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3-Ingredient Fettuccine Alfredo

Name: 3-Ingredient Fettuccine Alfredo
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 sticks butter; 1/2 pound grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; Salt; 1 pound fettuccine

This recipe for fettuccine alfredo is Martha's favorite. It comes from Russell Bellanca, the chef at Alfredo of Rome in New York City.

Source: Everyday Food, January/February 2003

30 mins 30 mins 4

Total Time Prep Servings

Ingredients

2 sticks butter
1/2 pound grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Salt
1 pound fettuccine

Directions

1. Using an electric mixer, beat butter and Parmesan until creamy.
2. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente, about 12 minutes. Reserve about 1/2 cup of cooking water; drain pasta.
3. Return fettuccine to warm pot. Toss pasta with 1/2 teaspoon salt, cheese mixture, and 1/4 cup of the pasta water. Add more pasta water, as needed. Serve with additional cheese.

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Reviews

399

How would you rate this recipe?

399

luvlylisa75

8 MAY, 2018

Every time I have made this I try a slightly different order-sometimes it is creamier or stickier depending on which way I do it but it is always rich and delicious.
Reply
- sarahballor22
  
  20 AUG, 2018
  
  Can you use a pan as a substitute for the electric mixer to make the sause
MS11489961

20 NOV, 2014

Must be awful, Alfredo has cream....
Reply
- waynewilli6956025
  
  2 JUL, 2018
  
  Real Alfredo doesn't use cream or milk! But the recipe is flawed in that it has you remove 1/4 cup of pasta liquid and then drain pasta. It then says if the sauce is too thick use more pasta water. Where do you get it as you have already drained the pasta. The pasta should not be drained, it should be removed with tongs so that there is more pasta water available!
- theo23rdyahoo
  
  29 DEC, 2015
  
  Incorrect. Authentic fettuccini Alfredo uses no cream, only butter and cheese. The secret is to use very high quality butter.
jennyfluteplay1

8 OCT, 2015

I made this tonight with homemade noodles and LOVED it! This is fettuccine as it's mean to be. If you simply follow the recipe and also understand that cream is not needed, you'll easily recreate this 5 star recipe. My family couldn't get enough.
Reply
- MS11155184
  
  19 DEC, 2017
  
  Is a stick of butter 4 oz or 8 oz?
- stephaagnew
  
  27 AUG, 2017
  
  Any suggestions on how to incorporate garlic? Memories of the original recipe at the Cucina Cucina restaurant. Don't make fun!
kangelique

26 APR, 2015

I used 8oz of butter, a 16oz can of parmesan, some garlic, some pepper (roughly 1/4tsp) and blended fully in my mixer while my pasta cooked. Took out 1/4 liquid Oz of pasta water, drained my pasta, returned to stove on low heat, added water first then mixture. Stirred it around til creamy/cheesy and it was soooo good. Basil is a great topper.
Reply
- theo23rdyahoo
  
  29 DEC, 2015
  
  A "can" of cheese? Try using real parmesan; you'll never use that awful Kraft junk again.
- needaname15
  
  20 MAY, 2015
  
  I prepared this last night - with 2 sticks of butter and 8 oz of parm - with shrimp steamed in Old Bay separetly. It was delicious. My Mom also suggested throwing spinach into the mix - and I am wondering about some broccoli rabe myself. If you are spending decent money on the parmesan you may NOT want to add something extra but it is a thought. My Son took our leftovers from last night home and is enjoying them tonight.
needaname15

20 MAY, 2015

I prepared this meal last night with rave reviews - I also added shrimp that was steamed separately with Old Bay (that flavor did NOT transmit onto the fetticini alfredo). My Son is enjoying leftovers tonight. I would highly recommend primarily because it is an easily prepared meal with a hint of elegance served with a nice side salad and a appropriate glass of wine.
Reply
- geppetto_1955y
  
  22 OCT, 2015
  
  to needaname: Alfredo is a NAME therefore capitalize it! and F E T T U C C I N E!!!!
  - theo23rdyahoo
    
    29 DEC, 2015
    
    Lighten up, relax.
Ilsa Beauchamp

19 SEP, 2012

Mine turned out awful! I melted the butter in the sauce pan and then added the cheese and it didn't come together! I had to throw the whole thing out. What did I do wrong?
Reply
- Imuetinyani
  
  23 DEC, 2014
  
  You were supposed to mix it in a bowl than add it to the already boiled pasta
MS11155184

15 DEC, 2014

Is it four ounces of eight ounces of butter ?
Reply
loleah

14 JUL, 2014

@Ilsa you're supposed to keep stirring it until it comes together (this takes a really long time)
Reply
kvnsgrl

30 DEC, 2013

So easy yet so decadent.
Reply
Diana Taberner

31 AUG, 2012

this sounds so good!!
Reply

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