Fettuccine A La Creme
Creamy fettuccine with garlic, herbs, white wine, and Parmesan offers a rich, flavorful dish perfect for elegant dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. fettuccine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or dry sherry ⓘ
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 Tbsp. freshly chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chopped fresh basil or 1/2 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped chives (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine in boiling, salted water until al dente. Drain well.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet and sauté the garlic for 3 to 4 minutes over low heat.
- Remove the garlic from the skillet and discard.
- Add the wine, salt, pepper, parsley, and basil and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the cream and heat through.
- Place the cooked fettuccine in a heated bowl.
- Pour the cream sauce and Parmesan cheese over the pasta and mix well.
- Garnish with chopped chives and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or a plant-based cream alternative. Fresh herbs like basil and parsley can be replaced with dried versions if necessary, but use them sparingly as dried herbs are more potent. Cooking the garlic until golden enhances flavor, but avoid burning it. Pair with a side of steamed vegetables to round out the meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Fettuccine A La Creme with a light salad or steamed asparagus for a refreshing contrast. Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Pasta Broccoli Toss for a satisfying meal. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs for an elevated presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to maintain the sauce's consistency. Avoid reheating in the microwave to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fettuccine A La Creme contains roughly 827 calories, with 17g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (34% of the Daily Value) and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1473mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute fettuccine with other pasta types like linguine or spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose to ensure it's cooked al dente. Remember, different shapes may slightly alter the texture of the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the wine or use a non-alcoholic substitute, and ensure the Parmesan cheese is vegetarian-friendly. This dish is versatile and can be made into a delightful vegetarian meal without compromising on flavor.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
To prepare in advance, cook and cool the fettuccine separately, then store the sauce in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, heat the sauce, add the pasta, and mix thoroughly. This method helps maintain the pasta's texture and prevents it from becoming mushy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).