Cheesy Garlic Butter Fettuccine

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

An American comfort dish with creamy fettuccine tossed in rich garlic butter sauce and Parmesan cheese. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs Fettuccine, Butter, Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.6 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 400g Fettuccine, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Tip: Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining to help the sauce cling to the noodles.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 50g Butter over medium heat, then add 4 minced cloves Garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Tip: Cook garlic briefly to avoid bitterness.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low, pour in 100ml Heavy cream, and stir until the mixture begins to simmer. Add 100g grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3-4 minutes. Tip: Add cheese off the heat if it starts to clump.
  4. Step 4: Add the cooked Fettuccine to the skillet, using tongs to toss the pasta in the sauce, gradually incorporating 1/4 cup reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a glossy, creamy consistency. Season with salt to taste, ensuring even distribution.
  5. Step 5: Transfer the pasta to a serving dish, garnish with additional grated Parmesan if desired, and serve immediately while hot. Tip: For extra richness, stir in a pat of butter just before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheesy Garlic Butter Fettuccine take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cheesy Garlic Butter Fettuccine?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fettuccine from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Garlic Butter Fettuccine?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cheesy Garlic Butter Fettuccine for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cheesy Garlic Butter Fettuccine?

American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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