Ultimate Creamy Fettuccine Alfredo (Printable)

Ribbons of fettuccine coated in a rich, velvety Parmesan butter sauce. Classic Italian comfort at its finest.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 oz fettuccine

→ Sauce

02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter
03 - 1 cup heavy cream
04 - 1 1/4 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
06 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
07 - Pinch of grated nutmeg (optional)

→ Garnish

08 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
09 - Extra Parmesan, for serving

# How to Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
02 - While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, for 2–3 minutes.
03 - Reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using.
04 - Add the drained fettuccine to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
05 - Remove from heat. Plate immediately, garnishing with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan.

# Expert Hacks:

01 -
  • The sauce develops this impossibly velvety texture that clings to every ribbon of pasta
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like something youd wait hours for at a white tablecloth restaurant
02 -
  • The sauce thickens rapidly off heat so have your plates ready and serve immediately
  • Room temperature cream incorporates more smoothly than cold straight from the fridge
03 -
  • Grate the Parmesan while the pasta cooks so it melts instantly into the warm cream
  • Warm your serving bowls in the oven for 5 minutes to keep the sauce silky longer