Name: Rich Fettuccini Alfredo
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 pound dried fettuccine pasta; ¼ cup butter; 4 cloves garlic (smashed and sliced); 1 cup heavy cream; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded – plus more for serving); Fresh Parsley (optional for serving)

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Craving a creamy, indulgent pasta dinner that’s ready in just 20 minutes? This Rich Fettuccini Alfredo with Heavy Cream takes the classic dish to the next level by adding heavy cream and garlic for extra richness and flavor—far beyond the traditional butter-and-Parmesan version. It’s a perfect meatless meal that’s simple to make and utterly satisfying!

Traditional Fettuccine Alfredo is beautifully simple—just butter and Parmesan cheese—creating a light and elegant dish. But today, we’re craving something far more indulgent!

This Rich Fettuccine Alfredo takes the classic to new heights with the addition of heavy cream and garlic, delivering an ultra-creamy texture and bold, irresistible flavor. Since we’re keeping it meatless, we’re going all-in on the richness.

Ready in about 20 minutes, this luxurious Alfredo sauce combines heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, fresh garlic, and perfect seasonings. If you’re in the mood for a comforting, meat-free dinner, this Fettuccine Alfredo with heavy cream is an absolute must-try!

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Just look at that luscious, creamy richness in this Fettuccine Alfredo! And the best part? It’s incredibly easy and comes together faster than you’d imagine—in under 30 minutes, you can be twirling forks into this decadent pasta for dinner tonight.

What is Alfredo:

What is Alfredo sauce? Traditionally, it’s a simple white sauce made with just butter and Parmesan cheese, creating a light yet rich emulsion when tossed with pasta.

However, there are countless variations—especially in American-style recipes—that incorporate heavy cream for extra creaminess, milk, or alternative cheeses like Pecorino Romano. Popular additions include proteins such as chicken, shrimp, or even pork strips, along with vegetables like broccoli, peas, or mixed veggies. We’ve even seen creative twists featuring pumpkin puree for a seasonal flair!

Rich Fettuccini Alfredo Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 pound dried fettuccini pasta
¼ cup butter
4 cloves garlic, smashed and sliced
1 cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded – plus more for serving
Parsley, optional for serving

Equipment Needed:

Pasta Cooker
Medium Saucepan, about 2 quarts
Whisk

🥣 Recipe Tips

Use freshly shredded Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated varieties. It melts more smoothly into the sauce, creating a creamier texture without any graininess.
Reserve some pasta water before draining the fettuccine. If the sauce becomes too thick after tossing, stir in a splash of the starchy water to loosen it up and help it coat the pasta perfectly.
Watch the garlic closely when sautéing in butter—cook it just until fragrant (about 2 minutes) to avoid scorching, which can make the sauce bitter. Whisk constantly when adding the cream and cheese for an even, silky result.

How to Make Fettuccine Alfredo with heavy cream:

Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water or pasta cooker. Important: Do not rinse the pasta after draining—it helps the sauce cling better.
While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and hot, add the garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently and watching closely to prevent scorching.

Next, pour in the heavy cream, then add the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to the buttery garlic mixture.
Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the sauce to a gentle boil, whisking constantly, for about 2 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low.

Add parmesan cheese to butter and garlic

Add the shredded Parmesan cheese and whisk continuously until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if desired. You can also tweak the consistency at this point—it’s easy to adjust in a few simple ways.

How to Adjust the Consistency of Your Alfredo Sauce

If the Alfredo sauce is too thin:

Stir in a splash of additional heavy cream, then bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Whisk constantly to prevent scalding, and let it simmer until it thickens gradually.
Alternatively, add more shredded Parmesan cheese a little at a time—this will thicken the sauce while enhancing its flavor without altering the classic taste.

If the Alfredo sauce is too thick:

Thin it out by stirring in a bit of milk or reserved pasta water. Bring the sauce back to a gentle simmer, whisking frequently, until it reaches your perfect creamy consistency.

adding the fettuccini to the alfredo sauce

Toss the hot cooked fettuccine with the creamy homemade Alfredo sauce until evenly coated, then serve immediately for the best texture.
For extra flavor, top with additional shredded Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

This Rich Fettuccini Alfredo with Heavy Cream is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, garlicky, and ready in just 20 minutes for a quick yet indulgent meatless dinner. Pair it with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal the whole family will love. Enjoy every luxurious bite!

Other Pasta Dishes:

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