This easy fettuccine alfredo recipe uses just 4 ingredients and is ready in about 15 minutes! This is a family favorite made with fettuccine noodles, butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Pair it with steamed broccoli and plant-based chicken for a full meal!
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You'll never want to buy jarred pasta sauce again after trying this homemade alfredo sauce recipe!
We've essentially made this before in my fettuccine alfredo with cajun tofu. I wanted to make sure you had this easy recipe at your fingertips, ready for adding whatever sounds good to you!
While some fettuccine alfredo recipes use greek yogurt or cream cheese, I like the simple combination of butter, cream, and cheese. It gets perfectly rich and creamy in just minutes!
This is definitely one of my go-to vegetarian dinner ideas because it's so fast and easy. I've been making it for years with rave reviews all around, so you can feel confident sharing this recipe with your loved ones.
Easy Fettuccine Alfredo
What is alfredo sauce?
Classic alfredo sauce is known around my house as "white sauce". If you're getting a creamy white sauce for your pasta it's probably some variation of alfredo sauce.
Classic fettuccine alfredo ingredients
- Fettuccine pasta
- Butter
- Heavy whipping cream
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
How to make fettuccine alfredo sauce
- Cook pasta
- Melt butter
- Combine pasta, butter, cream, and cheese over medium heat
- Season with salt and pepper, top with parsley and serve immediately
I also like to add a sprinkling of crushed red pepper flakes before eating to balance out the creaminess. It's an amazing combo that you just have to try!
Top tips
Can I make this ahead of time and reheat?
This sauce does not reheat very well, so I recommend enjoying immediately after cooking. If eating leftovers it will be very buttery, but you can add a little more cream while reheating to bring some of the creaminess back.
What if my butter melts before the pasta is done?
You just want to melt the butter, not cook it until brown. If your butter melts before you're ready to add the pasta, remove it from the heat and bring it back when you're ready to proceed.
Is fettuccine alfredo healthy?
This recipe contains a lot of fat, so I would not consider it healthy. It is delicious and made from scratch with real ingredients, so I think it's ok to enjoy in moderation.
Is the parmesan cheese vegetarian?
Not all parmesan cheese is vegetarian, so if this is important to you be sure to do your research. You can read more about choosing a vegetarian cheese at the Vegetarian Society.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
I do not recommend substituting anything for the heavy cream since it would greatly affect the texture. If you're determined to lighten it up, use half & half in place of the heavy cream. See below for other customization options.
If you prefer a dairy free version, I recommend trying this dairy free alfredo sauce from Simply Whisked.
Tips for customizing
- Serve with steamed broccoli and cajun tofu
- Use whatever shape of pasta you have on hand, including a gluten free pasta to make it gluten free
- Cut the sauce ingredients in half to save on calories
- Add a couple cloves of roasted garlic to the sauce, mashing and stirring to incorporate
What to serve with fettuccine alfredo
- The Best Garlic Bread
- Garlic Parmesan Knots
- Oven Roasted Broccoli
- Roasted Vegetables
- The Best Easy Vegan Salad
More pasta recipes
- Fettuccine Alfredo with Cajun Tofu
- Olive Oil Alfredo Sauce
- Roasted Vegetable Lasagna
- Penne with Roasted Garlic and Broccoli
- Pesto Linguine with Crispy Balsamic Chickpeas
- Sun Dried Tomato and Broccoli Unstuffed Shells
If you make this recipe, be sure to rate it, leave a comment, or tag #theliveinkitchen on Instagram!
Recipe
Easy Fettuccine Alfredo
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Fettuccine pasta
- ½ cup Butter
- 1 cup Heavy whipping cream
- 4 ounces Grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to season
- parsley, optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
- Just before the pasta is done, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the butter along with the cream and cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir until heated through and slightly thickened. Serve immediately topped with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Tips for customizing
- Serve with steamed broccoli and cajun tofu
- Use whatever shape of pasta you have on hand, including a gluten free pasta to make it gluten free
- Cut the sauce ingredients in half to save on calories
- Add a couple cloves of roasted garlic to the sauce, mashing and stirring to incorporate
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