Real Alfredo Only Needs 3 Ingredients
Real Alfredo Only Needs 3 Ingredients is a easy Italian recipe that serves 2. 600 calories per serving. Recipe by ThatDudeCanCook on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 17 min | Total: 32 min
Cost: $3.50 total, $1.75 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 oz Linguini Pasta (dry, broken into pieces if long)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into pieces for even melting)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 tablespoon Salt (for pasta water)
- 4 quarts Water (for boiling pasta)
Instructions
Boil Pasta
Fill a large pot with 4 quarts of water, add 1 tablespoon salt, bring to a rolling boil, then add the linguini and cook until just under al dente (about 8 minutes).
Time: PT8M
Temperature: 100°C
Grate Parmesan
While the pasta cooks, grate 1 cup of Parmesan cheese using a fine grater.
Time: PT2M
Melt Butter
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter until just foamy; do not let it brown.
Time: PT2M
Add Pasta Water
Add one ladleful of the hot pasta water to the melted butter and stir; this creates an emulsion that prevents the butter from burning.
Time: PT1M
Combine Pasta and Butter
Drain the linguini, reserving a cup of pasta water, then add the pasta to the skillet. Toss for about 2 minutes so the pasta is lightly coated.
Time: PT2M
Incorporate Parmesan
Reduce heat to low and gradually sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the pasta, stirring continuously until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
Time: PT3M
Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve immediately while hot.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 600
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 70g
- Fat
- 30g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Last updated: April 15, 2026








