Classic Alfredo Recipe
white wine, cream, linguine, grana padano
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Sauce
Method
Pasta
- 1
Boil pasta
Bring a large pot (at least 6 quarts) of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt and 1 teaspoon olive oil. Add 12 oz linguine and cook until just shy of al dente (usually 1–2 minutes less than package directions). Reserve 1 1/2 cups of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Sauce
- 2
Sweat aromatics
In a large wide skillet or sauté pan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter. Add the minced shallot and cook, stirring, until softened and translucent about 2–3 minutes. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- 3
Deglaze with wine
Pour in 1 cup dry white wine, increase heat to medium-high, and let it simmer until reduced by about half (4–6 minutes). This concentrates flavor and removes raw alcohol taste.
- 4
Add cream and reduce
Lower heat to medium and stir in 1 cup heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes until the mixture slightly thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- 5
Finish sauce with cheese
Reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in 1.5 cups finely grated Grana Padano a handful at a time, allowing it to melt into the sauce and form a smooth emulsion. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time to reach a silky consistency. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste) and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Stir in 1 teaspoon lemon juice if using, to brighten flavors.
- 6
Combine pasta and sauce
Add the drained linguine to the skillet and toss gently (or use tongs) to coat every strand in the sauce. If needed, add more reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce clings to the pasta without pooling. Cook together for 1–2 minutes to marry flavors.
- 7
Serve
Divide the pasta among warm plates or bowls. Sprinkle with an additional pinch of grated Grana Padano if desired and garnish with 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.