Fettuccine Alfredo My Way

A simple, kid-friendly version of the classic favorite. Try it with the optional ham and peas for more of an all-in-one meal for the entire family.

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds fresh fettuccine, tagliatelle, or other wide ribbon noodles or 1 pound dried pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 ounces pancetta or small diced smoked cured ham (optional)
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup green peas, defrosted if frozen (optional)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add enough salt to make the water taste like the sea.
When it comes to a boil, add the pasta, return the water to a boil, and cook the pasta until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking, usually 3 to 4 minutes for fresh pasta, or about 9 to 10 minutes for dried pasta. When the pasta is done, drain it in a colander, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water separately.
Meanwhile, while the pasta is cooking, melt the butter and the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the pancetta or ham, if desired, and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes, or until the fat has mostly rendered from the pancetta.
Add the onion and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
Add the garlic, and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.
Add the heavy cream and bring to a boil. Cook until the volume is reduced by half, about 5 minutes. If desired, add the peas. Add the teaspoon of salt and the pepper, and stir well.
Place the drained pasta in a large, heatproof bowl and add the sauce. Toss to coat well, using a bit of the pasta water if the sauce is too thick -- this will help the sauce adhere to the pasta.
Add the cheese and toss to coat.

Serve immediately, garnished with more cheese if desired and a sprinkling of freshly ground black pepper.