Martha's 3-Ingredient Fettuccine Alfredo

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Just three ingredients create a rich, silky pasta.

Servings:
4

As simple and classic as can be, fettuccine Alfredo is popular for good reason. Butter, Parmesan cheese, and pasta is an irresistible combination—yes, this favorite is made with only those three ingredients. The dish is thought to have been invented about a hundred years ago by Alfredo di Lelio, who served it at his restaurant in Rome. 

Martha’s version is easy and much like the original, but you will need to get out your mixer to combine the cheese and butter—trust us, it’s well worth it. The dish tastes creamy, but is cream free. Some versions add heavy cream to the sauce, but there’s no need—one bite of Martha’s fettuccine Alfredo and you’ll agree.

portion of fettucine alfredo in a white bowl with a fork

Bryan Gardner

Ingredients

  • 2 sticks butter, room temperature

  • ½ pound grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

  • Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 pound fettuccine

Directions

  1. Beat butter and Parmesan together:

    Using an electric mixer, beat butter and Parmesan until creamy. Season with a pinch of pepper.

  2. Cook fettuccine:

    Cook fettuccine in a large pot of boiling salted water, according to package instructions, until al dente, about 12 minutes. Reserve about 1 cup of cooking water; drain pasta.

  3. Add fettuccine to butter-cheese mixture:

    Add fettuccine to mixer. Toss pasta with 1/2 teaspoon salt, cheese mixture, and 1/4 cup of the pasta water. Add more pasta water as needed. Serve with additional cheese.


5 More Alfredo Pasta Recipes to Try:

Originally appeared: Martha Stewart's Cooking School
Updated by
Victoria Spencer
Victoria Spencer, senior food editor, MarthaStewart.com
Victoria Spencer is an experienced food editor, writer, and recipe developer. She manages the Martha Stewart recipe archive and is always curious about new ingredients and the best techniques. She has been working in food media for over 20 years.

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