There’s nothing better than the creamy perfection of Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo to elevate any meal. This classic Italian dish combines tender fettuccine with a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce made from simple ingredients, including butter, cream, Parmesan, and a hint of garlic. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying, which makes it a great choice. Ditch the jarred sauces—this simple recipe will show you how to make homemade Alfredo sauce at home that’s better than any restaurant. Let’s get cooking!
Do you love to make sauces? My husband bought a giant book on how to make sauces...who knew they could write a whole book just on this subject? If you want to learn how to make more sauces, try our Easy Marinara Sauce and Basil Pesto Sauce recipes! Be sure to let us know in the comments how your sauce adventures turn out!
I remember the first time I made this recipe! It has been a family favorite for years, so much so that I’d quadruple it for our annual Christmas party! The basic ingredients—fettuccine, cream, butter, Parmesan, and garlic—come together to create an elegant yet approachable dish that always impresses. While this recipe is easy to follow, the decadent sauce does require a bit of attention to ensure it turns out perfectly. Continuously whisking as it simmers prevents burning or overboiling, helping to achieve that silky, restaurant-quality Alfredo sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your table, too!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Classic Comfort Food: Creamy, indulgent, and satisfying, this creamy fettuccine alfredo recipe is the ultimate comfort dish loved by all. Garnish with fresh parsley for a fancy presentation.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions without the hassle. It will quickly become your favorite pasta recipe.
- Customizable: Add grilled chicken breasts, shrimp, or steamed vegetables like broccoli for a personal twist on this timeless Italian favorite.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Fettuccine Noodles: These wide, flat noodles are the classic choice for Alfredo sauce, as their shape helps capture and hold the creamy sauce in every bite. They are ideal for creating a rich and satisfying creamy pasta dish.
- Heavy Cream: A key ingredient for the luxurious texture of Alfredo sauce, heavy cream adds richness and a velvety consistency that coats the fettuccine beautifully. Its high-fat content ensures a smooth sauce.
- Unsalted Butter: This foundational ingredient provides a rich, buttery flavor that complements the cream and Parmesan cheese. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: The heart of Alfredo sauce, fresh Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty depth of flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan melts seamlessly into the sauce, creating its signature creaminess and richness.
- Garlic, Minced: Fresh garlic adds a subtle, aromatic depth to the Alfredo sauce, enhancing its overall flavor profile. Garlic powder can be used as a convenient substitute without compromising taste.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Homemade Fettucine Alfredo
Step 1: Prepare the fettuccine noodles, drain and set aside.
Step 2: Melt ½ cup butter in a saucepan. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and simmer for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Whisk in 2 cups heavy cream and 1 ½ cups Parmesan. Simmer, whisking, until bubbly.
Step 4: Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Add prepared fettuccine noodles to the sauce and some of the reserved pasta water. Stir to combine.
Top Tips
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercooking the pasta ensures it holds its shape and absorbs the sauce perfectly when combined.
Reserve Pasta Water: Add a little bit of reserved pasta water to the sauce for a silkier consistency and to help it cling to the noodles.
Whisk Constantly: Whisking while simmering the sauce ensures it stays smooth and prevents clumps from forming. This technique will ensure the best Alfredo sauce.
Serve Immediately: Alfredo sauce thickens as it cools, so serve the dish fresh off the stove for the best texture and flavor.
Experiment with Add-Ins: Enhance the dish with a protein like chicken or shrimp, or mix in vegetables such as peas or spinach for added variety.
Storage and Make Ahead
Storage: Store leftover Fettuccine Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the pasta is fully cooled before sealing to maintain freshness and prevent condensation inside the container.
How to reheat: Reheat Fettuccine Alfredo on the stovetop in a large skillet over low to medium heat. Add a splash of heavy cream, milk, or reserved starchy water to refresh the sauce and prevent it from thickening too much. Stir continuously until heated through, and avoid overheating to keep the sauce creamy. This process will prevent a grainy sauce.
Make ahead: You can prepare the Alfredo sauce up to 2 days in advance. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, cook the fettuccine noodles fresh, reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop, and combine them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
FAQ
While pre-grated Parmesan is convenient, freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended. It melts more smoothly and provides a richer, creamier flavor for the Alfredo sauce.
To keep the sauce smooth and creamy, simmer it over low to medium heat and whisk constantly. Avoid overheating or boiling the cream, as this can cause the sauce to separate.
Fettuccine Alfredo is best served fresh. However, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stove with a little pasta water or cream to refresh its consistency before adding the pasta.
Yes, you can use half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce may be slightly less rich and possibly thinner. Avoid using milk alone, as it won’t produce the same creamy texture.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
- Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups (Rollatini) Recipe
- Creamy Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
- Creamy Mushroom Fettuccine Alfredo
- Creamy Lemon Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:
- Easy Caprese Salad Skewers
- Simple Arugula and Spinach Salad
- Easy Italian Potato Salad Recipe
- Italian Tomato Salad Recipe
Fettuccine Alfredo
Ingredients
- 1 pound fettuccine noodles
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic minced (you can substitute garlic powder)
Instructions
- Follow the package directions on the pasta box to prepare fettuccine al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Once the pasta is cooked and drained, rinse it with cold water and set it aside.
- Add 8 tablespoons unsalted butter to a medium saucepan and stir until melted. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and simmer until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then add 2 cups of heavy cream and 1 ½ cups of grated parmesan cheese and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, whisking constantly. You want the sauce to be bubbly, but be careful not to overheat, as it will boil over easily.
- Turn down the heat and allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes, then slowly add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss the pasta so that the alfredo sauce coats it. Add some of the pasta water and stir to thicken. Remove from heat. Serve and enjoy!
Misty Tannery
Can not wait to make this soon! Thank you!
Therese
This was sooooooo creamy and delicious. Thank you for a great recipe!
Karina
You had us at homemade fettuccine Alfredo. And I have plenty of helpers to grade the parmesan cheese. It was a hit, and everyone went back for seconds.
Leanne
I always order fettuccini alfredo when I'm at an Italian restaurant, but I have never attempted it at home before. I thought it would be so difficult, but your recipe was easy to follow and it worked out perfectly!
Stephanie
I love how simple this recipe is to make, and it tastes significantly better than the jarred stuff. I'll be making it like this from now on.
Madhu
Creamy, rich, and satisfying!This homemade fettuccine alfredo is pure perfection!
Kimberly Garrido
This recipe looks so delicious, and it comes together with just 5 INGREDIENTS! Thank you for sharing, Tina.
Risa Greenwood
This alfredo sauce looks so creamy and delicious! Can’t wait to try this for our next pasta night!
Tina
Fettucine alfredo is a favorite at our house!