Name: Easy Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound fettuccine; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 6 cloves garlic, minced (1 ½ tablespoons) (may substitute 1 tsp ground garlic); 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 1 1/2 cups milk (2 percent or whole milk); 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 2 ounces cream cheese, very soft (optional for thicker, creamier sauce); 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adds flavor, not spiciness); 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional); 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano preferred)

Nothing beats the creamy, dreamy comfort of a homemade Alfredo sauce, and this Easy Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe is exactly that—rich, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to whip up on any weeknight. I always find its luscious sauce irresistible, and once you try it, I bet you will too.

A large round white bowl holds a heap of creamy fettuccine pasta tossed in a smooth white sauce. The pasta strands are thick, coated evenly with the sauce, and topped with small pieces of green herbs and a sprinkling of black pepper that adds contrast and texture. A gold fork is inserted on the left side of the bowl, touching the pasta. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface that adds a soft, clean background to the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

What really makes this Easy Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe stand out isn't just how quick it comes together—it's that balance of creamy richness with just the right kick of garlic and seasoning. This is comfort food done right, and I've returned to this recipe again and again when I want something both fancy and familiar.

Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these staples in your pantry already, making it a fuss-free dinner option.
Quick to Prepare: From start to finish, it takes just about 15 minutes—perfect on busy nights.
Creamy, Not Overwhelming: The sauce is rich but lightened with milk and has a lovely depth of flavor from the seasonings and Parmesan.
Customizable: Whether you want to sneak in some veggies, add protein, or tweak the herbs, this recipe adapts beautifully.

A close-up view of creamy fettuccine pasta piled in a white bowl on a white marbled surface, with thick, smooth sauce coating each strand giving a rich, shiny texture. The noodles have a light beige color, mixed with small green parsley leaves scattered evenly on top and black pepper sprinkled all over, adding spots of dark contrast. Part of a golden spoon is visible at the back corner, slightly lifting some pasta. The scene is bright with natural lighting, showing a soft, inviting look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a part in building that silky, flavorful Alfredo sauce we all crave. I love that this recipe uses a mix of butter, cream, and a touch of cream cheese for extra richness, while the cornstarch helps get the sauce that perfect clingy texture.

Flat lay of a neat nest of fresh uncooked fettuccine pasta, a pat of golden unsalted butter, six whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of thick heavy whipping cream, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth milk, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white cornstarch powder, a piece of soft cream cheese, a small pile of dried basil leaves, a small pile of dried parsley leaves, a small pile each of onion powder and dried oregano, tiny piles of sea salt and cracked black peppercorns, a small pile of red pepper flakes, a small pinch of ground nutmeg, and a small white ceramic bowl heaping with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, all carefully arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Fettuccine: The classic pasta choice here; its flat surface grabs onto the creamy sauce perfectly.
Unsalted butter: For a smooth, buttery base without the extra saltiness.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings aroma and depth; using ground garlic can work in a pinch.
Heavy whipping cream: Adds luxurious creaminess that’s essential for Alfredo sauce.
Milk (2% or whole): Lightens the sauce slightly without compromising flavor.
Cornstarch: A secret weapon to thicken the sauce nicely without heaviness.
Cream cheese (optional): Offers a thicker, silkier finish if you want extra indulgence.
Dried basil & parsley: Bring herbaceous notes that brighten the rich sauce.
Onion powder & dried oregano: Add background flavor that complements the garlic and cheese.
Salt & pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors.
Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch to awaken the palate without spicing it up too much.
Ground nutmeg (optional): A classic touch in creamy sauces, adding warmth and depth.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: The star cheese that defines Alfredo with its sharp, salty, nutty taste.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with this Easy Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe to suit different moods. Sometimes I add roasted mushrooms or grilled chicken for a heartier meal, or keep it simple and let the sauce shine as it is. Don’t be afraid to adjust herbs or add a squeeze of lemon for brightness—this recipe is an easy base for your creativity.

Variation: Adding sautéed spinach and sun-dried tomatoes gives the dish a lovely pop of color and extra flavor—I’ve made this a few times for casual dinner parties, and it’s always a hit.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Al Dente

Start by boiling salted water and cooking your fettuccine just until it’s al dente—tender but still with a slight bite. This is important because the pasta will finish cooking a bit more once it’s tossed in the sauce. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of that pasta water before draining; it’s magic for loosening the sauce later if it thickens too much!

Step 2: Melt Butter & Sauté Garlic

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt your unsalted butter. Once melted, toss in minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned—burnt garlic will turn the sauce bitter, so keep an eye on it!

Step 3: Combine Cream, Milk, and Seasonings

While your butter is melting, whisk together the milk and cornstarch until perfectly smooth—no lumps! Pour this mixture into the pan along with the heavy cream, cream cheese (if using), and all your dried herbs and spices. Lower the heat to medium-low and gently cook until the cream cheese and seasonings meld together into a silky sauce.

Step 4: Add Parmesan Cheese Slowly

Next, add your freshly grated Parmesan cheese in small handfuls, whisking each addition until smooth before adding more. This slow incorporation helps prevent clumps and ensures the cheese melts evenly, creating that smooth, luscious texture we want.

Step 5: Simmer and Thicken

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-5 minutes. You’ll notice it starts to thicken and coat the back of your spoon. Remember, it will thicken further as it cools, so keep the sauce on the thinner side if you plan to mix it with your pasta right away.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add your drained fettuccine directly into the sauce pan and toss to coat. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Taste and adjust seasonings with extra salt and pepper as needed, then serve immediately for the best experience.

Top Tip

From making this dish dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really make a difference in both texture and flavor. These have saved me from common pitfalls like a gritty sauce or clumpy cheese.

Whisk Milk & Cornstarch First: Mixing these before adding prevents lumps, ensuring a silky sauce.
Don’t Overcook Garlic: Just 30 seconds in butter is perfect; too long and your sauce gets bitter.
Add Cheese Slowly: This helps the cheese melt evenly and keeps the sauce smooth.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often has additives that affect texture and flavor.

How to Serve Easy Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle just a bit of extra Parmesan and some freshly chopped parsley on top before serving. Sometimes a light dusting of cracked black pepper really wakes up the flavors. For a little freshness, a twist of lemon zest works wonders too.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. Roasted or steamed broccoli, asparagus, or snap peas make for easy, bright veggie sides I like to serve alongside. For a cozy meal, garlic bread never fails to complete the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve twirled the fettuccine into tidy nests on plates and topped them with a sprig of fresh basil and shaved Parmesan curls. A drizzle of truffle oil can elevate the dish beautifully, creating an elegant yet accessible presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover Alfredo sauce and pasta separately in airtight containers so the pasta doesn’t get gummy. Stored in the fridge, it keeps beautifully for 4-5 days. When reheating, I add a splash of milk to refresh the sauce’s creaminess.

Freezing

I've frozen the sauce on its own, and it defrosts well when reheated slowly on the stovetop. Pasta is better fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen since texture can suffer. So for freezing, keep them separate for best results.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, I avoid the microwave because the sauce can separate. Instead, I reheat on low heat in a saucepan, stirring often and adding milk as needed. This brings back the sauce’s silky texture and keeps the fettuccine tender without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Easy Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe dairy-free or vegan?

This particular recipe relies on butter, cream, and Parmesan for its signature richness, so it’s not dairy-free as written. However, you can experiment with dairy-free butter, plant-based milk, and vegan Parmesan substitutes. Keep in mind this will change the flavor and texture quite a bit, so adjust seasonings accordingly!

What’s the best way to avoid the sauce becoming grainy?

The key is to gradually add the Parmesan cheese while whisking constantly, and to use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties that contain anti-caking agents. Also, don’t boil the sauce aggressively; a gentle simmer works best to keep the sauce smooth.

Can I use a different pasta than fettuccine?

Absolutely! While fettuccine is classic for Alfredo, other pasta shapes like linguine, tagliatelle, or even penne can work well. Just choose a pasta that can hold onto the creamy sauce effectively.

How can I make this recipe lower in calories?

You can lighten the sauce by reducing the amount of butter and cream, and substituting heavy cream with all milk or half-and-half. Skipping cream cheese and using less Parmesan will also help. Just be aware it will change the texture and richness somewhat.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s approachable for cooks of all skill levels and always delivers that smooth, cheesy satisfaction that brings smiles around the table. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to pasta dish!