The Best Homemade Alfredo Pasta Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade Alfredo pasta is creamy, dreamy, and easier to make than you think. You’ll love how simple it is to whip up a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen.
- Rich and creamy sauce – Made with real butter, cream, and Parmesan, it’s luxuriously smooth without any shortcuts.
- Ready in 20 minutes – Perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious fast.
- Endlessly customizable – Add chicken, shrimp, or veggies to make it your own.
Recipe
Alfredo pasta is a rich and creamy dish that’s simple to make at home. With just a few ingredients, you can recreate this classic Italian-American favorite in no time.
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing until evenly coated.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer before adding the pasta.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
Time
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Cuisine
Italian-American
Serving
4 servings
Nutrition
Creamy and rich, this homemade Alfredo pasta is a comforting dish packed with flavor.
| Nutrition | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 15g |
| Fat | 32g |
| Saturated Fat | 18g |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Sodium | 480mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 3g |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my homemade Alfredo pasta with warm, buttery garlic bread—it soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly. A fresh, crisp salad balances the richness, and I usually go for something simple, like a Caesar or mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette. These sides make the meal feel complete without taking away from the star of the show.
Garlic Bread Pairing
Since this rich, cheesy pasta deserves a side that can hold its own, garlic bread is the perfect match. I love how the crispy, buttery slices soak up every drop of that creamy Alfredo sauce, making each bite even more satisfying. Toasting it just right—golden with a hint of garlic—adds a crunch that balances the pasta’s smooth texture. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little parsley or Parmesan on top for extra flavor. Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll never want to eat Alfredo without it. It’s simple, delicious, and turns a great meal into something unforgettable.
Fresh Salad Options
Though Alfredo pasta is rich and indulgent, a fresh salad can lighten things up while adding a crisp contrast. I love pairing it with a simple Caesar—crunchy romaine, tangy dressing, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. A Greek salad works too, with juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, and briny olives cutting through the creaminess. For something lighter, try mixed greens with a lemony vinaigrette. If you’re feeling fancy, add toasted nuts or dried cranberries for extra texture. The key is balance—something fresh and zesty to complement the pasta’s richness. Trust me, it’ll make every bite even better.
