Traditional Alfredo-Style Buttered Noodles

This Traditional Alfredo-Style Buttered Noodles recipe delivers all the creamy indulgence of classic Alfredo—without using any cream. It’s built on pantry staples: pasta, butter, reserved pasta water, and a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan. The secret is in the emulsification, forming a glossy, cheese-laden sauce that coats every noodle perfectly. Quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying, it’s the ultimate weeknight go-to.

Author: These Carbs Don't Count

Category: Pasta

Cuisine: Italian

Difficulty: MEDIUM

Prep. Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 2 bowls

Calories: 495 kcal per serving

Ingredients

½ pound - pasta
5 tablespoon - unsalted butter
1 ¼ cup - reserved pasta water
1 ½ cup - Parmesan cheese
⅛ - Salt
⅛ - Black pepper

Instructions

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 1/4 cups pasta water, then drain pasta.
In a large pan over medium heat, melt butter. Add cooked pasta and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water.
Toss pasta and butter until well combined and emulsified.
Add 1 cup of grated Parmesan and stir vigorously to melt and incorporate, forming a creamy sauce.
Add another 1/2 cup Parmesan and a splash more pasta water as needed, mixing until the sauce is glossy and smooth.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan if desired.