Description
My love affair with Alfredo didn’t start in Italy—it started in my tiny first apartment when I was 22. I was broke, trying to impress a date, and my tomato sauce had… gone bad. All I had left was butter, cream, and a sad wedge of Parmesan.
Desperation led to improvisation, and somehow, magic happened. That meal—eaten on the floor with no table—was creamy, cheesy, and unforgettable. I’ve spent years refining it into the recipe you’re about to make today.
Ingredients
For the Pasta & Sauce
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48 oz fettuccine pasta
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2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter
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1 ½ pints heavy cream
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Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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2 dashes garlic salt
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1 ½ cups freshly grated Romano cheese
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1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Add-Ons
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Pinch of nutmeg or splash of dry white wine
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Chopped parsley or extra cracked pepper for garnish
Pro Tip: Always grate your own cheese! Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that make sauces grainy.
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining (don’t rinse the pasta—those starches help the sauce cling!).
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic salt. Simmer 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the Romano and Parmesan cheeses, one handful at a time, until fully melted and smooth.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Add the hot pasta directly into the sauce. Toss gently to coat every strand in that luscious creaminess. Let it sit over low heat for 1–2 minutes to fully absorb the sauce.
Plate the pasta into warm bowls. Top with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and cracked pepper. Serve with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
Notes
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Don’t rush the cheese—low heat is your best friend.
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Save your pasta water! It’s the secret to perfect sauce texture.
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Alfredo doesn’t wait. Serve it fresh, creamy, and piping hot.
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Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of cream or milk.
Nutrition
- Calories: 680 Cal Per Serving
- Fat: 45 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 17 g