Pasta Recipe
creamy alfredo with noodles & grana padano + garlic baguette
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Ingredients
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Creamy Alfredo Pasta
Garlic Baguette
Method
Creamy Alfredo Pasta
Boil pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil (about 1 tablespoon salt per 4 quarts water). Add 8 oz dried fettuccine and cook until just shy of al dente (follow package but subtract 1–2 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Make roux base
In a wide sauté pan or skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tbs unsalted butter. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Sprinkle in 1 tbs flour and whisk continuously for 30–45 seconds to cook the raw flour taste.
Add dairy
Slowly whisk in 1 cup whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer (do not boil vigorously). Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
Finish sauce
Reduce heat to low and stir in 1 cup finely grated Grana Padano a handful at a time until fully melted and incorporated. Season with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (optional). If the sauce seems too thick, whisk in some of the reserved pasta water, 1–2 tablespoons at a time, up to 1/2 cup until you reach a silky, coat-the-pasta consistency.
Plate and garnish
Portion the creamy Alfredo onto plates for kids. Sprinkle an extra 1–2 tbs grated Grana Padano and 1 tbs chopped fresh parsley over the top. Serve immediately.
Garlic Baguette
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the baguette in half lengthwise (or into 4 diagonal slices for kid-friendly portions).
Make garlic butter: in a small bowl, combine 3 tbs softened unsalted butter, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 tbs grated Grana Padano, 1 tsp chopped parsley and 1/4 tsp salt. Mix until smooth.
Spread the garlic butter evenly over the cut surfaces of the baguette. Place on a baking sheet cut-side up.
Bake for 8–10 minutes until the butter has melted and the edges of the bread are lightly golden. For a crispier top, switch the oven to broil for 30–60 seconds—watch carefully to avoid burning.
Remove from oven, slice into kid-sized pieces if not already, and serve warm alongside the pasta.