Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) fettuccine pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 ¼ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan for serving (optional)
Instructions
Step 1:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite), which should take about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, and set the fettuccine aside.
Step 2:
While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and starts to bubble slightly, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning. The garlic should become fragrant but not browned.
Step 3:
Lower the heat to medium-low, and gradually pour the heavy cream into the pan with the garlic. Stir continuously to combine the butter, garlic, and cream. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes. This will help the flavors meld and create the base of your Alfredo sauce.
Step 4:
After the cream has simmered, slowly whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, one handful at a time. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Continue to simmer the sauce for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water (1-2 tablespoons at a time) to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5:
Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Be mindful not to add too much salt since Parmesan cheese is already salty. Once the sauce is creamy and smooth, add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet. Toss the pasta gently in the sauce until it’s evenly coated. If needed, add a little more pasta water to loosen the sauce and ensure it clings perfectly to the noodles.
Step 6:
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 700
- Sodium: 760mg
- Protein: 18g