Description
Ina Garten’s fettuccine alfredo delivers creamy Italian comfort straight from her classic kitchen. Rich parmesan and heavy cream create a luxurious sauce that wraps tender pasta in silky elegance, inviting you to savor each comforting bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) fettuccine noodles
- 2 cups (200 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Dairy Components:
- 1 stick (113 grams) butter
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
Seasonings:
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, ensuring a tender yet firm texture.
- While pasta cooks, create the creamy base by melting unsalted butter (113 grams or 4 ounces) in a medium saucepan over gentle heat. Slowly pour in heavy cream (240 milliliters or 1 cup), stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
- Season the butter and cream mixture with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt, allowing the flavors to meld together over low heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Position a large ceramic serving bowl on the countertop and sprinkle half of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese (50 grams or 1.75 ounces) across the bottom.
- Carefully drain the cooked fettuccine using a colander, reserving approximately 60 milliliters (1/4 cup) of starchy pasta water as a potential sauce thinner.
- Transfer the hot pasta directly into the prepared bowl with cheese. Immediately pour the warm cream sauce over the noodles, creating an even coating.
- Gently toss the pasta using tongs or a pasta fork, ensuring each strand becomes luxuriously coated with the creamy sauce. Add remaining Parmesan cheese and continue mixing.
- If the sauce appears too thick, gradually introduce reserved pasta water, stirring until achieving desired consistency. Serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Leftovers transform beautifully when reheated gently with a splash of cream to restore their original silky texture.
- Customize your Alfredo by adding crispy pancetta, sautéed shrimp, or roasted vegetables for an unexpected flavor twist.
- Grate Parmesan cheese moments before incorporating it into the sauce to maximize its rich, nutty flavor profile.
- Pasta water acts as a magical binding agent, helping to create a smooth, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to every noodle.
- Room temperature ingredients ensure a velvety sauce without annoying lumps or unwelcome separation.
- Toss the pasta immediately after combining to capture the ultimate creamy, indulgent moment of culinary perfection.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 663 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 48 g
- Saturated Fat: 30 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg