How to Make a Delicious Creamy Garlic Alfredo Pasta

Creamy garlic Alfredo pasta is a classic Italian dish that has become a favorite for many due to its rich and creamy sauce that complements well with the pasta. The perfect combination of butter, cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh garlic makes this dish not only delicious but also easy to make at home.This recipe serves 4 people and takes around 30 minutes to prepare. You will need the following ingredients:- 1 pound (450g) of fettuccine pasta- 2 cups (about 480ml) of heavy cream or half-and-half- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter- 4 cloves garlic, minced- Salt and pepper to tasteLet’s dive into the steps to prepare this creamy Alfredo pasta.Step-by-Step Preparation1. Boil the Pasta: - Start by boiling water in a large pot. - Once it starts to boil vigorously, add salt and your 1 pound of fettuccine pasta. - Stir occasionally while cooking until al dente (tender but still firm). It should take about 8-9 minutes for the pasta.2. Prepare the Sauce: - While the pasta is boiling, in a medium-sized saucepan over low heat, melt your butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently until it becomes aromatic. - Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half slowly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue stirring occasionally as it comes to a gentle simmer.3. Combine Pasta with Sauce: - Drain the pasta thoroughly but reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water to thin out your sauce if needed. - Return the drained pasta back into the pot and pour in your creamy garlic Alfredo sauce. Mix well so that each strand is coated evenly. - Add grated Parmesan cheese gradually while stirring, ensuring all strands are covered.4. Finish Up: - Taste test your dish to adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if necessary. - Serve immediately garnished with additional grated Parmesan and a little drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.5. Optional Garnish: - Consider adding some fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme right before serving to give it an extra layer of freshness and taste.Tips for Perfect PastaTo ensure your pasta turns out perfectly every time:- Do not overcook the pasta; al dente is the key.- Add a little pasta water when making the sauce to help emulsify the cream with the butter, resulting in a smoother texture.- Allow the sauce to simmer gently rather than boiling aggressively which prevents it from separating.Nutritional InformationWhile delicious, this dish can be quite calorie-dense due primarily to its use of butter and heavy cream. Serving sizes might range between 120 - 145 calories per serving depending on portion size. However, when balanced with a side salad or steamed vegetables, it makes for a wholesome meal.Creamy garlic Alfredo pasta is more than just comfort food; it’s about enjoying the simplicity of flavors that are universally loved across cultures. Its versatility also allows you to experiment by adding other ingredients such as mushrooms, chicken, shrimp, or spinach into your sauce for extra richness and taste variety without compromising on its essence. In conclusion, whether you're looking for a quick weekday dinner or an impressive dish to share at gatherings with friends, creamy garlic Alfredo pasta is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings. With its rich flavors and simplicity, it's no wonder this Italian classic remains beloved by countless households around the world.Enjoy your homemade Creamy Garlic Alfredo Pasta!