Easy Fettuccine Alfredo - classic Italian pasta dinner, made in 30 minutes!
A good basic Alfredo sauce has long been a staple in my kitchen. Not only is it delicious, creamy and cheesy, the sauce is simple to prepare, and it uses the ingredients that can be easily found in any pantry. This ridiculously easy Fettuccine Alfredo dish can be served plain as-is, or alongside some add-ins, such as leftover roasted chicken, grilled vegetables, bacon. It's one of those great weeknight dinners that will take you at most 30 minutes to make, and what you get in return is a restaurant quality dish.
So, if you're looking for a simple, straight-forward, not overly complicated recipe, without too many steps, a recipe that is practical for a weeknight after a long busy day, this easy fettuccine alfredo recipe from Emeril fits the bill.
In addition to grilled chicken and roasted vegetables, this Fettuccine Alfredo also goes great with seafood: grilled or sauteed shrimp, scallops, or lobster. Definitely a keeper!
I found that this Alfredo sauce has a great creamy consistency immediately after you make it. However, if refrigerated, the butter and cheese will separate as the sauce cools down, and when reheated the next day, the consistency might be choppy even though the dish will still taste great. The sauce does lose its excellent creamy texture after being refrigerated. Therefore, it is best when served immediately: don't let the sauce cool down too much before serving.
And, make just enough not to have leftovers. The recipe here actually makes a huge amount - enough to serve 6 people. Don't hesitate to half the recipe if you only have 1 or 2 people in your household.
If you do have leftovers, when reheating this pasta dish, I would do it in the pan (not microwave) and add some liquid (preferably milk) to thin up the sauce.
By the way, as the recipe dictates, definitely use shallots: they add a REALLY nice flavor to the sauce. However, if you don't have shallots, you can use very finely minced red onion or regular onion or garlic.
Remember, the dish is best when served immediately.
And, enjoy this Fettuccine Alfredo with a glass of white wine and a slice of garlic toast!
How to make easy fettuccine alfredo:
Below are helpful step-by-step photos and instructions. For full recipe, scroll down.
Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the fettuccine in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve ¼ cup of the pasta cooking liquid. You can actually reserve more than ¼ cup of the pasta water in case you need to thin up the sauce later.
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add minced shallot (or 2 tablespoons of minced regular onion) and minced garlic and saute until tender.
Add 1 cup heavy cream and bring to a boil. Cook for a minute. Remove from the heat.
Add the pasta + ¼ cup reserved pasta cooking liquid to the saucepan with the butter-cream sauce. Add half of the Parmesan cheese (½ cup) and toss to combine thoroughly - over medium heat. Stir the sauce constantly so that it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and garnish with parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Easy Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound fettuccine pasta dried
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 shallots , minced, or 2 tablespoons of minced onion
- 2 garlic cloves , minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese finely shredded
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- fresh parsley for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the fettuccine in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve ¼ cup of the pasta cooking liquid. You can actually reserve more than ¼ cup of the pasta water in case you need to thin up the sauce later.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add minced shallot (or 2 tablespoons of minced regular onion) and minced garlic and saute until tender. Add 1 cup heavy cream and bring to a boil. Cook for a minute. Remove from the heat.
- Add the pasta + ¼ cup reserved pasta cooking liquid to the saucepan with the butter-cream sauce. Add half of the Parmesan cheese (½ cup) and toss to combine thoroughly – over medium heat. Stir the sauce constantly so that it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and garnish with parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer:
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I just made finished making this recipe and it was simple and delicious. But I would change a few things next time, like before I add in the pasta to the butter-cream sauce I will add in half of the Parmesan cheese. Also next time, I will cut down on how much butter I use.
This is awesome great taste quick to make and so easy I have made this twice now the first time I added shrimp and the second time I added chicken breast and both times it was wonderful when I cooked the meats I did so in some of the unsalted butter so I didn't affect the overall flavor. My Father who is not a big pasta fan loves this recipe and birth times has had second helpings. I highly reccomend this dish with or with out shrimp or chicken.
What a wonderful recipe. There’s nothing better than a meal that’s quick and easy to make after a long day at work. What could be better than cheese and creamy Alfredo sauce?
Mmm, this + a Caesar salad = the perfect meal.
I love salads with pasta! Especially Caesar salad with this kind of pasta.
I'm always looking for delicious and simple recipes and a creamy sauze is something I like a lot 🙂
Amazing, amazing, amazing...We had this dish at Alfredo's in Rome and I haven't felt like eating it since (it was SO good there) but a home made version like this looks so simple and good, I might have to try it out!
LOVE alfredo sauce but can't bring myself to enjoy it often. I'm afraid of heavy cream 😉
Your pasta looks amazing. Simple, yet very beautiful. I am planning to do homemade pasta. Will see-))
Ummm shut the front door. Next time I have a cheat meal, this is going straight into my face.
This pasta looks absolutely delicious! I love that it's simple to make. This would be perfect for a quick weekday meal. Thanks for the great recipe Julia!
Yes! Simple is exactly what I need. This looks like a perfect weekday meal. Or even a lovely meal to serve for company! Thank you so much for sharing. As always, your blog makes me smile (and makes my stomach growl too!)
I love Alfredo sauce! And you're right that it really doesn't reheat at all well. Fortunately it's easy enough to make there's no reason to make too much. Really good stuff - thanks so much.
Julia,
You've done it again! I'll be putting alfredo on my menu this week! Love this simple recipe ... you know I'm hooked on easy recipes!
Thanks for sharing!
Noel
Fettucine alfredo is one of my daughter's favorite meals! I should give this recipe a try.
Fettucine Alfredo has to be one of the few dished that absoultely everyone loves! Love how pretty the parsley looks in the picture. You are so good at styling. Love the flavor of shallots and I'm surprised more recipes don't call for them.