Ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special treat for one, this single serving Fettuccine Alfredo For One combines the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce with the tender bite of fettuccine pasta. It’s made with easy-to-find ingredients and is ready in minutes!
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Cook Time10 minutesmins
Total Time15 minutesmins
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: alfredo sauce, alfredo sauce for one, fettuccine alfredo, fettuccine alfredo for one, pasta with alfredo sauce
In a small pot, bring water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Add the fettuccine and cook for 7-8 minutes or until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.Pro Tip: To prevent the noodles from clumping together, consider adding a touch of olive oil or a pat of butter to the cooked pasta.
Make the Alfredo Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, consider making the Alfredo sauce.In a 1-quart saucepan, combine the cream and lemon juice over medium heat. Add in the butter and continue stirring until it’s fully melted.
Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir continuously for approximately 3 minutes until you notice the mixture beginning to thicken.
Add the Parmesan cheese and continue stirring. The sauce should further thicken and become velvety after about 5-7 minutes.Pro Tip: Achieve the perfect Alfredo sauce consistency by simmering it on medium-low heat until it reduces to about a third of its original volume. This process can sometimes take up to 8-10 minutes and the simmering allows the water content in the heavy cream to evaporate. As a result, the dairy solids become more concentrated, leading to a thicker sauce. Adding grated Parmesan into the mix furthers this thickening process.
Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce, ensuring the pasta is well-coated. Toss gently and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Read It First: Take a quick look through the entire recipe, including notes and photos, before you begin. This will help you understand each step and ensure a flawless Alfredo every time.
Continuous Stirring: Don’t let that creamy Alfredo turn into a burnt mess. Stir your sauce constantly, focusing on the pan’s bottom and sides to ensure a smooth, lump-free finish.
Lighter Option: Love the Alfredo but not the calories? While heavy cream is ideal for that classic, rich texture, using half and half is a workable alternative. Just remember, lower fat equals a less creamy sauce with a thinner consistency.
Pan Dimensions: The right tools make all the difference. For this single serving Fettuccine Alfredo, opt for a 1-quart saucepan. The size is perfect for nailing that sauce consistency.
Cheese Choices: Parmesan is the traditional go-to, but feel free to get creative. Swap in cheddar, gruyere, Swiss, or gouda to infuse your Alfredo sauce with different flavors.