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Creamy spaghetti Alfredo with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Spaghetti Alfredo (Easy Creamy Pasta)


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  • Author: Nikki
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This spaghetti Alfredo is a quick and easy family dinner made with tender spaghetti tossed in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Made with simple pantry ingredients and ready in minutes, it's my mom's budget-friendly take on classic Alfredo pasta and perfect for busy weeknight dinners.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) spaghetti
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, optional, for tossing the cooked spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter
  • 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more for the pasta water
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups (500 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Spaghetti – Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve a little pasta water, then drain. Toss with a small amount of olive oil if needed to prevent sticking.
  2. Sauté the Garlic – Melt the butter in a large pan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce – Pour in the heavy cream and season with salt and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for a few minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
  4. Add the Parmesan – Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
  5. Add the Spaghetti – Add the cooked spaghetti to the Alfredo sauce and toss until every strand is well coated. Cook for another minute over low heat until everything is heated through.
  6. Serve – Serve the spaghetti Alfredo immediately with extra freshly grated Parmesan and black pepper, if desired.

Notes

Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly into the sauce than pre-shredded cheese.

Keep the Heat Low – Add the Parmesan over low heat and stir gradually to help create a smooth, creamy Alfredo sauce.

Save Some Pasta Water – If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Add Vegetables – Sautéed mushrooms, broccoli, spinach or peas are easy additions if you want to add vegetables.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Family Dinners, Main Course
  • Method: Stove Top
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: per servin g
  • Calories: 690 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 390 mg
  • Fat: 42 g
  • Saturated Fat: 25 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg