Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Fettuccine Alfredo: A Classic Creamy Delight

Fettuccine Alfredo is a beloved Italian pasta dish celebrated for its smooth, rich sauce composed of butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. This classic dish offers a comforting creaminess that is both simple to make and satisfying to eat. Here’s a detailed guide on how to prepare Fettuccine Alfredo at home for six people, ensuring each serving is as indulgent as the ones found in the best Italian restaurants.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (24 oz) fettuccine pasta
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Extra Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook Fettuccine: Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:

1. Melt Butter: In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add Cream: Once the butter is melted, pour in the heavy cream. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add Cheese: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
4. Season: Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

3. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

1. Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce. Toss well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the Alfredo sauce.

4. Serve:

1. Garnish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
2. Plate: Serve the Fettuccine Alfredo immediately, while it’s hot and creamy.

Tips:

• Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best texture and flavor. Pre-grated cheese often doesn’t melt as smoothly.
• Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit more cream or pasta water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken.
• Serving: Fettuccine Alfredo is best enjoyed fresh. If you need to reheat it, do so gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.