Ingredients
Pasta
- 2 ounces fettuccine noodles
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon (14g) butter
- ⅓ cup half and half, milk, or heavy cream
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of dried parsley (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ ounce (2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup) shredded Parmesan cheese (preferably freshly grated)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine noodles according to the package instructions. Once al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare Sauce Base: While the pasta is finishing cooking, melt the butter in a small pot over medium heat. Stir in the half and half (or milk or heavy cream), garlic powder, optional dried parsley, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Heat the mixture until steaming but before it reaches a simmer.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring gently until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the sauce over the drained fettuccine noodles and toss thoroughly to coat every strand. Let the pasta rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately for a warm, rich meal.
Notes
- For the creamiest sauce, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded.
- You can substitute half and half with milk or heavy cream depending on your preference for richness.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the sauce a subtle spicy kick.
- This recipe is perfect for a quick single serving and can be easily doubled for more servings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
