A simple authentic Italian Pasta with Alfredo Sauce! Optional ingredients are offered if you want to flavor it up!
Set a large stock pot of water to boil, cook pasta to package instruction minus 1 minute. While pasta water heats and pasta cooks, prepare the other ingredients
If using: cook pancetta in a pan (like bacon), allow to cool and chop. If using basil, chop and set aside.
Use a hand mixer to beat butter and parmesan cheese together. (if using garlic or lemon zest add now)
When pasta is almost done cooking, remove 1/2 cup pasta water. Add 1/4 cup pasta water to butter and cheese mixture. Stir to create a sauce. If sauce needs thinning, add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is achieved.
Strain pasta (do not rinse) and immediately pour into a large bowl. Add Alfredo sauce and toss well. Add sea salt and pepper to taste, toss again.
Add pasta to plates and top with pancetta, basil and/or pine nuts if using.