Holiday Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe (2024)

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Fettuccini AlfredoRecipe– We’re sharing our easy holidayFettuccine AlfredoRecipetoday. With only a handful ofingredients, this decadentpasta dishis a timeless treat that your family will love.

Holiday Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe (1)

Why We Love This Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Every year we have certain holiday movies that we can’t wait to watch once the weather turns cold.

The Christmas Storyis a classic we always enjoy as a family the week before Christmas. Then Lt. Dan and I like to watchLove Actuallyon winter nights once the kids are in bed. But my personal favorite isThe Holidaywith Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz.

There’s a scene in The Holiday where Iris (Kate Winslet) and Miles (Jack Black) are comparing the low moment of their twisted romantic relationships, and after hearing just how torn up the other person is feeling, they decide to make “Christmas Fettuccine” to lighten the mood.

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Every time I watch this scene, instead of pondering the lesson of not getting stuck in unhealthy manipulative relationships… all I can think about is fettuccine alfredo.

Does this happen to anyone else?

Because really… Although there are many ways to preparefettuccine, Fettuccine Alfredo is that end-all comfort dish we only allow ourselves to enjoy on rare occasions. Like Christmas.

I’m not exactly sure how Fettuccine Alfredo became popular as a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dish, but I’d guess it has to do with how quick it is to make and how lavish it tastes.

Today I’m sharing my version of classic Fettuccine Alfredo, made with just a few quality ingredients.

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What Ingredients You Will Need

  • 2 packages DeLallo Fettuccine Egg Pasta 8.8-ounce packages
  • 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
  • 1 clove garlic large, finely minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 pinches freshly ground nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper
  • Chopped parsley optional
  • Crushed red pepper optional
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How To Make Fettuccine Alfredo

Truly, there is no easier pasta dish to prepare than Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe.

Instructions

Set a large pot of salted water over high heat and bring to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions.

Meanwhile, place the butter and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute for 2-3 minutes, then add the cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the shredded cheese, lemon zest, and nutmeg. Stir until the alfredo sauce is smooth. Then check the pasta. Once the pasta is “al dente” (cooked, but firm) scoop it out of the water (reserving at least 2 cups of water) and into the alfredo sauce. Stir and cook the pasta and sauce together for 1-3 minutes. Salt and pepper if needed, and add a pinch of crushed red pepper if desired.

If the alfredo sauce starts to tighten too much before you are ready to serve the fettuccine alfredo, stir in some of the pasta water to loosen the sauce. Serve warm with a sprinkle of chopped parsley over the top!

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Holiday Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe (6)
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Get the Complete (Printable) Fettuccini Alfredo Recipe Below. Enjoy!

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Holiday Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe (9)

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do Leftovers Last?

You can store these leftovers in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. I would not recommend freezing the leftovers.

Can I Make Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo?

Yes, you can use this recipe to make a brilliant Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo recipe by simply adding grilled chicken, breaded chicken cutlets, or sauteéd chicken to the top of the pasta.

What Other Ways Can I Serve This Dish?

You can add fresh broccoli florets into the cooked pasta noodle dish when you toss them with the sauce. The broccoli will cook quickly in the hot cheese sauce. Or serve your Fettuccine Alfredo with a sizzling steak, our favoritestanding rib roast, some juicy shrimp, and some roastedbrussels sprouts,or your favorite vegetables.

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Looking for More Pasta Dishes to Try? Be Sure to Also Try:

  • Chicken Pesto Pasta
  • Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
  • Greek Shrimp Pasta
  • Spinach Ricotta Pasta
  • Tomato Pesto Pasta with Chicken

Check out the printable recipe card below for the nutrition information including calories, protein, carbohydrates, cholesterol, and sodium percentages.

Holiday Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe (11)

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Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Easy holiday Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe your whole family will love. With only a handful of ingredients, this decadent pasta dish is a crowd-pleaser.

Servings: 8

Ingredients

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • Set a large pot of salted water over high heat and bring to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions.

  • Meanwhile, place the butter and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute for 2-3 minutes, then add the cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the shredded cheese, lemon zest and nutmeg. Stir until the alfredo sauce is smooth. Then check the pasta. Once the pasta is "al dente" (cooked, but firm) scoop it out of the water (reserving at least 2 cups of water) and into the alfredo sauce. Stir and cook the pasta and sauce together for 1-3 minutes. Salt and pepper if needed, and add a pinch of crushed red pepper if desired.

  • If the alfredo sauce starts to tighten too much before you are ready to serve the fettuccine alfredo, stir in some of the pasta water to loosen the sauce. Serve warm with a sprinkle of chopped parsley over the top!

Video

Notes

You can store these leftovers in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. I would not recommend freezing the leftovers.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g, Calories: 638kcal, Carbohydrates: 46g, Protein: 19g, Fat: 43g, Saturated Fat: 26g, Cholesterol: 180mg, Sodium: 537mg, Potassium: 215mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 1460IU, Vitamin C: 0.5mg, Calcium: 359mg, Iron: 1.4mg

Course: Main Course, Pasta

Cuisine: American, Italian

Author: Sommer Collier

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Holiday Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you make fettuccine alfredo taste better? ›

Heartier herbs like thyme or oregano can be added in to simmer with the sauce. Add delicate herbs like parsley, basil, or chervil at the end to maintain their delicate, aromatic flavor. Quick tip: Swirl in a bit of leftover pesto to add another herbaceous twist to your Alfredo sauce.

Why is my fettuccine alfredo not creamy? ›

Add more cheese.

This is often the easiest way to make a creamy sauce. Any grated, shredded, or cream cheese will do. Toss in 1 or 2 tbsp of pasta water for best results. The starch from the pasta will bond with the dairy content, creating a nice cream that will improve the texture of the sauce.

How to make box fettuccine alfredo better? ›

Your best bet would be to add some contrasting flavors like: roasted garlic, some chopped steamed broccoli, a pinch of nutmeg, shrimp, herbs or a purée of sundried tomatoes. Alfredo Sauce is kind of a blank canvas. You can add almost anything you like and end up with something good.

What makes fettuccine alfredo so good? ›

Cream: The rich sauce calls for almost a cup of heavy cream. Seasonings: The fettuccine Alfredo is simply seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic salt. Cheese: You'll need Romano and Parmesan cheeses.

What can I add to fettuccine alfredo? ›

There are dozens of variations of fettuccine Alfredo out there. You could sprinkle in fresh herbs and lemon zest or juice to cut the richness of the cream. You could also top servings with cooked shrimp or chicken for some protein, or toss in a vegetable like cooked asparagus!

What is the secret to smooth Alfredo sauce? ›

Fresh parmesan cheese grated off the block is one of those key ingredients. This will create a smooth textured sauce rather than a grainy one. Butter: Both unsalted or salted work for this alfredo sauce recipe. If using salted butter, then just adjust the extra salt you use or omit it entirely.

How do you get Alfredo to stay creamy? ›

Pretty much as easy, add flour to the butter cook a minute, (at this point, I like a little garlic - saute a minute) then cream/milk, stir, then cheeses. As it cools it thickens, the degree depends on how much liquid was added.

What thickens Alfredo sauce? ›

The key ingredient in Alfredo sauce is cheese—generally Parmigiano Reggiano—and lots of it. To thicken Alfredo sauce, simply add more cheese than the amount called for in a recipe until you achieve the consistency you want.

Should I add pasta water to Alfredo sauce? ›

Alfredo should never have anything but pasta water, butter, and cheese in it. Make sure the cooking water has salt in it but remember part is salty.

How do you make Alfredo more interesting? ›

10 Unexpected Ways To Upgrade Your Next Alfredo Sauce
  1. Roast some black garlic. Joe_mcubed/Getty Images. ...
  2. Add a dash of pesto. Nitrub/Getty Images. ...
  3. Stir in caramelized onions. ...
  4. Place some prosciutto on top. ...
  5. Sprinkle in fresh herbs and greens. ...
  6. Include chopped pancetta. ...
  7. Splurge on adding truffles. ...
  8. Mix in tricolor cherry tomatoes.
Feb 1, 2023

What veggies are good with Alfredo sauce? ›

Stir in big handfuls of spinach, Kale mushrooms, zucchini, onions, broccoli, spinach, squash, or grape tomatoes after the pasta is cooked. You can also substitute zucchini (zoodles) for the pasta.

Do you add flour to fettuccine Alfredo? ›

Cook and stir until garlic is very lightly browned (1 to 2 minutes). Add the flour; continue stirring, until flour is bubbly (about 1 minute). Add the half and half. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly (3 to 4 minutes).

Why do they put nutmeg in Alfredo sauce? ›

The reason behind this is simple; cream sauces tend to lack flavor and feel a bit heavy due to the fat content. Nutmeg is a simple way to warm up the sauce with a subtle, spice flavor that won't overpower it. Like with béchamel, you only need a pinch of nutmeg in your alfredo to improve its flavor.

Why do people put flour in Alfredo? ›

If too much liquid is poured in, the sauce won't be thick. If this happens, make a paste with equal parts flour and butter. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of this paste at a time into the simmering sauce until it thickens to your desired thickness. If your sauce is milk-based, don't let it continue to boil.

What is a fun fact about fettuccine alfredo? ›

Alfredo di Lelio, an Italian restaurateur, created Fettuccine Alfredo in 1908. After his wife had given birth to their first son that year, she did not have an appetite. To help encourage her to eat, he created a dish of noodles, cheese and butter.

How to make Alfredo more interesting? ›

10 Unexpected Ways To Upgrade Your Next Alfredo Sauce
  1. Roast some black garlic. Joe_mcubed/Getty Images. ...
  2. Add a dash of pesto. Nitrub/Getty Images. ...
  3. Stir in caramelized onions. ...
  4. Place some prosciutto on top. ...
  5. Sprinkle in fresh herbs and greens. ...
  6. Include chopped pancetta. ...
  7. Splurge on adding truffles. ...
  8. Mix in tricolor cherry tomatoes.
Feb 1, 2023

How to make store-bought Alfredo sauce thicker? ›

Cornstarch

The easiest way to accomplish this is to mix about a spoonful of cornstarch to 2 spoonfuls of liquid – it could be water or chicken stock or even milk. You will add this mixture, also called a slurry to the sauce and as it starts to cook, the sauce will thicken.

What spices go well with chicken alfredo? ›

2What seasoning tastes good in Alfredo? Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning are my favorites in Alfredo.

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