Christmas Fettuccine Recipe
A creamy, dreamy, 30-minute Christmas Fettuccine recipe inspired by The Holiday! Made with butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan for the perfect festive Fettuccine Alfredo recipe that works for Christmas brunch, lunch, or dinner. Add peas or roasted red peppers for a fun holiday twist!
Servings: 4
Cost: $5
Equipment
- skillet
- whisk
- measuring cup
- stock pot
Ingredients
- 1 lb fettuccine fresh or dried
- 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water
For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano optional for extra sharpness
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
For a festive twist (optional mix-ins):
- ½ cup sautéed mushrooms
- ½ cup roasted red peppers sliced
- ½ cup cooked peas for color
- ½ pound cooked shrimp or chicken breast slices for protein
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently to prevent scorching.
- Lower the heat and whisk in Parmesan and Pecorino until melted and smooth. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches a creamy consistency.
- Stir in any optional mix-ins; roasted red peppers and peas create a “red and green” Christmas look.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a little extra Parmesan before serving. Serve warm with garlic bread and a glass of crisp white wine.
Notes
- Add pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce, it thickens quickly as it cools.
- For extra color, stir in peas or roasted red peppers.
- Pecorino adds sharpness but is optional if you prefer a mild Alfredo.
Nutrition
Calories: 883kcal | Carbohydrates: 92g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 207mg | Sodium: 2504mg | Potassium: 514mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1512IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 397mg | Iron: 3mg