Delicious creamy Fettuccine Alfredo served with parsley garnish

Fettuccine Alfredo

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic Italian dish that is creamy, comforting, and satisfying. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe is not only delicious but also uses cauliflower to create a healthier, lighter sauce. Plus, it’s simple to make and can be ready in under 30 minutes!

How to Make Fettuccine Alfredo

Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces cauliflower florets (1 small cauliflower)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (more for serving)
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 16 ounces fettuccine pasta
  • 1 to 1½ cups reserved pasta cooking water
  • Chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower and cook until fork tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and place the cauliflower in a blender.
  2. Add the Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, mustard, butter, lemon juice, salt, and several grinds of pepper to the blender.
  3. Cook the fettuccine pasta in the boiling water according to package directions or until al dente. Drain the pasta, saving 1½ cups of the starchy pasta water.
  4. Add 1 cup of the pasta water to the blender, and blend the mixture until creamy.
  5. Transfer the fettuccine to a large bowl or skillet. Pour the sauce over the pasta and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved ½ cup pasta water and toss again to loosen it up a bit.
  6. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and season to taste. Serve with extra grated cheese on the side.

How to Serve Fettuccine Alfredo

Serve the Fettuccine Alfredo warm. You can garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a nice touch. This dish pairs well with a simple salad or some garlic bread on the side.

How to Store Fettuccine Alfredo

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish can last for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it in a pot on the stove, adding a splash of water or milk if it seems too thick.

Tips to Make Fettuccine Alfredo

  • Make sure to blend the sauce well to achieve a creamy texture.
  • Adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can add more salt or pepper if desired.
  • For a richer flavor, you can use heavy cream along with or instead of the cauliflower.

Variation

You can easily add cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables to this dish for extra protein and nutrition. You can also try using different types of pasta, like penne or tagliatelle.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cauliflower works well, too. Just cook it according to the package instructions until fork tender.

Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, Fettuccine Alfredo is vegetarian as it contains no meat.

Can I make it dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free cheese and butter alternatives to make a dairy-free version of this Fettuccine Alfredo.