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These Carbs Don't Count
These Carbs Don't CountVerified

May 13, 2025

6 Ingredients
MEDIUM

This Traditional Alfredo Pasta skips the cream and keeps it classic with just butter, cheese, and pasta water. Perfectly al dente pasta is tossed with rich butter and freshly grated Parmesan, then emulsified using starchy pasta water to create a silky, glossy sauce. It's simple, authentic, and incredibly comforting—ideal for when you want something fast and delicious with minimal ingredients.

Traditional Alfredo Pasta (No Cream)
Traditional Alfredo Pasta (No Cream)
Traditional Alfredo Pasta (No Cream)
Traditional Alfredo Pasta (No Cream) cover
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
1/4

Traditional Alfredo Pasta (No Cream)

By
These Carbs Don't Count
These Carbs Don't CountVerified

Ingredients

plates
Milk and 5 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

1
|
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2
|
Place butter pieces in a large bowl. Add the hot cooked pasta directly to the bowl with the butter.
3
|
Pour in some reserved pasta water and add the Parmesan cheese.
4
|
Mix vigorously with tongs or a wooden spoon until a creamy sauce forms, adjusting with more cheese or water as needed.
5
|
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6
|
Serve immediately topped with extra Parmesan if desired.
Bite Tutorial

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Tips & Tricks (5)

  • Cheese Grating Technique 🧀
    Always grate Parmesan fresh using a microplane or fine grater to ensure smooth melting and maximum flavor integration into the sauce.
  • Pasta Water Magic 💧
    Reserve at least 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining - the starch is crucial for creating a silky, emulsified sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
  • Temperature Control Technique 🔥
    Remove the pan from direct heat when adding cheese and pasta water to prevent breaking or becoming grainy, creating a smooth, luxurious sauce.
  • Pasta Cooking Precision 🍝
    Cook pasta just shy of package instructions (about 1-2 minutes less) to ensure it's perfectly al dente and can finish cooking in the sauce.
  • Butter Quality Matters 🧈
    Use high-quality, unsalted European-style butter with higher fat content for a richer, more authentic Alfredo sauce that emulsifies more smoothly.

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About the Cook

These Carbs Don't Count

These Carbs Don't Count

Verified

Hi! I’m Angela and if you’re reading this you probably love carbs & pasta and you’ve come to the right place. I’m so excited to share delicious recipes, cooking tips, gluten free life & restaurant recs! Welcome carbies and subscribe for more content! Link above :)

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