Fettuccine Alfredo
(from aloogobi’s recipe box)
Mmmm. Fettuccine Alfredo. So simple, but so so good. Most of us in America know this dish in its cream-based form, with a little nutmeg sprinkled on top. But did you know that the original fettuccine Alfredo sauce didn’t use cream? Just butter, Parmesan, and black pepper. Both are great, whether you make one or the other just depends on what you feel like eating.
Source: SimplyRecipes
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Serves 4 people
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound dry fettuccine pasta
- 3-4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- Black pepper
- Additional, for creamy version:
- 1/2 cup cream
- Nutmeg
Directions
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Bring a large pot of salty water to a boil and drop in your fettuccine.
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Version 1: Plain version Melt the butter in a large sauté pan set over low heat. Once the butter has melted, turn the heat off.
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Version 2: Creamy version Melt the butter in a large sauté pan set over low heat. Add the cream to the butter as it melts. Stir often to combine the two, do not turn off the heat, but keep the heat at its lowest setting while the pasta cooks.
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When the fettuccine is al dente (cooked, but still a little firm) lift it out of the pot with tongs and move the pasta to the sauté pan. Do not drain the pasta. You want it dripping wet with the cooking water. Turn on the heat under the sauté pan to medium and swirl the pasta and butter together to combine. Add half the cheese, then swirl and toss the pasta until it has incorporated into the sauce. If needed, add a few spoonfuls more of the pasta cooking water. Add the rest of the cheese and repeat.
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Serve at once with either a little black pepper (for classic version) or nutmeg (for creamy version) ground over the pasta.