3 Ingredient Fettuccine Alfredo
This authentic 3 ingredient fettuccine alfredo is made with butter, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and pasta water for a silky, creamy Italian-style sauce — no heavy cream required. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s the easiest weeknight pasta dinner that tastes restaurant-worthy.
Servings 1
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
- ½ cup unsalted butter cut into pieces
- 1 to 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 –2 cups reserved hot pasta water as needed
- Salt to taste
Optional for serving:
- Extra Parmesan
- Fresh cracked black pepper
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.
- Cook the fettuccine until al dente according to package directions.
- Before draining, reserve 1–2 cups of the hot pasta water.
- Drain the pasta and immediately return it to the warm pot.
- Add the butter and toss continuously until fully melted and coating the pasta.
- Gradually sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan while tossing to combine.
- Slowly add small splashes of the reserved hot pasta water, tossing constantly, until a smooth and silky sauce forms.
- Continue adjusting with additional cheese or pasta water until the desired creamy consistency is reached.
- Serve immediately topped with extra Parmesan and black pepper.
Notes
Always use freshly grated Parmesan for smooth melting.
Keep the pasta hot while mixing to help emulsify the sauce.
Add pasta water gradually — it’s easier to thin the sauce than to thicken it.