Creamy Pasta Alfredo with Fresh Parmesan | CookOS

Creamy Pasta Alfredo

Name: Creamy Pasta Alfredo with Fresh Parmesan
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb spaghetti; 3 tbsp butter, divided; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 tsp dried oregano; salt, to taste; black pepper, to taste; 1.5 cups Parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

This Creamy Pasta Alfredo combines butter, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese into a silky sauce that clings to spaghetti for an elegant comfort meal. The fresh garlic and quality cheese elevate the dish beyond jarred sauce versions.

🌍Italian-American 🏷️Pasta alfredo 🏷️Creamy pasta 🏷️Spaghetti 🏷️Parmesan Heavy cream

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Total

25 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$19–$31

Recipe Source

View original recipe

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Ingredients

1 lb spaghetti
3 tbsp butter, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 tsp dried oregano
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
1.5 cups Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnishoptional

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Instructions

1
Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente.
2
While the pasta is cooking, grate the Parmesan cheese into a bowl.
3
In a separate saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
4
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5
Pour in the heavy cream and season with dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine.
6
Bring the cream to a gentle simmer, then gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
7
Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
8
Drain the pasta and return it to the large pot. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the top.
9
Add about 1 cup of the reserved pasta water to the pot.
10
Using tongs, toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce.
11
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and toss again until it has melted into the pasta.
12
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and another crack of black pepper if desired.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Mince garlic finely and bloom it in butter for 30–60 seconds before adding cream to build deep flavor without harshness.
Grate Parmesan just before cooking; freshly grated cheese incorporates smoothly, while pre-grated varieties clump due to anti-caking powder.
Add drained pasta directly to the sauce off heat, then toss gently to coat; this prevents the sauce from breaking from prolonged high heat.
Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining; add a splash if the sauce thickens too much after tossing with pasta.

Substitutions

Heavy cream → half-and-half or crème fraîche (sauce will be less rich; add 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water to thicken)
Butter → olive oil (omit for dairy-free; flavor will be lighter)
Dried oregano → 1 tsp fresh thyme or Italian seasoning (adjust to taste)
Parmesan → Pecorino Romano (sharper, saltier; reduce added salt)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat gently over low heat with a splash of cream or pasta water, stirring constantly to avoid separation.

Common Questions

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly into the sauce; pre-grated varieties contain anti-caking agents that can create a grainy texture. Fresh-grated is strongly recommended.

Why is my sauce breaking or separating?

Overheating causes the cream and cheese to separate. Keep heat to medium or lower, and stir constantly. Add cream off the heat before mixing in cheese.

Can I make Alfredo sauce ahead of time?

Make the sauce up to 2 hours before serving and keep it warm over low heat, stirring occasionally. Reheating can cause separation; it's best fresh.

How do I scale this recipe?

Maintain a 1:1 ratio of butter to cream (in tablespoons to cups), and use 0.75 cups Parmesan per 1 cup cream. Adjust garlic and seasoning to taste.

What can I add to make it less plain?

Stir in cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or grilled chicken after the sauce is complete. Fresh lemon zest and red pepper flakes add brightness and heat.