Name: Easy Fettuccine Alfredo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 2 cups whipping cream; 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 (12 ounce) package fettuccine or linguini; 1/4 cup freshly chopped basil or 1 1/2 tablespoons dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste

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Creamy, dreamy, and decadently delicious—Fettuccine Alfredo is the ultimate comfort food classic. Silky ribbons of pasta are bathed in a rich Parmesan and butter sauce, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s both indulgent and irresistible. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for cozy nights or elegant dinners alike.

According to folktale, the original recipe was make by a man in Rome named Alfredo. His wife was pregnant with morning sickness and couldn’t keep food down. So he mushed together a bunch of softened butter and grated parmesan cheese, tossed it in warm pasta, and she was able to eat it throughout her pregnancy. Well, that’s how the story goes.

There are dozens of Fettuccine Alfredo recipes out there, but after trial and error my family has decided hands down that this one is our favorite. We love the rich buttery Parmesan sauce! And I can have a delicious, home cooked meal on the table in less than 30 minutes! You’ve got to try this dish!

Feel free to add your favorite protein. Cooked chicken, shrimp or maybe even Italian sausage. And if fettuccine noodles are not your thing, try using linguini noodles. Be as creative as you like. Serve it along with a nice slice of crusty french bread and a tossed salad.

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
2 cups whipping cream
2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 (12 ounce) package fettuccine or linguini
1/4 cup freshly chopped basil or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
Salt & pepper

Questions & Answers

Is Fettuccine Alfredo quick and easy to make? Absolutely! All you do is boil the pasta, grate the cheese, warm the butter and cream, and mix everything together. It takes less than 30 minutes.
Should whipping cream or heavy cream be used? Both will work. However, heavy cream makes the sauce exceedingly rich and creamy due to its slightly higher fat content.
Can half-and-half be substituted for heavy cream? Half-and-half will work, but the sauce will not be as thick and creamy. And don’t use milk! It’s too thin for this kind of sauce.
How do I get my sauce smooth? Using freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated cheese, found in the green container, will produce a smooth, silky and healthier Alfredo sauce. Pre-grated parmesan cheese tends to have additives that prevent the cheese from melting as well as freshly grated cheese. Also, freshly grated cheese has a stronger, more pronounced flavor that really shines in this dish.
Should the pasta be rinsed after cooking? If you want the Alfredo sauce to stick to the pasta, DO NOT rinse it! Leaving the starch on the pasta is key.
What variations are suggested? There are multiple variations available. Add fresh herbs, like basil and/or parsley. Squeeze a bit of lemon juice or lemon zest to cut the richness of the dish. Top with crispy bacon bits. Or make it a complete meal by adding a protein like cooked shrimp or chicken. Or toss in a vegetable like cooked broccoli or asparagus. The options are plentiful based on your preference.
How long will Fettuccine Alfredo keep? Leftovers will stay good for up to three days in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat over a low heat on the stove or in the microwave.

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