Okay, so you know how sometimes you crave something ridiculously comforting, something that you just can’t get enough of? What makes you want to curl up on the couch with a blanket?What is spaghetti alfredo recipeForget those jarred sauces that taste vaguely of… well, something vague and cheesy. This is the real deal, and honestly, it’s much easier than you think. If you boil pasta, you can make this. It’s like a warm hug in the bowl, only instead of hugging you, it’ll coating your tastebuds in most of the most delicious way. What is velvety sauce? Think mac and cheese, but leveled up about a thousand notches. Is this recipe liquid gold? I always make sure I have the ingredients on hand just in case of an emergency!
What is spaghetti Alfredo?
So, what *is* spaghetti alfredo? Well, think of it as the simplest, most elegant pasta dish you can imagine. It’s essentially perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a rich, creamy sauce made from butter, Parmesan cheese, and a little bit of pasta water. That’s it! No crazy ingredients, no complicated techniques. The magic is in the quality of the ingredients and the way you bring it all together. It’s one of those dishes where less is definitely more. It’s said to have originated in Rome, Italy, and has been a classic ever since – and for good reason! I remember having it for the first time at a tiny trattoria and being completely blown away by the simplicity and the amazing flavor.
Why do I love this recipe?
Okay, let me count the ways! First, the flavor is just… *chef’s kiss*. It’s that perfect balance of rich, salty, and creamy that just makes you want to keep eating it forever. Then there’s the simplicity. Seriously, this is one of those recipes that you can whip up in the time it takes to boil the pasta. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you just don’t have the energy for anything complicated. Plus, it’s surprisingly cost-efficient. Butter, Parmesan, and pasta are all staples that most of us usually have on hand anyway. And what I love most about this spaghetti Alfredo Recipe is how versatile it is. You can keep it classic, like I do, or you can add in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or vegetables to make it a complete meal. Honestly, the possibilities are endless! It’s even good with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. This recipe is way easier than making a béchamel for mac and cheese, and honestly, it tastes even better!
How do I make Spaghetti Alfredo?
Quick Overview
Making this spaghetti alfredo recipe is honestly as easy as 1-2-3 (okay, maybe more like 1-2-3-4-5, but you get the idea!). You’ll start by cooking your spaghetti to al dente perfection. While that’s cooking, you’ll melt butter in a pan, add Parmesan cheese, and a little bit of pasta water to create the most luscious, velvety sauce. Then, you simply toss the spaghetti in the sauce and serve immediately. The key is to work quickly and keep everything hot so the sauce doesn’t separate. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so incredible.
Ingredients
For Spaghetti Alfredo:
* 1 pound spaghetti (I prefer good quality spaghetti for this, like DeCecco or Barilla)
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into cubes (Good quality butter is key! What is European Butter?
* 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Don’t use the pre-shredded stuff! ) Grate it yourself for the best flavor and texture.)
* 1 cup reserved pasta water (This is your secret weapon! Don’t forget to save it!)
* Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper to taste (Season generously!)
Optional additions:
* Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
* Grilled chicken or shrimp
* Steamed broccoli or asparagus
* Red pepper flakes
How do I follow Step
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Make sure to reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining! I usually use a mug to scoop it out before I drain the pasta in the colander.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
While the spaghetti is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in the chopped tomatoes. If the butter is melted, it will become slightly frothy. Be careful not to brown it.
Step 3: Add the Parmesan Cheese
How do you add Parmesan cheese to melted butter? How do you stir cheese with a wooden spoon or spatula until smooth.
Step 4: Add Pasta Water
Gradually add the reserved pasta water to the cheese and butter mixture. Stir well. What is the best way to make sauce? Stir constantly until the sauce is creamy. If you are using pasta water, add it slowly until you reach your desired consistency. How does the pasta water come together to make a smooth sauce?
Step 5: Toss with Spaghetti
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat, making sure every strand is covered in that delicious, creamy goodness. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. What are some good side dishes to serve with grilled chicken, shrimp, or steamed vegetables? Is Parmesan cheese bad for you?
What should I serve it with?
What is a good spaghetti alfredo recipe?
For a simple side:What’s a good salad with vinaigrette? What is the best vinaigrette to make?
For a More Substantial Meal:What are some good side dishes to serve with spaghetti alfredo? Is it healthy to add steamed broccoli, asparagus, or peas to your diet? I sometimes toss in some Sauteed Mushrooms – they add an earthy flavor that goes really well with anything.
For a Special Occasion:What’s a good way to serve it with some crusty baguette? A crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs perfectly with the creamy alfredo.
My family loves when I serve this with garlic bread and a bowl of roasted vegetables. Is this a crowd pleaser?
How do I make Spaghetti Alfredo?
What are some of the best tips and tricks I have learned over the years? What is spaghetti alfredo recipe
Use Good Quality Ingredients: Use good quality ingredients:The better the quality of your butter and Parmesan cheese, the better your alfredo sauce will taste. Is it worth to splurge on good stuff?
How do you make your own Parmesan cheese?Don’t use pre-shredded stuff. It contains cellulose that prevents it from melting smoothly and it doesn’t taste as good. How do you grate it yourself before you make the sauce?
Don’t overcook spaghetti! Al dente is key! You want the spaghetti to have a slight bite to it. Overcooked spaghetti will be mushy and won’t hold the sauce as well.
Reserve Enough Pasta Water: The pasta water is what helps the cheese and butter come together into a smooth, creamy sauce. Don’t forget to save it before draining the spaghetti!
Work Quickly: Once you start making the sauce, work quickly. You want to toss the spaghetti in the sauce while it’s still hot so it doesn’t separate.
Don’t Be Afraid to Adjust the Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more pasta water to loosen it up. If it seems too thin, cook it for a minute or two longer to thicken it up.
Experiment with Additions: Once you’ve mastered the basic spaghetti alfredo recipe, feel free to experiment with additions. Grilled chicken, shrimp, steamed vegetables, sauteed mushrooms, red pepper flakes… the possibilities are endless!
I’ve even tried adding a little bit of Cream Cheese to the sauce once – it made it extra creamy and delicious! Just be sure to add it slowly and stir constantly so it doesn’t clump up.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Spaghetti alfredo is best served immediately, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them:
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover spaghetti alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, so you’ll need to add a little liquid when reheating.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat spaghetti alfredo, add a splash of milk or cream to the container and microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a little milk or cream as needed to loosen the sauce.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing spaghetti alfredo, as the sauce can separate and become grainy when thawed. However, if you must freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed above.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you are adding a garnish, wait until after reheating to add it. Fresh parsley added before storing will turn mushy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to spaghetti alfredo recipe! I truly believe that everyone should have this recipe in their repertoire. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. Plus, it’s so versatile that you can customize it to your liking. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight meal or a fancy dinner party dish, this recipe is sure to impress. And if you’re looking for something even *easier*, you should totally check out my one-pot Pasta Recipe – cleanup is a breeze! I really hope you give this a try. I’m absolutely sure that you and your family will adore it! Happy cooking, and please let me know how yours turns out. And if you happen to make any additions to it, please let me know!
Spaghetti Alfredo Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti uncooked
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 0.5 tsp black pepper or to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is well combined.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, tossing to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
