Creamy Lemon Parmesan Fettuccine Alfredo
Indulge in this luxurious Creamy Lemon Parmesan Fettuccine Alfredo, inspired by Giada De Laurentiis. This dish combines the richness of heavy cream and buttery goodness, elevated by a splash of fresh lemon juice and zest, creating a perfect balance of flavors. With fresh fettuccine coated in a silky cheese sauce, it’s a delightful one-dish meal you can easily make for family or friends. This dish is not only a comforting classic, but it also showcases a refreshing twist that will leave everyone craving more.
4
Servings
330
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
heavy cream
1 1/2 cups (Measure out and set aside.)
fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup (Juice fresh lemons to measure the amount needed.)
unsalted butter
6 tablespoons (Cut into small pieces for easy melting.)
grated lemon zest
1-2 teaspoons (Zest fresh lemons, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith.)
nutmeg
1 pinch (Freshly grated or ground, to taste.)
salt
To taste (For seasoning the pasta and sauce.)
fresh fettuccine
9 ounces (Use store-bought or homemade, fresh pasta for best results.)
grated parmesan cheese
1 cup (Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for optimal flavor.)
white pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Ground, adjust according to taste.)
Instructions
1
In a heavy-bottomed skillet, combine 1 cup of heavy cream and fresh lemon juice. Add the unsalted butter and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter melts and the mixture is warmed through, about 3 minutes.
2
Stir in the grated lemon zest and a pinch of nutmeg, then remove from heat to let the flavors meld.
3
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the fresh fettuccine. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 4 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water.
4
Return the skillet to low heat and add the remaining 1/2 cup of heavy cream, along with the cooked fettuccine. Toss gently to coat the pasta with the sauce.
5
Add in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and white pepper, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 1-2 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to reach desired consistency.
6
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and white pepper as desired. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and lemon zest, if desired.
Nutrition Information
20.25g
Fat
23.25g
Carbs
10.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Lemon Parmesan Fettuccine Alfredo?
It is a luxurious pasta dish inspired by Giada De Laurentiis that combines heavy cream, butter, fresh lemon juice, and zest with fettuccine and Parmesan cheese.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 9 ounces of fresh fettuccine for the best results.
How much heavy cream is required?
You will need a total of 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream, divided during the cooking process.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
The recipe recommends juicing fresh lemons to measure 1/4 cup for optimal flavor.
How much butter is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
What is the purpose of adding nutmeg?
A pinch of nutmeg is added to help the flavors meld and provide a subtle depth to the creamy sauce.
How long should I cook the fresh fettuccine?
Fresh fettuccine usually takes about 4 minutes to cook until it is al dente.
What should I do if the Alfredo sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
What kind of cheese is needed for this dish?
You should use 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, preferably freshly grated for the best flavor.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 330 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 20.25g of fat.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides 10.5g of protein.
What are the carbohydrate counts for this recipe?
There are 23.25g of carbohydrates per serving.
Should I use white or black pepper?
The recipe specifies 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper.
How much lemon zest should be added?
Use 1-2 teaspoons of grated lemon zest, avoiding the bitter white pith.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, with a short prep and cook time, it is tagged as a quick meal and a one-dish dinner.
What temperature should I use to melt the butter?
Heat the cream, lemon juice, and butter over medium heat until the butter melts.
When do I add the Parmesan cheese?
The Parmesan cheese is added at the end, after the pasta has been tossed with the cream sauce.
How do I prepare the lemons?
Zest the lemons first to get 1-2 teaspoons, then juice them to get 1/4 cup of fresh juice.
Should the pasta be rinsed after draining?
No, simply drain the pasta and reserve some of the pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
Is this dish suitable for a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 9 ingredients in this recipe.
Can I garnish the dish?
Yes, it is recommended to serve immediately garnished with extra Parmesan and lemon zest.
Who is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Giada De Laurentiis.
How much salt is needed?
Salt is added to taste for seasoning both the pasta water and the sauce.
What is the best way to melt the butter quickly?
The recipe suggests cutting the butter into small pieces for easy melting.
What makes this Alfredo different from the classic version?
The addition of fresh lemon juice and zest provides a refreshing twist to the traditional heavy cream and cheese sauce.
Should the sauce be boiled?
The mixture should be warmed through over medium heat, but not necessarily brought to a hard boil before adding the pasta.
Is this a good comfort food option?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as comfort food due to its rich, creamy texture.