Best-Kept Secret Fettuccine Alfredo with Asparagus

By AislePrompt Editorial · ·

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

Creamy, garlicky fettuccine smothered in a velvety Alfredo sauce, featuring tender asparagus for the 'best' pasta experience. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs Fettuccine pasta, Unsalted butter, Heavy cream for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 680 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 680 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil; add 8 oz fettuccine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, trim woody ends from 8 oz fresh asparagus and cut into 1-inch pieces. Steam over boiling water for 4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
  3. Step 3: Melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat, add 3 minced garlic cloves, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 tsp salt, simmering for 3 minutes until slightly thickened, then whisk in 1 cup grated Parmesan until melted and smooth.
  5. Step 5: Add drained pasta and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce clings to strands. Fold in steamed asparagus and 1/4 tsp black pepper, cooking for 1 more minute.

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