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Traditional Alfredo-Style Buttered Noodles

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

Meal Type: Peanuts Free

Cuisine: Italian

Difficulty: MEDIUM

Prep. Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 2 bowls

Calories: 738 kcal per serving

Ingredients

  • ½ lb - pasta
  • 5 tablespoons - unsalted butter
  • 1 ¼ cups - reserved pasta water
  • 1 ½ cups - Parmesan cheese
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. In a large pan over medium heat, melt butter. Add cooked pasta and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water.
  3. Toss pasta and butter until well combined and emulsified.
  4. Add 1 cup of grated Parmesan and stir vigorously to melt and incorporate, forming a creamy sauce.
  5. Add another 1/2 cup Parmesan and a splash more pasta water as needed, mixing until the sauce is glossy and smooth.
  6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

Energy: 738 kcal | Total Fat: 52 g | Saturated: 12 g | Trans: 0 g | Cholesterol: 148 mg | Total Carbs: 94 g | Fiber: 4 g | Sugars: 3 g | Proteins: 37 g | Sodium: 1,523 mg | Polyunsaturated: 2 g | Monounsaturated: 5 g

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