Barefoot Contessa Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Sharon Brown
Barefoot Contessa Alfredo Pasta is a creamy and indulgent dish that pairs beautifully with a few well-chosen sides to complete the meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 266 kcal
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lb. fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup rich double cream
- 2 cups finely shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- A pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine and cook per package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining.
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant; be careful not to burn it.
Pour in the rich double cream and whisk everything together. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes. This will help thicken and combine the flavors.
Gradually add the finely shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Whisk until creamy and smooth. If it seems too thick, slowly add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Add a pinch of salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and ground nutmeg. Taste and adjust the seasonings, if necessary. Consider this step an art—you want a blend that dances on your palate!
Add the cooked fettuccine to your sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring every noodle is coated in that heavenly cheese sauce. This is where the magic happens!
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Pay attention to cooking time so it remains al dente. You’ll cook it further in the sauce, absorbing flavors.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic elevates your dish far beyond pre-minced options.
- Grate Your Cheese: Grating the cheese yourself allows for better melting compared to pre-packaged shredded cheese.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water is your secret weapon. It helps you achieve that perfect creamy texture.
- Adjust to Taste: Taste your sauce before serving. Don’t hesitate to sprinkle in more salt, pepper, or nutmeg as needed.
Calories: 266kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 11gFat: 12.4gSaturated Fat: 6.4gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 367mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2g
Keyword barefoot contessa alfredo pasta recipe