Fettuccini Alfredo Recipe
Make Fettuccini Alfredo Recipe in just 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Alfredo sauce
Finishing
Method
Pasta
- 1
Bring water to boil
In a large pot, bring 4 liters (about 1 gallon) of water to a rolling boil. Stir in 1 tablespoon kosher salt.
- 2
Cook fettuccini
Add 12 oz dried fettuccini and stir to prevent sticking. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until al dente according to package instructions (usually 8–12 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain pasta well.
Alfredo sauce
- 3
Mince garlic and measure ingredients
While pasta cooks, mince 2 garlic cloves and measure butter, cream, milk, and cheeses so they're ready to add.
- 4
Melt butter and sweat garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- 5
Add cream and milk
Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup whole milk. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer (small bubbles at the edge) over medium-low heat. Do not boil; reduce heat if bubbling strongly.
- 6
Incorporate Parmesan
Gradually add 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, about 1/4 cup at a time, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. This helps prevent graininess.
- 7
Season sauce
Season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Finishing
- 8
Combine pasta and sauce
Add the drained fettuccini directly to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce over low heat. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta cooking water in 1–2 tablespoon increments (up to 1/2 cup) until the sauce reaches a silky, clingy consistency that coats the noodles.
- 9
Finish and serve
Remove from heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for brightness. Plate the fettuccini Alfredo and sprinkle with 1/4 cup extra grated Parmesan and an additional pinch of black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.