Spaghetti Alfredo
May 16, 2025
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Spaghetti Alfredo is a super simple dinner idea that is full on delicious flavor. Made with just a handful of ingredients, this creamy pasta is just what you need for a busy weeknight meal.
This Alfredo spaghetti is a little twist on the traditional fettuccini version. A homemade, creamy sauce coats every piece of pasta for a dinner even my picky eater loves.
When I don’t know what to make for dinner, this is a recipe I can always count on. It’s fast, easy, and satisfying.
Be sure to try some of my other favorite pasta recipes like this ground beef Alfredo, green pasta sauce, and creamy spaghetti.
Table of Contents
Why you’ll love it
- Simple ingredients – This recipe can be made with just a few simple ingredients you might already have on hand.
- The best comfort food – Warm, cozy, comfort food at its best.
- Family friendly – Even picky eaters are sure to enjoy this pasta recipe.
- Easy to customize – Make it your own by adding protein, vegetables, and more.
Ingredients
- Pasta – This recipe uses dried spaghetti noodles.
- Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is the key to this delicious sauce.
- Butter – Unsalted butter is used to make the sauce.
- Cream – Heavy cream makes the alfredo sauce rich and creamy.
- Nutmeg – Adds a hint of flavor to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper
- Optional – Save a little reserved pasta water in case you you need to thin out your sauce.
Variations
Pasta – Instead of spaghetti you can substitute with other pasta like fettuccini, penne, linguini, tortellini, and more.
Protein – Try adding sliced chicken, shrimp, steak, or even crumbled bacon.
Vegetables – Add in your favorite veggies like broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Spicy – If you want a little heat, add in some red pepper flakes.
How to make spaghetti Alfredo recipe
For the full, printable recipe, scroll to the bottom recipe card.
Step one: Boil the spaghetti and cook to al dente. Heat the butter and heavy cream in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
Step two: Whisk in the nutmeg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step three: Whisk in the Parmesan cheese.
Step four: Toss the Alfredo sauce over cooked and drained spaghetti. Serve immediately. Feel free to top with extra Parmesan cheese.
Storage
This recipe can be stored, however, it’s best eaten immediately. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can warm it up in the microwave or in a saucepan.
Heather’s recipe tips
Here are a few tips to help you make the best Alfredo.
- Cook pasta al dente. Add a little salt to the boiling water when cooking spaghetti. Make sure to cook the spaghetti to al dente.
- Use freshly grated cheese. I have tried using pre-shredded cheese before and the freshly grated cheese just melts so much better.
- Cook sauce on medium-low. Cooking the Alfredo on a lower heat will help prevent it from clumping together.
- Stir constantly. This will help give the sauce a smooth consistency.
What to serve with Alfredo spaghetti
This can be served on it’s own or alongside things like:
Recipe FAQ’s
If you want your sauce thicker, you can add additional Parmesan cheese. You can also cook the sauce a little longer.
I like using heavy cream for the best, creamy sauce. You can substitute with half and half but the sauce might be a little thinner.
Make sure to cook the sauce on medium-low heat and use freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Let me know if you try this easy spaghetti with Alfredo sauce recipe please let me know.
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Spaghetti Alfredo
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add a teaspoon of salt in the boiling water. Boil the spaghetti to al dente, about 10 minutes.
- Heat butter and heavy cream in a large skillet over medium-low heat, about 2-3 minutes.
- Whisk in the nutmeg, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper.
- Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk until combined and the sauce starts to thicken.
- Drain the spaghetti noodles and place in a large bowl. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the spaghetti. Toss to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente. Add a little salt to the boiling water when cooking spaghetti. Make sure to cook the spaghetti to al dente.
- Use freshly grated cheese. I have tried using pre-shredded cheese before and the freshly grated cheese just melts so much better.
- Cook sauce on medium-low. Cooking the Alfredo on a lower heat will help prevent it from clumping together.
- Stir constantly. This will help give the sauce a smooth consistency.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
