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A close up view of a fork dishing up a serving of authentic fettucine alfredo.
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3 from 2 votes

Authentic Fettuccine Alfredo

Our Authentic Fettuccine Alfredo brings restaurant-quality results to your kitchen with just 5 ingredients. Try our brown butter option for a nutty twist.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American Italian, Italian
Keyword: Alfredo, Fettuccine Alfredo
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Caytlin McCleery

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces fettuccine
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 8 ounces Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil to cook 16 ounces fettuccine according to the package instructions. Use approximately 4 quarts of water combined with 1 tablespoon salt.
  • While the pasta is cooking, finely grate 8 ounces Parmesan cheese and set it aside.
  • When there are just a few minutes remaining for the pasta to cook, melt 1 cup unsalted butter in a large skillet over low heat. Once melted, turn off the heat.
  • Before draining the pasta use a liquid measuring cup to reserve 1 1/2 cups of the pasta water. Drain the cooked pasta once it reaches al dente.
  • Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet with the melted butter. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of the pasta water. Use tongs to toss everything together to create a creamy sauce and coat the pasta. Add more pasta water as desired, noting the sauce will thicken as it cools.
  • Garnish the pasta with additional grated Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked pepper, to taste, before serving.

Video

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Notes

  • For best results, it's important to grate your own Parmesan cheese from a wedge. Pre-grated cheese has additives that will prevent proper melting.
  • While not traditional, you can add more flavor to your Fettuccine Alfredo by browning your butter. Once the butter has melted, continue cooking over medium heat until butter foams, constantly stirring. Once butter foams keep a close eye on it. The color will change from yellow to tan and then to brown. Once it reaches brown, remove it from the heat immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 711kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 27g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 171mg | Sodium: 1013mg | Potassium: 233mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1289IU | Calcium: 485mg | Iron: 2mg
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