9 hours ago, MaryIsobel said:Just watched an episode of Bon Apetit Test Kitchen where they say that real Alfredo is just butter, pasta water and cheese. I have always added cream.
I believe this to be true; but it's just easier to get everything emulsified with the addition of cream. We've had this "argument" before; as it relates to pasta carbonara (where we also argued about bacon vs. guanciale) and pasta cacio e pepe.
The key in my opinion, is to use a younger (or less aged) Parmigiano-Reggiano, and some of the pasta water, which in and of itself contains starch.