Introduction
Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic Italian dish that features silky, creamy sauce coating tender fettuccine noodles. Originating from Rome, this dish combines simple ingredients—pasta, butter, and Parmesan cheese—into a rich and decadent meal. It's beloved for its comforting flavor and smooth texture, making it a favorite among pasta lovers.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
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Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes.
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Add the Cheese:
- Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the drained fettuccine to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Continue to toss until heated through.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the drained fettuccine to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Continue to toss until heated through.
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Serve:
- Transfer the Fettuccine Alfredo to serving plates. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
Health Tips
- Fettuccine Alfredo is rich in calories and fat due to its creamy sauce. To lighten the dish, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reducing the amount of butter. You can also add vegetables like broccoli or peas for extra nutrition and fiber.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy Fettuccine Alfredo as a main course or as a side dish. It pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips
- Cheese Quality: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce's creaminess.
- Pasta Cooking: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente to ensure it maintains some bite and doesn't become mushy when tossed in the sauce.
- Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
