Versatile Pasta Alfredo

1/2 pound of pasta (Fettucini or any other Italian pasta)
1/4 pound of butter (1 standard stick)
1 cup of heavy cream
2/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon pepper
parsley as garnish

Warm large mixing bowl. (either rinse in hot water or heat in microwave with a little water). In a small pan, SLOWLY heat butter and heavy cream until hot, do not boil, stir frequently. Cook pasta, drain and place in bowl. Pour in butter/cream mixture in bowl and mix with pasta. Add grated Parmesan cheese and pepper, toss until well mixed. Sprinkle parsley on top as garnish.

Variations:
Alfredo carbonara: Fry 1/2 pound of bacon until crisp, drain on paper towels, chop into bits and add to the butter and cream mixture, simmer for 2 minutes and toss the mixture with pasta and remaining ingredients.
Seafood Alfredo: Simmer butter/cream mixture with seafood such as oysters, shrimp or cooked crab meat. The key is not to bring the mixture to boil.
South Western Alfredo: Add chopped red, green and yellow peppers into mixture for simmering. Maximum simmering time is about 10 minutes before the butter/cream mixture breaks down. Also add cracked black pepper.