Name: Easy Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound fettuccine; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 6 cloves garlic, minced (1 ½ tablespoons) (may substitute 1 teaspoon ground garlic); 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 1 1/2 cups milk (2 percent or whole milk); 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 2 ounces cream cheese, very soft (optional for even thicker, creamier sauce); 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (will not make it spicy); 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional); 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano is best)

There's something so comforting about a rich, creamy pasta dish that just melts in your mouth. This Easy Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe is one of those classic meals that feels fancy but comes together without any fuss—perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without the stress.

The image shows a close-up of a bowl filled with creamy pasta. The pasta appears to be fettuccine, thick and coated evenly with a smooth, light cream sauce. On top, finely chopped green herbs and a sprinkle of black pepper add a touch of color and texture. The bowl is white with small brown speckles, and a gold fork is stuck into the pasta on the left side. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I adore this Easy Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between creamy indulgence and achievable cooking. You don’t have to be a pro to get it right, and the result always feels like a special treat.

Quick and simple: Ready in under 20 minutes, making it an ideal go-to for busy evenings.
Rich, homemade sauce: No jarred shortcuts here—you'll make an Alfredo sauce that’s silky and fresh.
Flavor-packed: A touch of garlic, herbs, and the right amount of Parmesan makes it utterly satisfying.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite add-ons or make it dairy-free with a few savvy swaps.

A close-up view of creamy fettuccine pasta piled high on a white plate, with the noodles covered in a smooth, pale yellow sauce. The noodle strands have a soft, slightly twisted texture and are sprinkled evenly with small bits of green parsley and black pepper. A gold spoon with a dark handle is placed near the edge of the plate, partially buried in the pasta. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Easy Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe plays a special role. Fresh Parmesan brings that signature nutty flavor while butter and cream create the luscious base. A splash of milk with cornstarch thickens the sauce gently—no lumps here! And a pinch of herbs and spices rounds everything out beautifully.

Flat lay of uncooked fettuccine pasta nests, a few whole brown garlic bulbs with several peeled cloves, a small stack of whole unsalted butter sticks, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh heavy whipping cream, a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl of pale cream cheese block, a small white ceramic bowl of golden cornstarch powder, a small white ceramic bowl of finely grated Parmesan cheese, small white ceramic bowls each containing dried basil leaves, dried parsley flakes, onion powder, dried oregano, fine salt, cracked black peppercorns, red pepper flakes, and ground nutmeg, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Fettuccine: Classic choice for this sauce because its wide, flat shape holds onto every creamy coating.
Unsalted butter: Gives you control over seasoning and a rich, silky mouthfeel.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds that lovely aromatic depth—though ground garlic can save time if needed.
Heavy whipping cream: The star that makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and indulgent.
Milk (2% or whole): Combined with cornstarch, it smooths and slightly lightens the sauce texture.
Cornstarch: The secret to thickening the sauce without any heaviness or clumping.
Cream cheese (optional): For an extra creamy, tangy boost that makes the sauce even silkier.
Dried basil & parsley: Herbs add freshness and balance out the creaminess.
Onion powder & dried oregano: Subtle layers of flavor that elevate the sauce from simple to spectacular.
Salt, pepper, & red pepper flakes: Seasoning essentials to make every bite pop—don’t skip the pepper!
Ground nutmeg (optional): A tiny pinch brings warmth and depth—a chef’s little trick for creamy sauces.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Use the real deal (Parmigiano Reggiano if you can) for the best flavor and texture.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Easy Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe is how flexible it is. I often tweak it depending on what’s in my fridge or how fancy I want it to be. You can make it fresh, or jazz it up with your favorite protein and veggies.

Variation: Sometimes I add sautéed mushrooms or grilled chicken for a heartier dish—both are fantastic and soak up the sauce beautifully.
Dairy-free option: Swap the cream and milk for full-fat coconut milk and use a vegan cheese alternative to keep it creamy but allergy-friendly.
Herb swap: Fresh herbs like thyme or chives work wonderfully if you’re out of dried ones.
Spice it up: Add more crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle kick, but don’t worry—it won’t overpower the creaminess.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Just Right

Start by boiling salted water and cooking your fettuccine until it’s al dente—meaning it still has a little bite and doesn’t get mushy. This is key because the pasta will soak up some sauce later. Be sure to reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining—it’s gold for tweaking the sauce consistency!

Step 2: Melt Butter & Sauté Garlic

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and then toss in the minced garlic. Stir briskly and let it cook just about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it brown or burn, as it can turn bitter fast.

Step 3: Whisk in Cream, Milk, Cornstarch & Cheese

Before adding to the pan, whisk together milk and cornstarch until smooth—this prevents lumps in your sauce. Add this mixture, the heavy cream, cream cheese (if using), and all seasonings to the butter and garlic. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir until everything’s melted and silky.

Step 4: Incorporate the Parmesan Gradually

Add your freshly grated Parmesan in batches, whisking after each addition until it dissolves smoothly. Patience is key here to avoid clumps and get that ultra creamy texture.

Step 5: Simmer & Thicken Sauce

Let the Alfredo sauce gently simmer for about 3-5 minutes. You’ll see it start to thicken—it should coat the back of a spoon. Remember it thickens even more as it cools, so if it feels perfect now, you’re on track.

Step 6: Toss Pasta & Adjust Consistency

Add the drained fettuccine right into the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If it looks too thick, don’t hesitate to stir in some reserved pasta water a little at a time—that’s the trick to achieving that irresistibly smooth Alfredo finish.

Step 7: Season & Serve Immediately

Give it a final taste test and season with cracked salt and pepper as needed. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a cheerful pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy every bite!

Top Tip

After making this Easy Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe a dozen times, a few tricks have saved me from sauce disasters. These tips will help your sauce come out silky every time—no lumps, no separation.

Milk-Cornstarch Combo: Whisking these together first is essential to avoid clumps and keep your sauce velvety smooth.
Fresh Parmesan: Grate it yourself rather than using pre-shredded—it melts better and tastes fresher.
Low and Slow Heating: Don’t rush the melting process or crank the heat. You want to gently coax everything into one creamy sauce.
Pasta Water Magic: Keep some pasta water handy. If sauce thickens too much, it’s your secret weapon to loosen it back up.

How to Serve Easy Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Garnishes

I love to finish this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley—it brightens up the creamy richness. Sometimes I add a little extra cracked black pepper or even a dusting of smoked paprika for subtle warmth and color.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually go with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or roasted asparagus are also fantastic companions that make this meal feel complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a special dinner? I like to twirl the fettuccine into elegant nests on each plate, then garnish with shaved Parmesan curls and edible flowers for a stunning presentation that always impresses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge—it keeps well for up to 4-5 days. To avoid the sauce thickening too much overnight, sometimes I stir in a splash of milk before refrigerating.

Freezing

Freezing Alfredo pasta can be tricky because the cream tends to separate. I usually freeze the sauce and pasta separately if needed, then gently reheat and combine when ready to eat for the best texture.

Reheating

Microwaving often breaks the sauce apart, so I recommend reheating on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of milk to bring back that creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

While you can, I strongly recommend freshly grated Parmesan for this recipe because it melts better and offers a fresher, richer flavor without clumping.

How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from sticking to the pan?

Cooking the sauce over medium-low heat and stirring frequently prevents scorching. Also, adding the milk and cream gradually while whisking helps keep the sauce smooth and prevents sticking.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Swap out dairy ingredients with alternatives like coconut or cashew cream and use vegan cream cheese and Parmesan substitutes. Keep in mind the texture and flavor might differ slightly but it’s still delicious!

What’s the best way to thicken the Alfredo sauce?

Using cornstarch mixed into cold milk before adding it to the sauce is the easiest trick to thicken the sauce naturally without lumps or heaviness. Let the sauce simmer gently until it coats the spoon.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen for those times I want classic comfort without hours of effort. It’s become a reliable favorite for gatherings and quiet dinners alike. Give it a try—you’ll soon understand why it’s such a beloved creamy pasta staple!