Easy Fettuccine Alfredo on a plate

Pasta · Easy

Easy Fettuccine Alfredo

This easy fettuccine alfredo is rich, creamy, and made from scratch in about 20 minutes. A simple butter and Parmesan sauce coats every strand of pasta for a comforting classic.

5Prep min
15Cook min
20Total min
  • 12 ozfettuccine
  • 1/2 cupbutter
  • 1.5 cupsheavy cream
  • 2 clovesgarlic, minced
  • 1.5 cupsgrated Parmesan cheese
  • to tastesalt and black pepper
  • for garnishfresh parsley, chopped
  1. 1Cook the fettuccine in salted boiling water according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. 2In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. 3Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer for 3-4 minutes.
  4. 4Reduce heat to low and whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  5. 5Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
  6. 6Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.

Make it yours

  • Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
  • Stir in steamed broccoli for extra vegetables.
  • Use half-and-half for a slightly lighter sauce.

Good with

  • Garlic bread
  • A simple Caesar salad
  • Extra cracked black pepper

Good questions, answered.

Why did my sauce turn grainy?

Keep the heat low when adding the cheese and stir constantly to prevent it from separating.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly, but pre-grated works in a pinch if it's a finer style.