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A plate of Alfredo spaghetti garnished with parsley.

Alfredo Spaghetti

A creamy pasta dish combining the simplicity of spaghetti with the rich, velvety flavor of Alfredo sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 700
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Alfredo Sauce
  • 1 cup butter Preferably high-quality
  • 2 cups heavy cream Full-fat for richness
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Avoid pre-grated cheese for better melting
  • 2 cloves minced garlic Optional but recommended for flavor
  • 1 pinch nutmeg Optional for added warmth
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes Optional for a hint of heat
For the Spaghetti
  • 12 ounces spaghetti Durum wheat or fresh egg spaghetti recommended
  • 1 tablespoon salt For the pasta water

Method
 

Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
  1. Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic if using, and sauté until fragrant.
  2. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid scorching.
  3. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer until it thickens slightly.
  4. Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
Cook the Spaghetti
  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
  2. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
Combine and Serve
  1. Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan with the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
  2. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it out gradually.
  3. Season with black pepper and additional salt if desired, then serve hot.

Notes

For a protein-packed twist, add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp. Baked variations can incorporate mozzarella cheese for a comforting casserole.