Elaine’s Fettuccine Alfredo

Elaine’s Fettuccine Alfredo
Craig Lee for The New York Times
Total Time
15 minutes
Rating
5(5,229)
Comments
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This recipe came to The Times in a 2004 article about Elaine Kaufman, the founder and proprietress of the famed New York restaurant and celebrity hot spot that bore her name and where this dish was served. There is nothing fancy or complicated about it — it’s glorified macaroni and cheese, really — but it is delicious and deeply satisfying. (Fun fact: Jackie O. was a fan.) —Alex Witchel

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Ingredients

Yield:6 servings
  • Salt
  • 2tablespoons butter
  • 1small clove garlic, finely chopped
  • cups heavy cream
  • 1large egg yolk
  • 1pound fresh fettuccine
  • 1cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • Freshly ground pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)

562 calories; 34 grams fat; 20 grams saturated fat; 1 gram trans fat; 9 grams monounsaturated fat; 2 grams polyunsaturated fat; 44 grams carbohydrates; 0 grams dietary fiber; 2 grams sugars; 20 grams protein; 391 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Bring 6 quarts generously salted water to a boil.

  2. Step 2

    While the water heats, melt the butter in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic; sauté until fragrant and sizzling, about 2 minutes. Whisk the cream with the egg yolk in a bowl until blended; pour into the garlic butter. Reduce heat to medium-low; stir until hot but not boiling. Keep warm over low heat.

  3. Step 3

    Meanwhile, cook the pasta, partially covered, until al dente. (The pasta will float when it’s done.) Drain in a colander, shaking out excess water, but reserve a little cooking water. Pour hot pasta into the cream mixture and toss to coat (still over low heat). Add the cheese and keep tossing gently until cream is mostly absorbed. Season with salt and pepper. If sauce is absorbed too much, toss with a little pasta water. Serve in warm bowls.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
5,229 user ratings
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Comments

Oh, fettuccine Alfredo is so scrumptious, but really, it's a heart attack on a plate. I much prefer the Fettucini Alfredo made by my southern Italian grandmother, which uses whole milk and ricotta cheese,instead of heavy cream. It's every bit as creamy, but with a better taste in my opinion. The milk and ricotta cheese can be adjusted to taste, with low fat versions tasting every bit as good as the higher fat versions. Start out with 1 1/2 cups of ricotta cheese.

Such a tempest in a teapot! The heck with "authentic." Your Job One for this dish -- or any other dish -- is "Will my family/household like it?" Family consensus here on Alfredo: garlic, cream, butter, NO egg, dried basil and oregano, microplaned nutmeg, bitty splash of white wine, plus chicken, mushrooms, or both.
No way is this "authentic" ... but my family always wants second helpings and THAT is what is important.

Okay all you Fettuccine Alfredo experts listen up. This recipe is named "ELAINE'S Fettuccine Alfredo" as in made HER way and loved by HER customers. Yes, we know Alfredo's did not have milk, cream, cream cheese, garlic or eggs in his original. What we have been offered here is a version of a popular dish that people liked/bought at "Elaine's". Make it the way YOU like it!

Needles calories by adding cream. Just use butter and cheese the way they make it in Italy.

This is the best Fettuccine Alfredo recipe I have ever used. I see a lot of complaints on here about it not being authentic. Listen, everyone has their own twists. This is Elaine's awesome Alfredo, very simple. I've never used an egg for Alfredo sauce, it really helped the sauce consistency, stuck to the noodles better than the versions I usually make. My family absolutely loved it. I added grilled chicken for more protein, and parsley, lots. C'est magnifique!

Yum!! Made exactly as written except used 9oz fresh pasta and added in two heads steamed broccoli and a pound of garlic butter shrimp. Next time I might do some cajun style shrimp.

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Credits

Adapted from Elaine Kaufman

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