The 3-Step Dinner You Can’t NOT Make

A dinner revelation is here, fettuccine Alfredo so easy and tasty that it might just pasta-lutely revolutionize weekday meals. No more noodling around with time-consuming dishes, this is the epitome of quick and delicious. Let’s dive fork-first into our 3-Step Fettuccine Alfredo. 🍝🧀

This pasta is not just a pretty plate. Its creamy Alfredo sauce is a symphony of parmesan and garlic, coating each strand of fettuccine like a cheesy, garlic-y dream. It’s enough to make a person say “pastably the best meal ever!”

The Main Attraction: Fettuccine Noodles

What’s fettuccine without its namesake noodle? 🍝 These thick, hearty noodles are the perfect vessel for the decadent Alfredo sauce. They’re like the gondolas of Venice, but edible and delicious.

Tip: When cooking the fettuccine, save some pasta water. It can be used to adjust the thickness of the Alfredo sauce.

The Creamy Goodness: Alfredo Sauce

Now onto the lifeblood of this dish, the Alfredo sauce. Made from butter, garlic, heavy cream, and parmesan, this sauce is no light affair. But the way it hugs each noodle and fills every bite with creamy, cheesy goodness is worth every calorie. 👌

Tip: For a slightly healthier version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You’ll cut some calories without sacrificing much flavor.

Cheese, Please: Don’t skimp on the parmesan. It’s the backbone of the Alfredo sauce and gives the dish its iconic flavor.

Tip: Use freshly grated parmesan. Pre-grated cheese often includes anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.

3-Step Fettuccine Alfredo

Course: DinnerCuisine: Italian

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Quick, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy, this fettuccine Alfredo is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 8 oz Fettuccine

• 2 cups Heavy Cream

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan

• 3 cloves Garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons Butter

• Salt to taste

• Black Pepper to taste

Directions

• Cook fettuccine according to the package instructions. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
• While pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
• Reduce heat to low, add parmesan and stir until it’s fully melted into the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper. If needed, add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency of the sauce. Combine cooked fettuccine with the sauce and serve immediately.

Notes

• For a non-vegetarian version, add cooked chicken or shrimp to the sauce.
• Top with additional parmesan and fresh parsley for garnish, if desired.
• Enjoy with a side of garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional for Alfredo sauce, feel free to substitute it with any pasta of your choice.

Q: Can I add protein to this dish?
A: Yes, cooked chicken, shrimp, or even bacon can be added to the sauce just before combining with the pasta. It’s a great way to add some additional flavor and substance to the dish.

Q: Can I make this dish in advance?
A: It’s best to eat the pasta right after making it. However, if you do have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creaminess of the sauce.

Q: Can I make this dish vegan?
A: Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cream, use vegan butter, and replace the parmesan with a vegan cheese of your choice.