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fettuccine alfredo
Linda

Perfectly Cooked Fettuccine in Simple Steps

4.80 from 10 votes
Learn how to cook perfectly 'al dente' fettuccine every time with this comprehensive guide, covering essential techniques and expert tips. Discover the subtle differences between fettuccine and tagliatelle, why chicken fettuccine Alfredo is not popular in Italy, and what foods pair best with this creamy, rich, and buttery Italian American dish. We'll also delve into its taste profile and historical origins, including its birthplace in Rome and why it's called Alfredo.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Italian-American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Pasta Ingredients
  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 6 quarts water
  • 1 tablespoon salt 1-2 tablespoons, sea salt or kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil optional
Sauce Ingredients (for Alfredo style)
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano optional
  • 3 tablespoons butter olive oil optional
  • 4 clove garlic minced (garlic powder optional)
  • 2 cup chicken broth vegetable or beef broth optional
  • 1 cup milk heavy cream or half-and-half optional
Garnish
  • Fresh parsley to garnish (fresh basil, oregano, or chives optional)

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Strainer
  • Colander
  • Tongs
  • Large Fork
  • Serving Bowl
  • Grater
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

  1. Mise en Place: Have all ingredients measured and ready.
  2. Preparing the Boiling Water: Fill a large pot with 6 quarts of water and bring to a rolling boil.
  3. Adding the Salt: Add 1-2 tablespoons of salt to the boiling water.
  4. Cooking the Fettuccine: Add the fettuccine to the boiling water. Stir. Cook according to package directions, minus 1 minute.
  5. Testing for Doneness: Fish out a strand and bite into it. It should be firm to the bite ('al dente').
  6. Draining: Drain the pasta immediately in a colander. Do not rinse.
  7. Serving: Transfer the hot pasta to a serving bowl. Toss with your favorite sauce while hot.

Notes

For best results, use high-quality fettuccine and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust cooking time based on your preferred pasta texture. Don't rinse the pasta, as the starchy water helps the sauce cling. Experiment with different sauces and toppings to create your own unique fettuccine dish!