Jul 14 2026

Alfredo Diablo Recipe

Time30m
Serves4

Make Alfredo Diablo 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

Method

Pasta

  1. 1

    Boil pasta

    Bring 4 liters of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt. Add 12 oz fettuccine and cook until al dente according to package instructions (usually 8–10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain pasta and set aside.

Spicy Alfredo Sauce

  1. 2

    Sauté aromatics and chiles

    In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter with 1 tbsp olive oil. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute — do not brown. Add 1.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, 1 tbsp finely chopped chipotle in adobo and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; cook, stirring, 30–45 seconds to bloom the spices.

  2. 3

    Deglaze

    Pour in 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Let the broth reduce by half, about 1–2 minutes.

  3. 4

    Build the cream base

    Lower heat to medium-low and add 1.5 cups heavy cream and 2 tbsp room-temperature cream cheese. Stir until cream cheese is fully incorporated and mixture is smooth. Warm gently — do not boil — for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.

  4. 5

    Finish with cheese and seasoning

    Remove the skillet from direct heat and stir in 1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano in two additions, stirring until melted and smooth. Add 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper and 1 tsp fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning; if sauce is too thick, add up to 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until you reach a silky consistency.

Combine & Finish

  1. 6

    Toss pasta with sauce

    Return the drained fettuccine to the pasta pot or the skillet with the sauce (on low heat). Add the pasta to the sauce and toss vigorously for 1–2 minutes so the sauce coats the noodles and the starch helps emulsify the sauce. Use more reserved pasta water as needed to loosen.

  2. 7

    Plate and garnish

    Portion the Alfredo Diablo onto warm plates. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1/4 cup extra grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. Finish with 1/2 tsp lemon zest and, if desired, drizzle 1 tsp red pepper oil for extra heat and gloss. Serve immediately.

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