic. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 3: Add the cream
Pour in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce slightly for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Add cheese and toss
Turn heat to low. Stir in Parmesan gradually until melted and smooth. Season to taste. Add drained pasta and toss well to coat, adding a splash of pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Plate and finish
Twirl onto plates or into bowls. Top with extra Parmesan, cracked black pepper, and fresh herbs if using.

Flavor Variations

• Add seared shrimp, chicken, or salmon on top
• Stir in sautéed mushrooms or spinach
• Use pecorino for a sharper cheese bite
• Add a spoon of mascarpone for extra richness
• Drizzle with truffle oil or chili crisp for flair

Pro Tips

• Use fresh-grated Parmesan — pre-shredded won’t melt properly
• Keep heat low when adding cheese to avoid splitting
• Save pasta water — it helps create a glossy, clingy sauce
• Don’t overcook the pasta in the sauce — finish it gently and serve immediately

Final Thoughts

Fettuccine Alfredo is buttery simplicity at its best — pure, creamy comfort that’s endlessly adaptable. Once you’ve got the technique down, it’s a go-to you’ll never unlearn.

Swirl it. Serve it hot. Let the sauce speak for itself. 🍝🧈🧄🧀🔥

🍝 Pasta Recipes Collection

Explore All Pasta Recipes – A complete noodle lover’s hub — creamy, meaty, veggie-packed, or refreshingly cold, these recipes have it all.

🧄 Classic & Comforting

• 🧄 Classic Pasta Recipes – Tried-and-true dishes like spaghetti, fettuccine, and timeless tomato-based favorites.
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• ⚡ Easy Pasta Recipes – Weeknight lifesavers that deliver rich flavor fast, with zero culinary stress.
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🧀 Sauce Styles

• 🥛 Creamy Pasta Recipes – Silky sauces made with cream, cheese, or both — pure comfort in a bowl.
• 🧈 Alfredo Pasta Recipes – Rich and buttery Alfredo sauce takes center stage in these indulgent dishes.
• 🥄 White Sauce Pasta Recipes – Mellow and smooth béchamel-based recipes that pair beautifully with chicken or veggies.
• 🍅 Red Sauce Pasta Recipes – Bright, bold tomato sauces — classic marinara, spicy arrabbiata, and more.
• 🌿 Pesto Pasta Recipes – Herbaceous and vibrant, these green-sauced dishes are perfect for warm-weather meals.

🍗 Protein-Packed Pastas

• 🐓 Chicken Pasta Recipes – Tender chicken meets creamy or tangy sauces — the perfect protein-pasta pairings.
• 🍤 Shrimp Pasta Recipes – Juicy shrimp with garlic butter, wine, or creamy sauces — quick and elegant.
• 🐟 Seafood Pasta Recipes – Scallops, crab, salmon, or mixed shellfish in rich and zesty sauces.
• 🐄 Ground Beef Pasta Recipes – Comforting classics like bolognese, skillet meals, and one-pot beefy favorites.
• 🌭 Sausage Pasta Recipes – Hearty and spiced — from Italian to spicy andouille, sausage elevates every bite.

🥗 Pasta Salads & Light Fare

• 🥗 Pasta Salad Recipes – Great for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep — versatile and crowd-pleasing.
• ❄️ Cold Pasta Salad Recipes – Crisp veggies and chilled noodles tossed with light vinaigrettes or creamy dressings.
• ⏱️ Easy Pasta Salad Recipes – Quick assembly, great texture — ideal for lunches and BBQs.
• 🥬 Healthy Pasta Recipes – Nourishing options made with whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh produce.