Are you craving a decadent, creamy Alfredo sauce but intimidated by complicated recipes? Fear not! This easy Alfredo recipe, made with milk instead of cream, is your shortcut to restaurant-quality pasta heaven. It's surprisingly quick, incredibly delicious, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Get ready to impress yourself (and maybe some friends) with this simple yet satisfying homemade dish! This recipe is a great example of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals that don’t compromise on flavour.
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
- 1 pound fettuccine pasta
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Let's Make Some Magic!
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Melt the Butter and Sauté Garlic: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic – it will become bitter.
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Create the Creamy Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
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Add Cheese and Season: Slowly add the Parmesan cheese, a little at a time, whisking continuously until it's completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir in the salt and pepper. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the Alfredo sauce.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. This delicious and easy Alfredo recipe is best served hot.
Cooking Tips for Alfredo Perfection
- Use good quality Parmesan cheese: The flavor of the cheese will significantly impact the overall taste of your Alfredo sauce. Freshly grated is best!
- Don't overheat the sauce: Keep the heat low to prevent the sauce from separating or becoming too thick.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of nutmeg for a deeper flavor.
- Add protein: This Alfredo recipe is easily adaptable. Consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or vegetables for a more complete meal.
Delicious Variations to Explore
- Lemon Alfredo: Add the zest and juice of half a lemon to the sauce for a bright and zesty twist.
- Garlic Alfredo: Increase the amount of garlic to your liking for a more intense garlicky flavor.
- Spicy Alfredo: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving - approximate)
This information is based on a recipe yielding 4 servings and may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Fat: 25-30g
- Protein: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
This easy Alfredo recipe with milk is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of homemade cooking and best recipes. It's a simple yet elegant dish that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!