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) or 1 teaspoon ground garlic as substitute; 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 pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adds flavor without spiciness); 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional); 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano recommended)

There’s something incredibly comforting about a rich, creamy pasta that just melts in your mouth. This Easy Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe hits that note perfectly—simple ingredients, quick prep, and a decadent sauce that feels like a hug in every bite. Let me walk you through how to make it so you nail it the first time.

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

I’ve made this Easy Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe over and over because it’s foolproof and truly hits every mark for comfort food. It’s the kind of sauce you want to dive into immediately—luxuriously creamy with just the right amount of seasoning.

Super simple ingredients: You probably have most of what you need in your fridge and pantry already.
Quick prep and cook time: You’ll have dinner on the table in about 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable creaminess: Adding cream cheese makes the sauce wonderfully thick and rich, but you can skip it if you want a lighter version.
That authentic Italian flavor: Freshly grated Parmesan and just a hint of nutmeg and herbs make all the difference.

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

This recipe balances richness from cream and butter with the sharp umami of freshly grated Parmesan. The cornstarch thins and stabilizes the sauce, giving it that silky texture that clings beautifully to fettuccine. Here’s why each ingredient deserves a spot:

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 wide, flat noodles catch the sauce perfectly, making every bite creamy and saucy.
Unsalted butter: Gives the sauce that luscious and buttery foundation without extra salt messing with your control.
Garlic: Adds a mellow aromatic punch, sautéed just briefly so it’s fragrant but not overpowering.
Heavy whipping cream: The star of the creaminess, creating that velvety mouthfeel everyone dreams of.
Milk: Mixed with cornstarch to create a smooth base and prevent the sauce from getting too thick or heavy.
Cornstarch: This little trick keeps the sauce from separating and helps it thicken gently.
Cream cheese: Optional but highly recommended for a thicker, silkier sauce that feels ultra indulgent.
Dried herbs and spices: The basil, parsley, onion powder, oregano, and tiny pinch of nutmeg add subtle complexity and depth.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is non-negotiable here—pre-grated won’t melt quite the same or deliver that distinct tang.

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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 that this Easy Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe is kind of like a blank canvas—you can really make it suit your taste or what you have on hand. I sometimes toss in sautéed mushrooms or shredded rotisserie chicken to make it a meal, or swap out the herbs based on what’s fresh in my kitchen.

Variation: Adding cooked shrimp or grilled chicken kicked it up a notch for a dinner party. The sauce clings beautifully to those proteins too!
Dairy-free: I haven’t tried this fully dairy-free, but using coconut cream and vegan cheese could be an interesting experiment if you want that creamy effect.
Herb swaps: Fresh basil or parsley add a fresh punch—right before serving, sprinkle a handful for brightness.

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

Step 1: Cook Your Fettuccine to Perfection

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your fettuccine until it’s just al dente—don’t overcook or you’ll lose that perfect bite. Reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining; this starchy water is gold for adjusting your sauce texture. If you aren’t adding the noodles straight to the sauce, toss them with a little olive oil to keep them from sticking.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic

In a large saucepan, gently melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds—just enough to release those lovely aromas but not enough to brown or burn it.

Step 3: Whisk Your Cream and Milk Mixture

Before adding your liquids, whisk the milk with cornstarch until completely smooth—no lumps here! Add this mixture and the heavy cream to the butter and garlic, along with the softened cream cheese if you’re using it. Add all your dried herbs and spices now, then reduce heat to medium-low.

Step 4: Melt in the Parmesan Cheese

Add the Parmesan cheese in batches, whisking constantly to prevent clumping. This slow melting is key to that silky, creamy sauce. Once all the cheese is incorporated, let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Toss Pasta with Sauce and Serve

Add your cooked fettuccine directly to the sauce and toss to coat every strand. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Taste and adjust salt and pepper—this final tweak really makes the sauce pop. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Top Tip

After making this recipe several times, I’ve found a few little tricks that really help keep the sauce silky and delicious every time. These tips saved me from a sauce heartbreak more than once!

Keep the heat moderate: Avoid boiling the sauce vigorously or it can break and become oily. A gentle simmer is all you need.
Freshly grate your Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that stop it from melting properly.
Reserve pasta water: That starchy water is your best friend for loosening the sauce if it thickens too much.
Add pasta last: If you’re not serving immediately, keep the sauce and pasta separate until right before eating to prevent clumping.

How to Serve Easy Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top—it adds a pop of green and freshness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes a light dusting of extra Parmesan never hurts, and for a little color and flavor boost, I toast some pine nuts as well.

Side Dishes

Pair this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus. Garlic bread is a classic companion that helps scoop up every last bit of sauce. I also love serving it alongside sautéed spinach or garlic green beans to add a little veggie crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve the Alfredo pasta in individual deep bowls, topped with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and a sprig of basil—instantly elegant. Or try layering it with grilled chicken and sun-dried tomatoes for a colorful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to five days. The sauce thickens as it chills, so before reheating, I recommend loosening it with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water for that creamy texture to come back.

Freezing

Freezing Alfredo isn’t my first choice because the cream can separate upon thawing, but if you want to freeze, freeze the sauce and pasta separately. Thaw slowly in the fridge and reheat gently to improve texture.

Reheating

I steer clear of microwaving because it tends to cause the sauce to separate and get oily. Instead, I warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often and adding a little milk or water to keep it smooth. This slow reheating saves the creamy goodness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different pasta with this Easy Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe?

Absolutely! While fettuccine is classic because its broad shape holds the sauce well, you can use linguine, tagliatelle, or even penne if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

What can I do if my Alfredo sauce is too thick?

Just add a splash of the reserved pasta water or some milk and whisk it in to loosen the sauce. This trick also helps if the sauce thickens while sitting before serving. Add liquid gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce and pasta separately a few days before serving. Store both in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready, gently reheat the sauce and then toss in the pasta until warmed through.

Is cream cheese necessary in the sauce?

Cream cheese is optional but adds extra thickness and creaminess. If you prefer a slightly lighter Alfredo, you can leave it out—the sauce will still be rich and comforting thanks to the butter, cream, and Parmesan.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen repertoire—it’s the ultimate low-fuss comfort food that feels a bit fancy and always delivers. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes your go-to when you want something luscious, quick, and downright delicious. Remember, the key is fresh ingredients, patient whisking, and a little love—those simple things make all the difference!