For anyone who thinks making a main course with fresh ingredients from scratch is too time-consuming, try Brother’s Pizza’s Fettuccine Alfredo. This is a meal so easy that even the microwave-dependent of the world can make it like a gourmet chef.
“We wanted to offer a recipe that would be easy to follow and one that would not necessarily require a special trip to the grocery store,” says Luan Vraniqi of Brother’s Pizza in Lake Highlands.
“Most of the ingredients in our Fettuccine Alfredo can be found in nearly any kitchen, with the possible exception of chicken broth and the heavy whipping cream. If you don’t have these ingredients at your disposal, then go ahead and make that quick trip to the store.”
To change the taste of the recipe, feel free to replace the parsley with either oregano or basil. An interesting ingredient combination, Vraniqi says, is to jazz up the dish with a pinch of garlic and a pinch of nutmeg. And, of course, a pinch of red pepper would create quite a zing to the dish as a replacement for the parsley.
In testing the noodles for a true al dente firmness, Vraniqi says the “taking one noodle out of the boiling pot and throwing it against the wall” trick works.
“If it sticks to the wall, then the noodles are done,” he says.
Besides, it’s a great way for novice cooks to impress friends and family and feel like authentic Italian chefs.
BROTHER’S FETTUCCINE ALFREDO
Serves 4
8 oz. fettuccine noodles
1 T. oil
6 T. butter
1 t. salt
½ t. pepper
1 t. salt (optional)
1 t. parsley
½ cup chicken broth (optional)
5 cups heavy whipping cream
1 T. grated Parmesan cheese
In large pot, bring water to a boil. There should be enough water so the noodles float freely while boiling; usually there should be 3 times the amount of water to noodles. Add salt and oil, which keeps the noodles from sticking to the pot. Boil until noodles are al dente, or firm to the bite – approximately 10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. In a large saucepan, melt butter. Add salt, pepper and parsley to butter over a low heat. Stir in chicken broth and bring mixture to a boil. Add heavy cream to boiling mixture. Add Parmesan cheese. Cook until thick, approximately 10 minutes. Fold in cooked noodles, remove from heat, and serve.
