Fettuccine Alfredo - beautifully plated pasta dish

Fettuccine Alfredo

Silky fettuccine in a luscious butter and Parmigiano-Reggiano sauce. The original Roman recipe β€” no cream, just emulsification technique.

Prep Time

5 min

Cook Time

15 min

Servings

4

Calories

580

Ingredients

  • 400 g pasta (your choice of shape)
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (35%)
  • 0.75 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cook the Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Base

    While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

  3. 3

    Build the Sauce

    Add the main sauce ingredients to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the flavours meld together, about 3-5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Combine

    Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss vigorously, adding pasta water as needed to achieve a silky consistency that coats every strand.

  5. 5

    Serve

    Plate immediately and garnish with fresh herbs and freshly grated cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Chef's Notes

β€œI always finish cooking my pasta in the sauce for the last 60 seconds β€” it absorbs flavour and the starch helps bind everything together.”

β€” Chef Luca Bianchi

Nutrition Facts

580

cal

21g

Protein

16g

Fat

63g

Carbs

5g

Fiber

511mg

Sodium

Tips & Tricks

  • β€’Always salt your pasta water generously β€” it should taste like the sea.
  • β€’Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining. It's liquid gold for emulsifying sauces.
  • β€’Cook pasta 1 minute less than the package says if finishing it in the sauce.

Reviews (5)

Sarah M.β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

So glad I found this recipe. The instructions are clear and the result is consistently great. I've made it four times already.

David C.β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

Restaurant quality at home. I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out amazing. The pasta water trick really makes the sauce come together.

Lisa P.β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

Made this for a dinner party and everyone wanted the recipe. It's impressive enough for guests but easy enough for Tuesday night.

Robert B.β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

Five stars! The flavour combination is spot on. I added a little extra garlic because that's how we like it, and it was incredible.

Jennifer K.β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

This is now our go-to weeknight dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes and tastes like it took hours. My kids ask for seconds every time.