Fettuccine Alfredo Creamy Parmesan (Printable)

Silky fettuccine tossed in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce for a comforting Italian main course.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 oz fettuccine

→ Sauce

02 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter
03 - 1 cup heavy cream
04 - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
06 - Salt, to taste
07 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

08 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
09 - Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving

# How To Make:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine following package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
02 - Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic, if using, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 - Lower heat to low. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
05 - Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water gradually until desired sauce consistency is achieved.
06 - Plate immediately, garnishing with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's ready in 25 minutes, yet tastes like you've been cooking all day
  • The silky sauce clings to every ribbon of pasta in the most satisfying way
  • It's elegant enough for impressing guests but simple enough for a cozy Tuesday night
02 -
  • The pasta water is your secret weapon. Its starch is what turns cream into sauce. Don't discard it.
  • Low heat when adding the cheese prevents it from clumping or breaking. High heat is the enemy of silky sauce.
  • Fresh, freshly grated Parmesan makes all the difference between creamy and grainy. This is one place where quality truly matters.
03 -
  • Reserve more pasta water than you think you need. It's easier to use less than to wish you had more when the sauce is already done.
  • Bring everything to the table ready to serve because fettuccine Alfredo waits for no one, it's at its absolute best in that first perfect moment.

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