File Explorer Fettuccine Alfredo

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

Creamy fettuccine bathed in a garlic-infused cheese sauce, featuring a perfect balance of richness and elegance for a weeknight masterpiece. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs fettuccine pasta, unsalted butter, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 680 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 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 (use 1 tbsp salt for 4 quarts water). Add 12 oz fettuccine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1/4 tsp black pepper, simmering gently for 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
  4. Step 4: Add drained fettuccine to skillet, tossing vigorously with 2 tbsp reserved pasta water until sauce coats every strand. Add more pasta water if needed to reach desired creaminess.

Frequently asked questions

How long does File Explorer Fettuccine Alfredo take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 File Explorer Fettuccine Alfredo?

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 pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in File Explorer Fettuccine Alfredo?

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 File Explorer Fettuccine Alfredo 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 File Explorer Fettuccine Alfredo?

Italian 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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