Elaine’s Fettuccine Alfredo

Elaine’s Fettuccine Alfredo
Craig Lee for The New York Times
Total Time
15 minutes
Rating
5(4,961)
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.

Ratings

5 out of 5
4,961 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!

add a little nutmeg - you won't regret it!

I will say that this is the best Fettuccine Alfredo I have ever made. I’ve been cooking 50 plus years and that’s high praise from me. My oldest grandson asked if I’d make shrimp fettuccine Alfredo for him. What kind of Grandma would I be if I didn’t! I saw all the comments about a heart attack on a plate, to that I say to each her own! We don’t even eat it once a month! I think moderation is key. First it was butter will kill you, then eggs, then bacon, then bbq. My point is something will eventually get you, enjoy life a little! So enough of that! I loved this recipe because of the egg yolks I think it really added to the silky smooth texture. She was right you need a ton of cheese! I made a 1.2% milk version for my son who cannot tolerate heavy whipping cream. I had some fresh asparagus that I added. I just sautéed that in butter and garlic until it was done then cooked the shrimp until barely done in the same pan. I just followed the recipe as written and it was delicious. Kudos to the recipe creator, even my 7 yr old grandson asked for seconds!

Thank you for your ideas and your great attitude. I've been cooking for about as long as you and also get annoyed by the negative comments. These are the occasional indulgence, not everyday eating!

Adding a sprig of rosemary to the sauce adds a nice flavor. Remove before adding the pasta.

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Credits

Adapted from Elaine Kaufman

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