Creamy Fettuccine Alfredo Parsley (Print)
Tender pasta tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce, garnished with fresh parsley for a bright finish.
# What You Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 14 oz fettuccine
→ Sauce
02 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
03 - 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
04 - 1 cup heavy cream
05 - 1 1/4 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
07 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus extra for pasta water
→ Garnish
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
09 - Extra Parmesan, optional
# How to Make:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
02 - Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.
03 - Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 - Reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan until melted and the sauce is smooth.
05 - Season sauce with black pepper and salt. Add drained fettuccine to the skillet and toss to coat. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
06 - Remove from heat and stir in half of the chopped parsley.
07 - Plate immediately and garnish with remaining parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This sauce feels like a secret velvety hug that clings perfectly to every strand of fettuccine
- Adding fresh parsley gives that unexpected burst of brightness that really lifts the dish, making it feel special every time
02 -
- The key to the sauce’s silky texture is adding the cheese off the heat so it melts gently without clumping
- Reserving pasta water isn’t optional—its starchiness is what makes the sauce cling and become luscious rather than heavy
03 -
- Temper the Parmesan gradually into the cream off heat to avoid clumping or graininess
- The parsley isn’t just garnish—it really cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate