Name: Fettuccine Alfredo
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 16 ounces fettuccine noodles; 1/2 cup salted butter; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Fettuccine Alfredo is one of my family’s all time favorites, and this homemade version is the BEST. Made with just 4 simple ingredients, it literally couldn’t be easier to make… and when it comes to flavor, there’s no comparison. If your family loves Alfredo as much as mine does, they’ll go crazy for this easy from-scratch recipe!

Fettuccine Alfredo in cast iron skillet with fresh parsley

There are some meals that get the stamp of approval in our family. Every. Single. Time. And Fettuccine Alfredo is one of them!

My kids LOVE anything with noodles… and you can’t go wrong with a creamy sauce… so it comes as no surprise that this has been one of our most requested dinner recipes for as long as I can remember.

Table of Contents

What might come as a surprise, though?! Up until recently, I was still making it with store bought sauce. I know… I know… can I really even call myself a food blogger!?!?

The truth is, I never knew JUST how easy it is to make homemade Alfredo sauce. There’s almost nothing easier! Just 3 ingredients and 5 minutes… and you have the BEST tasting sauce you can imagine. Once you give it a try, I guarantee you’ll NEVER go store bought again!

Close up of Fettuccine Alfredo in skillet with wooden serving spoon

what you’ll need for this recipe

The very best thing about this recipe is that it’s made with 4 ingredients, plus salt and pepper. It doesn’t get better than that! Here’s what you’ll need to grab from the store:

1 pound fettuccine noodles
1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
8 ounces freshly grated Parmesan cheese

how to make fettuccine alfredo

Cook the noodles. Boil noodles according to package instructions. Be sure to reserve 1/2 cup water after boiling in case you want to add it to your sauce.

Prepare the sauce, Combine butter, heavy cream, salt and pepper in a large skillet. Cook, stirring, over medium heat until butter is melted. Stir in 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan. Cook until cheese is completely melted; remove from heat.

Combine the noodles & sauce. Stir cooked noodles into sauce. Add additional 1/2 c. cheese. If sauce is too thick, slowly stir in reserved pasta water until it reaches desired consistency.

Garnish. Garnish with fresh parsley and fresh ground pepper to taste.

Recipe Variations

Add cooked chicken to make Chicken Alfredo
Add 1-2 cups cooked broccoli to the finished dish
Add red peppers or sun dried tomatoes to the sauce
Stir fresh spinach into the sauce until wilted
Add 1 cup sliced, sautéed mushrooms
Add a kick of spice with 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper and/or crushed red pepper flakes

how to make alfredo sauce without cream

Traditional Alfredo sauce is made with just butter and Parmesan cheese… no cream! My family prefers the creamy version, but to make it without, simply follow these instructions:

Cook noodles according to package instructions. Reserve 1 c. pasta water.
Stir in butter and grated cheese; add pasta water slowly until sauce reaches desired consistency.

storing & reheating

Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To reheat, transfer them to a medium skillet and add 2 Tbsp. heavy cream or milk. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring often and adding more liquid as necessary.

Overhead shot of Fettuccinie Alfredo in skillet

More Recipes to Try

We’re always on the lookout for new easy pasta recipes, and these are some of our favorites!