Fettucini Alfredo Recipe
Cream sauce with Parmesan cheese
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Pasta
Alfredo Sauce
Method
Pasta
- 1
Cook pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt. Add 12 oz fettuccine and cook until just al dente according to package directions (usually 8–10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Alfredo Sauce
- 2
Melt butter and soften garlic
In a large wide skillet or sauté pan over medium-low heat, add 6 tablespoons unsalted butter. When the butter is melted and shimmering, add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook gently for 30–60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- 3
Create light roux
Stir in 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. This thins the butter slightly and helps stabilize the sauce.
- 4
Add milk and cream
Gradually whisk in 1 cup whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream. Increase heat to medium and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking often, until it slightly thickens, about 3–5 minutes. Do not boil vigorously.
- 5
Incorporate Parmesan
Lower heat to low. Remove the pan from direct heat momentarily and gradually whisk in 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a handful at a time, until melted and smooth. If sauce seems too thick, whisk in up to ¼–½ cup reserved pasta cooking water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach a silky consistency.
- 6
Season sauce
Season the sauce with 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper and about ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste). Keep the sauce on very low heat—warm but not simmering—to avoid breaking the cheese emulsion.
- 7
- 8
Finish and serve
Transfer to warmed serving bowls or plates. Sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan if desired and garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.