Delicious Spaghetti Alfredo
This Spaghetti Alfredo recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a rich Alfredo sauce made from just parmesan cheese, heavy cream, garlic, and butter. It’s easy to make yet fancy enough to impress your family and friends!
Why Make This Recipe
If you’re a fan of creamy pasta sauces, then this Alfredo sauce is a must-try. Here are some reasons why this recipe is a winner:
- Simple Ingredients: Just four basic ingredients come together to create a sauce that’s far superior to anything store-bought.
- Quick and Versatile: Ready in less than 30 minutes, you can serve it as a main dish or pair it with sautéed chicken for a chicken Alfredo twist.
- Family-Friendly: This indulgent dish tends to be a hit even with the pickiest eaters, making it perfect for any family meal!
🥗 Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 10 ounces spaghetti noodles
- ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, for garnish
🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Don’t forget to salt it generously.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once it’s melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until it’s fragrant and golden brown, which should take about 3 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream to the skillet. Increase the heat to medium and let it cook until the sauce thickens and bubbles slowly, about 10-12 minutes. You want the liquid to reduce to just over 1 cup.
- Season the sauce by stirring in the kosher salt and white pepper.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions, aiming for al dente, which should take about 11 minutes. If the sauce and spaghetti finish simultaneously, use tongs to transfer the spaghetti directly into the skillet. Otherwise, drain it while reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Turn the heat under the sauce to low. Toss the spaghetti with the sauce, adding the parmesan cheese gradually while mixing. If the sauce appears too dry, splash in some reserved pasta water.
- Finally, taste your creation and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve your delicious Spaghetti Alfredo immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese if desired.
Storage Tips
Spaghetti Alfredo is best enjoyed fresh. The noodles can soak up the sauce and dry it out if left too long. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To revive the sauce during reheating, consider adding a splash of reserved pasta water or cream.
🧐 Recipe FAQs for Spaghetti Alfredo
Can I use different pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes, such as shells or penne, as long as they can hold that creamy sauce.
Can I freeze spaghetti Alfredo?
Freezing isn’t recommended since the sauce tends to separate upon thawing.
How can I make it healthier?
You can lighten the recipe by substituting half-and-half for the heavy cream, though it will alter the texture and richness of the sauce.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Fresh herbs like basil or oregano, sautéed vegetables, or even a splash of white wine can elevate the dish’s flavor. You can also add proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To reheat spaghetti Alfredo, gently warm it over low heat in a pan, adding a bit of cream or reserved pasta water to regain its creamy consistency.
