🍴 Ingredients (Serves 4)
8 oz (225g) spaghetti or fettuccine, broken in half
3 cups (720ml) water (or low-sodium broth for more flavor)
2 tbsp butter
1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
Optional: ¼ cup heavy cream or milk (for extra creaminess)
Optional add-ins: frozen peas, sautéed mushrooms, grilled chicken, or spinach
🌿 For gluten-free: Use GF pasta and check broth labels.
🍳 Instructions
Combine ingredients
In a large skillet or saucepan, combine pasta, water, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil
Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
As water boils off, stir frequently to keep pasta moving.
Simmer until tender
After about 10–12 minutes, the pasta should be al dente and most liquid absorbed.
If needed, add ¼ cup water if drying out too fast.
Add cheese
Remove from heat.
Stir in Parmesan (and cream/milk if using) until melted and creamy.
Mix in extras (optional)
Fold in cooked chicken, peas, or spinach.
Serve hot
Garnish with extra Parmesan, black pepper, or fresh herbs.
🔥 Pro Tip: Finish with a drizzle of olive oil or sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flair.
✅ Tips for the Best Results
Stir often near the end
Prevents burning and helps create a creamy sauce
Don’t skip the butter
Adds richness and helps emulsify the starchy water
Use freshly grated Parmesan
Melts better than pre-shredded (which contains anti-caking agents)
Taste before adding extra salt
Parmesan is salty — adjust seasoning at the end
Let it rest 1–2 minutes
Sauce thickens slightly after sitting
🔄 Easy Variations to Try
Chicken Alfredo Style
Add grilled chicken and a splash of cream
Veggie-Packed
Stir in roasted broccoli, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes
Spicy Kick
Add crushed red pepper flakes or chili oil
Mushroom Lovers
Sauté mushrooms first, then use cooking liquid in the pasta
Seafood Version
Mix in cooked shrimp or crab meat at the end
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I use milk or cream?
Yes! Add ¼ cup at the end for a silkier texture.
❓ Can I make it ahead?
Best fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the microwave with a splash of water.
❓ Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes — cool completely and freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
❓ What pasta works best?
Long noodles like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine. Short pasta like penne works too (adjust water as needed).
