Easy Creamy Fettuccine Alfredo (20-Minute Homemade Dinner!)
The ultimate easy 20-minute creamy fettuccine alfredo recipe! Silky, rich garlic parmesan sauce coating tender pasta. Perfect homemade dinner!
Ingredients
- 12 oz dry fettuccine pasta
- 1.5 cups heavy whipping cream
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1.5 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1/2 tsp black pepper plus more to taste
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Boil fettuccine in well-salted water until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Melt butter with garlic in a large skillet over low-medium heat until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat, add cooked fettuccine and a splash of pasta water, tossing to combine.
- Gradually sprinkle in freshly grated parmesan while tossing, adding more pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
- Season with black pepper and salt, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Never buy pre-shredded parmesan; grate it fresh off the block for a smooth, clump-free sauce.
- Always save at least 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining, since it's essential for the sauce's emulsion.
- Add cheese only off the heat, tossing continuously, to prevent the sauce from breaking or turning oily.