Authentic Fettuccine Alfredo

Method

How it goes together

1. 01

   Step 1

   Preheat your bowls (optional) – Oven: Preheat the oven to 80°C (175°F) (60°C/150°F fan-forced). Place your individual serving plates or bowls in the oven for 10–15 minutes until they are warm to the touch. Microwave: If using microwave-safe bowls, place them in the microwave, one at a time. Heat for 1–2 minutes on high until warm.

2. 02

   Step 2

   Cook the pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the packet instructions, less 1 minute (the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce).

3. 03

   Step 3

   Reserve about 250 ml (1 cup) of the pasta cooking water (I use a mug to ladle it out), then drain the pasta.

4. 04

   Step 4

   Melt the butter – Meanwhile, while the pasta is cooking, place the butter in a large, deep, heavy-based pan over medium–low heat. As soon as the butter has melted, turn the heat off.

5. 05

   Step 5

   Add the pasta to the butter – Add the pasta to the pan with the melted butter and toss with tongs to coat evenly.

6. 06

   Step 6

   Finish the sauce – Gradually add the parmesan, tossing with the tongs continuously until the cheese is melted and forms a creamy sauce with the butter.

7. 07

   Step 7

   Add the reserved pasta cooking water, 1–2 tablespoons at a time, tossing the pasta with the tongs until the desired consistency is reached (I normally use the entire cup of water). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. 08

   Step 8

   Serve – Serve immediately in warm serving bowls, sprinkled with extra parmesan and extra cracked black pepper.