Easy Pasta Alfredo Recipe (3 Ingredients!)

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Craving a creamy pasta dish but short on time and ingredients? This easy 3-ingredient pasta Alfredo recipe is perfect for you! You can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in just 20 minutes with only pasta, butter, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s sure to impress.

The key to this recipe is timing. Cook your pasta while preparing the sauce, and use the starchy pasta water to create a silky smooth texture. With a few quick steps and some vigorous whisking, you’ll have a delicious Alfredo sauce coating every strand of pasta. Add some black pepper or lemon zest if you want to jazz it up a bit!

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy pasta Alfredo:

• 200 grams dried pasta (or 300 grams fresh)
• 100 grams butter
• 70 grams finely grated parmesan cheese
• ⅔ cup pasta water

That’s it! Just three main ingredients plus some pasta water.

Want to add a little extra flavor? Try these optional extras:

• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Lemon zest for serving

Remember to use high-quality ingredients for the best taste. Fresh pasta works great if you have it, but dried pasta is perfectly fine too.

The amounts listed will serve 2 people. Feel free to double or triple the recipe if you’re cooking for more.

Instructions

Cook pasta in salted boiling water. Save 1 cup pasta water before draining.

Start the sauce when pasta has 5 minutes left. Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat.

Add 1/3 cup pasta water and pepper (if using) to the melted butter. Whisk vigorously.

Let the mixture simmer gently for 1-2 minutes, whisking often.

Add cooked pasta and another 1/3 cup pasta water. Toss well and let bubble for 30 seconds.

Turn heat to low. Sprinkle grated parmesan evenly over pasta. Let it melt for 1-2 minutes.

Use tongs to swirl pasta quickly until sauce clings to it.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve right away. Top with extra parmesan and lemon zest if you like.

Tips:

• Use a flat whisk for best results
• Shake pan with one hand while whisking with the other
• Timing improves with practice

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

Want to switch things up with your Alfredo pasta? Here are some tasty options:

Cheese Swaps:

• Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste
• Grana Padano for a milder flavor
• Asiago for a nutty twist

Pasta Alternatives:

• Fettuccine
• Linguine
• Penne

Try these yummy add-ins:

• Grilled chicken
• Sautéed shrimp
• Steamed broccoli
• Roasted garlic
• Sun-dried tomatoes

You can make it lighter by using half butter, half olive oil. For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream.

Spice it up with:

• Red pepper flakes
• Fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or thyme)
• Lemon zest and juice

For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Vegans can try nutritional yeast instead of cheese and plant-based butter.

Remember, these changes might affect cooking times. Adjust as needed and have fun experimenting!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Use good quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh parmesan cheese and real butter make a big difference.

Grate the cheese yourself instead of using pre-grated. It melts better and tastes fresher.

Save some pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid helps create a smooth, creamy sauce.

Toss the pasta in the sauce quickly to prevent clumping. Use tongs for easy mixing.

Serve alfredo pasta right away. The sauce can thicken as it cools.

If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out.

For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, add a little milk or cream and warm gently on the stove. Stir often to keep the sauce smooth.

Try adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or veggies for extra flavor and nutrition.

Experiment with different pasta shapes. Fettuccine is classic, but penne or rigatoni work well too.

For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Don’t overcook the pasta. Keep it al dente for the best texture in your finished dish.