Fettuccine Alfredo

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a large Pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the Kosher Salt — the water should taste pleasantly salty, like mild seawater. This is your only chance to season the Fettuccine Noodles itself.

2. 2

   Add the Fettuccine Noodles and cook according to package directions until just al dente (usually 9–11 minutes for dried, 2–3 minutes for fresh). It should have a very slight bite — it will finish cooking in the sauce.

3. 3

   Before draining, use a Ladle or Measuring Cups to scoop out at least 1 full cup of the starchy Pasta Cooking Water and set it aside.

4. 4

   Drain the Fettuccine Noodles, but do NOT rinse it. Rinsing washes away the starch that helps the sauce cling.

5. 5

   Immediately return the empty Pot (or a large Skillet) to the Stovetop over the lowest heat setting. Add the Butter cubes and about ½ cup of the reserved Pasta Cooking Water. Swirl and stir until the Butter is melted and the mixture looks slightly creamy and emulsified.

6. 6

   Add the drained Fettuccine Noodles to the Pot. Using Tongs, toss the Fettuccine Noodles continuously in the Butter-water mixture for about 1 minute to coat every strand and let the sauce begin to build.

7. 7

   Remove the Pot from the heat entirely. Add the freshly grated Parmesan Cheese in three additions, tossing vigorously with Tongs after each addition. The Parmesan Cheese should melt smoothly into a glossy sauce.

8. 8

   If the sauce looks too thick or the Parmesan Cheese isn't fully melting, add a splash of reserved Pasta Cooking Water (1–2 tablespoons at a time) and toss again. Repeat until the sauce is silky, glossy, and coats the Fettuccine Noodles beautifully. You may use up to ½ cup more Pasta Cooking Water total.

9. 9

   Season with freshly ground Black Pepper to taste. Taste for Salt and adjust if needed (the Parmesan Cheese is quite salty, so you may not need any).

10. 10

    Divide immediately into warm bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan Cheese and a sprinkle of fresh Fresh Parsley if desired. Serve right away — Alfredo waits for no one.