All you need for this homemade Alfredo pasta is noodles, butter, cream, Parmesan, and garlic. Prepare to kick back with a big bowl of YUM in less than 20 minutes!
What Is Alfredo Pasta?
Alfredo pasta is a simple pasta dish consisting of your choice of long pasta combined with cheesy Alfredo sauce. The Alfredo sauce is a rich, white cheese sauce. Despite having a complex flavor, this creamy alfredo pasta recipe requires only a few ingredients, most of which are likely already in your kitchen. Plus, there are a number of ways to change up the flavor of the dish by adding in different proteins or vegetables.
Alfredo was first made in 1914 by a man named Alfredo Di Lelio when, after giving birth, his wife had no appetite for any food. Alfredo tried everything to get her to eat — eventually succeeding with a cheesy-buttery pasta dish. Our version of Alfredo pasta may be very different compared to the original, authentic Italian version, however, it is tasty nonetheless!
How To Make Alfredo Pasta
Like many pasta dishes, you’ll need a pot and a pan to prepare Alfredo pasta. Pick your favorite pasta and get it boiling while preparing the sauce!
- Cook the pasta: Cook your choice of pasta according to package instructions.
- Prepare the Alfredo sauce: Prepare the Alfredo sauce, or if it has been refrigerated, warm it up by preheating it over low heat in a deep skillet.
- Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to a deep, large skillet and toss with the sauce to combine. Remove from heat.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately while the Alfredo is still warm. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and parsley, then enjoy!
Hot tip: If you expect leftovers, reserve ¼ cup of pasta water to rehydrate the pasta when reheating later on.
Additions to Your Alfredo Pasta
Imagine Alfredo pasta as your blank canvas — and your paint is a variety of different proteins, veggies, and types of pasta. Here are our personal favorites to add into this delicious pasta.
Proteins
Protein is quite possibly the most popular ingredient addition. Shrimp Alfredo pasta is one version where the shrimp are gently cooked and mixed with the cheesy sauce. Here’s a tip — when making the shrimp, be careful not to overcook them or they will taste rubbery!
A second popular option is chicken, such as in this chicken Alfredo pasta. Feel free to use leftover chicken, chicken breast, or even chicken thighs. It’s all up to you!
Vegetables
Are you looking for more veggies to pair with the pasta? Use up those mushrooms in your refrigerator and make chicken mushroom fettuccine Alfredo or add broccoli and you’ll have broccoli mushroom Alfredo. Feel free to add even more of your favorite veggies including asparagus, carrots, and bell peppers.
Pasta Types
One of the wonderful perks of this dish is that you are welcome to use any type of long pasta or noodle that you like! Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine pasta are all great choices. Keep in mind that the wider the pasta, the better it holds the sauce!
Tips for the Best Alfredo Pasta
Don’t be stuck with a mediocre Alfredo pasta when you can have a top-notch dish. Follow these tips to ensure your dish reaches 5-star ratings from everyone at your table.
- Pre-measure the ingredients: When making the Alfredo sauce, pre-measure the ingredients so you can focus on cooking and the milk and cheese do not burn or curdle.
- Cook to al dente: When cooking the pasta, be sure not to overcook it. Cook until it is al dente, or “firm to the tooth.”
- Make homemade pasta: For even more homemade flavor, make your own pasta from scratch! Use this recipe for easy homemade pasta.
- Choose a high-quality cheese: The cheese aisle can be intimidating, but choosing a high-quality Parmesan cheese makes this a knockout dish. Skip the shredded, bagged Parmesan and go for an aged Parmesan. Grate it fresh to unlock oils and flavors that are often lost in pre-shredded bagged cheese.
- Season to taste: Depending on the type of Parmesan used, as well as your taste preferences, add salt and black pepper to taste.
Serving the Pasta
Serve this scrumptious dish straight from the stove while it’s still warm. It’s a great lunch or dinner dish — and especially great for hosting since it’s easy to double the recipe. For a full meal, add a meat and vegetable side (if not already in the pasta). Serve mild-flavored baked chicken legs or air fryer chicken Parmesan. Alternatively, pair with crisp parmesan crusted chicken. Or if you’re a beef lover, make this tasty oven ribeye steak. For a salad option, go with a simple salad like this tomato mozzarella salad or level it up with bacon brussels sprouts salad. Another classic pairing would be a refreshing Caesar salad.
Storing & Reheating Tips
Alfredo pasta tastes best when served immediately — however, in case of leftovers, the dish also stores and reheats well.
- Refrigerator: To store for 3-5 days, place the pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate.
- Freezer: To store for up to three months, place the cooled pasta into an airtight container and freeze. Thaw the pasta in the fridge overnight.
- Reheating: To reheat, heat the pasta in a pan over medium heat. Add a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water or regular water to rehydrate the sauce. Since the sauce thickens as it cools, a bit of moisture helps the sauce return to a creamy texture.
FAQ
How do you thicken Alfredo without flour or cornstarch?
The best way to thicken Alfredo is by adding more Parmesan cheese. Or, whisk in a bit of heavy whipping cream into a 1/2 cup of the sauce and simmer over medium heat until thickened.
Is Alfredo sauce authentic Italian?
Alfredo sauce has primarily Italian roots, but the popularized Alfredo sauce today is largely different from its original form.
What pasta is best to use for Alfredo pasta?
Any long pasta works well in Alfredo dishes; however, the wider the noodle, the better it holds the pasta. For this reason, fettuccine noodles are the most popular choice.
What can I add to Alfredo pasta for flavor?
For more flavor in your pasta, add in meat or vegetable ingredients such as chicken, shrimp, mushrooms, broccoli, and more. Or, add in a dash of spices such as black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
More Alfredo Recipes
- Alfredo Broccoli & Bacon — Savory and creamy sauce filled with bacon and veggies
- Zucchini Alfredo Bake — Made with crispy zucchini, mushrooms, Alfredo sauce, and fresh mozzarella
- Perfect Homemade Pizza — Make an Alfredo pizza with this pizza recipe
- Air Fryer Calzones — Alfredo sauce makes the perfect dip for these calzones
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta (spaghetti, linguini or fettuccine)
- 2 cups alfredo sauce
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. On low heat, preheat your Alfredo sauce in a deep skillet. Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo Sauce.
- Stir to combine the Alfredo sauce with the pasta. Remove from heat.
- Serve pasta right away while the alfredo is still really warm. Sprinkle with fresh Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
For starters I seen you mention the word "noodle", it's not noodle, it's pasta then the real alfredo sauce doesn't take garlic, what you described was a type of cream sauce, but it's not Alfredo...oh, and it also takes an egg yolk which gives it texture...
Thanks for the note, Dino! Appreciate your feedback. This is definitely our version and I'm sure there's more authentic alfredos out there. We are garlic obsessed, so the ingredient definitely sneaks its way into our favorite dishes. Adding an egg yolk is something I really want to try! Happy New Year!
Very yummy 🙂
Thank you for good recipe 🙂
Tanya, thank you for sharing your feedback. I am so happy you liked it! 🙂
I'm still waiting for the invitation to dinner at your fabulous kitchen table. I'll bring dessert and you'll serve up that fab Alfredo pasta dish.
Elizabeth, You are always welcome especially if you are bringing dessert 😉
This pasta looks so yummy and delicious. Would love to try this recipe!
Thank you! I hope you love it as much as we do!
I love Alfredo Sauce mixed with marinara sauce on my spaghetti. I've never made homemade Alfredo sauce before. I would love to try this recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Shannon, that called Sugo Rosa and it is delicious, I love to use cheese Ravioli's with my sugar Rosa
This recipe will be your favorite if you like a creamy white sauce. Enjoy!
I can't wait to try this pasta. The sauce looks amazing. And, thank you for adding the step by step images, those are so helpful.
Thank you Valentina! I am so happy that the images are helpful. 🙂
My kids would like to thank you in advance for this recipe-it's their fave!
Angelica, for sure! I am so glad you found a recipe for your kids. I know how hard it can be feeding them 🙂
My husband loves alfredo. I'll have to see if I can morph this into a plant-based recipe! <3
Oh, that would be interesting. Tell me if you have a good recipe, I think it would be useful for others.
Oh man, this reminded me of how much I freaking love pasta!! Putting this on my dinner list for next week.
Enjoy your dinner! 🙂
I don't think I've ever made my own Alfredo sauce before. This looks so good. My family wouldn't definitely want me to add shrimp.
Joanna, shrimp would this alfredo pasta would pair really well. I think you will love it! 🙂
This looks and sounds delicious and simple! My husband loves alfredo pasta and this looks quick enough for a weeknight meal!
Yes, its great for a weekday meal 🙂 So so quick!
This is a great recipe! Alfredo is one of my favorite meals. I usually add chicken, but I should start adding shrimp!
Chicken is an amazing pairing with alfredo, our younger son loves it that way. The older one is all about shrimp 🙂
Oh wow, this looks like such a great recipe. Can't wait to give this a try!
Heather, thank you so much! Hope you love it!
Nnnniiicceeeeeee! I look forward to having some alfredo pasta.
Enjoy it dear!
We love alfredo sauce. Sometimes I fry pancetta first, then add a can of peas to make it alla panna like in the restaurant, it is great with totellini, etc.!
Oh my Mitch, you gave me such a great cooking tip. I really appreciate it!
I have not had alfredo sauce in many years and was never very happy with store bought alfredo sauce. This sauce sound s so good I have to try it.
I am with you, its hard to find a really good alfredo sauce at the store.
Yum! Pasta with alfredo sauce is one of my all time biggest weaknesses! I love how easy this recipe is too. It would be perfect for those busy weeknights.
Yes, I use to work in the city and commute took a huge chunk of the day. This Alfredo pasta was definitely a lifesaver.
Oh my gosh, this looks so delicious! It definitely looks like the type of recipe that will become an instant family favourite. I'll have to give it a try one of these days.
Emily, our boys love Alfredo pasta so much, I believe your family will love it as well!
The Best Alfredo Pasta Recipe sounds so easy to do! I like that you can prepare it in juts 20 minutes. I hope I can cook it soon.
Emman, for sure! I really hope you get to enjoy it as much as we do.