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a bowl of fettuccine alfredo topped with chopped parsley next to a red napkin and a wedge of parmesan cheese.
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4.73 from 11 votes

Fettuccine Alfredo For One

Perfect for a quick dinner or a special meal for one, this single serving Fettuccine Alfredo pairs a rich, creamy sauce with tender fettuccine pasta. Made with simple ingredients, it comes together in no time!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: alfredo sauce, alfredo sauce for one, fettuccine alfredo, fettuccine alfredo for one, pasta with alfredo sauce
Servings: 1 serving
Author: Joanie Zisk

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces uncooked fettuccine (2 ⅛ inches in circumference) = 1 cup cooked
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon salted butter
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese -plus more for topping
US - Metric

Instructions

  • Cook the Fettuccine: In a small pot, bring water to a 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.
    To keep the noodles from sticking, toss them with a little olive oil or butter after draining.
  • Make the Alfredo Sauce: In a 1-quart saucepan, combine the cream and lemon juice over medium heat. Add the butter and stir until it’s fully melted.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir continuously for about 3 minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring for 5-8 minutes as the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. For the best consistency, let the sauce simmer over medium-low heat until it reduces by about a third. This can take up to 10 minutes.
    Note: Simmering the sauce on medium-low heat allows the water in the cream to evaporate, concentrating the dairy solids and creating a thicker, creamier sauce. This process, which can take up to 8-10 minutes, is essential for achieving the perfect consistency. Adding Parmesan cheese during this step not only enhances the flavor but also helps thicken the sauce as it melts and blends in.
  • Combine and Serve: Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce and toss gently to coat the pasta. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • Read the Recipe First: Before starting, read through the entire recipe, including any notes and photos. This will help you understand each step involved in this recipe.
  • Stir Constantly: To avoid burning the sauce, stir it continuously, paying attention to the bottom and sides of the pan. This ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Using Half-and-Half: For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. Keep in mind the sauce will be thinner and less creamy than the traditional version.
  • Use the Right Pan: A 1-quart saucepan is the ideal size for this single serving recipe, helping you achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
  • Try Different Cheeses: While Parmesan is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, gruyere, Swiss, or gouda to add unique flavors to your Alfredo sauce.
 
If doubling this recipe, use a 2-quart saucepan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 632kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 63g | Saturated Fat: 39g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 191mg | Sodium: 663mg | Potassium: 173mg | Fiber: 0.01g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2532IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 524mg | Iron: 0.3mg

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