pasta with alfredo sauce recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best pasta with alfredo sauce recipe

Pasta with Alfredo sauce is a classic Italian dish that has been a staple in my household for years. I first discovered this recipe in a cookbook my mother-in-law gave me, and I was immediately drawn to its simplicity and rich flavors. The dish originated in Rome, where it was created by a chef named Alfredo Di Lelio in the early 20th century.

According to legend, Di Lelio created the dish for his wife, who was suffering from a lack of appetite. He made her a plate of pasta topped with butter and Parmesan cheese, and she was so pleased that she asked him to create the dish again for their next dinner party. Thus, the name ‘Alfredo’ was born.

The taste and texture of this dish are truly unforgettable. The combination of creamy butter, savory Parmesan cheese, and tender pasta is a match made in heaven. When cooked to perfection, the pasta is al dente, but still yields to the bite.

The sauce is smooth and velvety, coating every strand of pasta with its rich flavor. One of the key techniques to mastering this dish is to cook the pasta just right. It’s essential to not overcook it, as this can make it mushy and unappetizing.

Instead, aim for an al dente texture that still has some bite but is not hard or crunchy. Another crucial aspect of this recipe is the quality of the ingredients used. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and high-quality butter are essential for achieving that perfect flavor.

I also recommend using a good-quality all-purpose flour to make the sauce, as this will give it a richer texture.

Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

4.6 from 1840 votes

This classic Italian dish features pasta tossed in a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce. The sauce is made from butter, garlic, and heavy cream, creating a velvety base that coats the pasta perfectly.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz fettuccine pasta

For the Alfredo Sauce

1 cup butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add the fettuccine pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
4While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
5Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 2 minutes.
6Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer.
7Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8The sauce should thicken slightly.
9Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the saucepan, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
10If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
11Season the Alfredo sauce with salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg.
12Stir well to combine all the flavors.
13If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
14Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan with the Alfredo sauce.
15Toss the pasta gently to coat it evenly with the sauce.
16If needed, add a little more pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency.
17Serve the pasta with Alfredo sauce immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Saucepan
Colander
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute fettuccine with other types of pasta like linguine or spaghetti. For a healthier option, use low-fat cream or milk to make the sauce.

This recipe is always a good idea for any occasion and works well for family gatherings as everyone loves it. To store leftover Alfredo sauce, simply refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

When reheating the sauce, be sure to stir constantly until it reaches your desired temperature. You can also reheat individual portions by microwaving them on high for about 30 seconds.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of pasta you like for this recipe, but I recommend using fettuccine or spaghetti as they hold onto the sauce well.

Can I use low-fat butter or margarine instead?

No, it’s best to use high-quality butter or ghee as they have a richer flavor.

How do I store leftover Alfredo sauce?

You can store leftover Alfredo sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Can I make Alfredo sauce without heavy cream?

Yes, you can make Alfredo sauce without heavy cream by substituting it with half-and-half or whole milk.

Why does my Alfredo sauce curdle when I add milk?

This is usually due to adding cold milk into hot sauce which causes it to curdle.

Similar Posts