Fettuccine Alfredo for Two is so easy to make in just 15 minutes, yet it still feels luxurious and indulgent. This version has garlic in the sauce and is super customizable - add in broccoli, shrimp, or chicken. Easily double it for a family, too.
Ingredients
8oz.(236g)fettuccine noodles, high quality recommended
Fill a large stockpot with water and a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and add fettuccine noodles, cooking a few minutes under package directions.
8 oz. fettuccine noodles
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons (41g) of the butter on low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently so it doesn't burn. Keep the heat low!
6-8 garlic cloves
Increase the heat to medium and whisk in the half-and-half; add half of the salt and pepper. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, then add ½ cup of the pasta water. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
½ cup half-and-half
Add the grated parmesan cheese and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, whisking until smooth and combined. Test the sauce for salt levels, adding more as needed.
½ cup grated parmesan cheese*
Add the pasta into the sauce and toss to combine. Let the pasta simmer for 1-2 minutes until al dente. If the sauce is too thick (which may be the case especially if you used heavy cream), add additional pasta water 1-2 tablespoons at a time to loosen, stirring between each addition.
Serve immediately. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley as desired.
Notes
Cold half-and-half? Put it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. You want it to be lukewarm/room temperature so it doesn't shock up when you put it in the skillet.
Reheating? I don't recommend it, but if you need to, I recommend reserving a bit of the pasta water and reheating it with 2-4 tablespoons of the pasta water on the stove over low-medium heat until heated through and the sauce has loosened.
Possible add-ins: chicken, shrimp, or broccoli. See the blog post for more ideas!
*Look for cheese specifically labeled vegetarian, if needed.