Alfredo Sauce
This Alfredo Sauce recipe is built around (2 sticks / 230 g) of butter, and it comes together in about 15 minutes from start to finish. It is naturally vegetarian, so it suits mixed tables without any substitutions. Read through the tips before you start — a couple of small details go a long way with this one.
- Cook 15 min
- Total 15 min
- Serves 4
- Level Easy
Ingredients
- 8 oz (2 sticks / 230 g) of butter, unsalted and softened to room temperature
- ½ lb (230 g) Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (aged 24 months), grated
- Salt
- 1 lb (450 g) fettuccine egg noodles
Method
- Whisk together the butter and grated Parmesan-Reggiano cheese until it is creamy. Both ingredients combined should be on the thick side.
- Put water to boil in a large pot and cook the noodles until al dente.
- Drain the noodles and reserve ½ cup of liquid to emulsify your sauce.
- Put noodles back in the warm pot and stir in the butter and cheese mixture with vigorous turning motion while adding pasta water until the noodles are glistening and smooth.
- Add salt to taste.
- Serve immediately.
Tips for the best Alfredo Sauce
- Taste as you go. Seasoning at the end is fine, but adjusting halfway through gives a more balanced result.
- Rest the finished dish for a few minutes before serving — it lets the flavours settle and the texture firm up.
- Read the whole method before you start and measure out the 4 ingredients first — it keeps the pace relaxed once the heat is on.
- Let the egg come up to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking so it cooks evenly.
Variations
- Swap the egg for silken tofu — keep the cooking time similar and check for doneness.
- Vegetable boost: stir in a handful of spinach, peas or diced peppers in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spicier version: add a pinch of chilli flakes or a sliced fresh chilli with the aromatics.
Serving ideas
Finish with fresh herbs and serve family-style in the middle of the table.
Storage
Cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until piping hot. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
Frequently asked questions
Is Alfredo Sauce vegetarian?
Yes — this version is vegetarian as written. Always check packaged ingredients if you have strict requirements.
What can I substitute for (2 sticks / 230 g) of butter?
Any ingredient with a similar texture and cooking time works; see the variations below for ideas. Keep quantities the same and adjust seasoning at the end.
How many people does this Alfredo Sauce recipe serve?
As written it serves 4. The quantities scale up or down in a straight line, so double everything for 4×2.
Can I make Alfredo Sauce ahead of time?
You can prep all the ingredients a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge, then cook just before serving for the best texture.
How long does Alfredo Sauce take to make?
About 15 minutes in total — roughly under an hour of preparation and 15 minutes of cooking.
Adapted from Wikibooks Cookbook, CC BY-SA 4.0 — source
0 comments