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Creamy Ultimate Garlic Alfredo Pasta

garlic alfredo pasta - featured image

A quick and easy homemade garlic Alfredo pasta recipe featuring a creamy, garlicky sauce made from scratch. Perfect for cozy dinners and comfort food lovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) fettuccine pasta
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil: Add about 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 quarts of water. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente, usually 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta cooking water before draining.
  2. Melt the butter over medium heat in your skillet: Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Watch closely here — garlic can turn bitter if it burns.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream: Stir to combine with the butter and garlic. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will start to thicken slightly. If you’re adding nutmeg, sprinkle it in now.
  4. Reduce heat to low and slowly whisk in the Parmesan cheese: Add it in batches, stirring to melt completely before adding more. The sauce should become silky and coat the back of a spoon.
  5. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper: Taste as you go. Remember, Parmesan adds saltiness, so don’t overdo it.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the sauce: Toss gently to coat evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
  7. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley: Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

Cook garlic gently to avoid bitterness. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture and flavor. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess. Avoid boiling cream vigorously to prevent curdling.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic Alfredo pasta, creamy pasta, homemade Alfredo sauce, easy pasta recipe, comfort food, garlic pasta, fettuccine Alfredo