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Colander or strainer
Spoon or ladle
Large pot
Tongs or spatula
Large sauté Pan
Cheese grater + Microplane
Wooden spoon + silicone spatula

Fettuccine Alfredo with Parmigiano Reggiano

15 min.
Easy
Medium

The traditional Roman Alfredo is very simple and different from the heavy cream versions often found outside Italy. The authentic recipe uses only butter, Parmigiano Reggiano, and pasta water to create a naturally creamy emulsion.

Ingredients

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Pasta Pasta

(200 g) fettuccine pasta

Butter Butter

(60 g) unsalted butter (high quality)

Parmigiano Parmigiano

(80 g) Parmigiano Reggiano, finely grated

Salt Salt

1 tsp salt (for pasta water)


Preparation method

15 min.
  • 1
    Boil the Pasta

    Fill a large pot with about 2 liters of water. Add salt and bring to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions (usually 8–10 minutes) until al dente. Important: Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

  • 2
    Prepare the Butter Base

    While the pasta cooks, place the butter in a large sauté pan over low heat. Allow the butter to gently melt without browning. The butter should be warm and fluid, not sizzling.

  • 3
    Transfer the Pasta

    Using tongs, transfer the cooked pasta directly from the pot into the pan with butter. Add about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Toss gently so the butter coats the pasta.

  • 4
    Create the Alfredo Emulsion

    Remove the pan from direct heat. Gradually add the grated Parmigiano Reggiano. Toss continuously with tongs while adding small splashes of pasta water. The starch in the pasta water combines with butter and cheese to form a silky, creamy sauce.

  • 5
    Adjust the Texture

    If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water. If it is too loose, add a little more grated cheese. The final texture should be smooth, glossy, and creamy, coating the pasta without pooling on the plate.

  • 6
    Plate and Finish

    Twirl the pasta into warm plates. Finish with: Extra Parmigiano Reggiano Fresh black pepper (optional) Serve immediately.

Serving: 4

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15 min.
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Fettuccine Alfredo with Parmigiano Reggiano

The traditional Roman Alfredo is very simple and different from the heavy cream versions often found outside Italy. The authentic recipe uses only butter, Parmigiano Reggiano, and pasta water to create a naturally creamy emulsion.

Fettuccine Alfredo with Parmigiano Reggiano

15 min.
Easy
Medium

The traditional Roman Alfredo is very simple and different from the heavy cream versions often found outside Italy. The authentic recipe uses only butter, Parmigiano Reggiano, and pasta water to create a naturally creamy emulsion.

Ingredients

Pasta Pasta

(200 g) fettuccine pasta

Butter Butter

(60 g) unsalted butter (high quality)

Parmigiano Parmigiano

(80 g) Parmigiano Reggiano, finely grated

Salt Salt

1 tsp salt (for pasta water)


Preparation method

15 min.
  • 1
    Boil the Pasta

    Fill a large pot with about 2 liters of water. Add salt and bring to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions (usually 8–10 minutes) until al dente. Important: Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

  • 2
    Prepare the Butter Base

    While the pasta cooks, place the butter in a large sauté pan over low heat. Allow the butter to gently melt without browning. The butter should be warm and fluid, not sizzling.

  • 3
    Transfer the Pasta

    Using tongs, transfer the cooked pasta directly from the pot into the pan with butter. Add about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Toss gently so the butter coats the pasta.

  • 4
    Create the Alfredo Emulsion

    Remove the pan from direct heat. Gradually add the grated Parmigiano Reggiano. Toss continuously with tongs while adding small splashes of pasta water. The starch in the pasta water combines with butter and cheese to form a silky, creamy sauce.

  • 5
    Adjust the Texture

    If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water. If it is too loose, add a little more grated cheese. The final texture should be smooth, glossy, and creamy, coating the pasta without pooling on the plate.

  • 6
    Plate and Finish

    Twirl the pasta into warm plates. Finish with: Extra Parmigiano Reggiano Fresh black pepper (optional) Serve immediately.

Serving: 4

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