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What is Fettuccine Alfredo Actually Called?

In Italy, what we know as fettuccine alfredo, is actually called fettuccine al burro.

However, these two dishes are not really the same thing. The alfredo sauce we know and love isn’t used in the Italian version of the dish. Instead, the Italians only use melted butter and parmesan cheese.

To help you better understand the history of this delicious dish, we’re doing a deep dive!

Is Fettuccine Alfredo Actually Italian?

Yes, fettuccine alfredo is actually an Italian dish! In fact, it was created by Italian chef Alfredo di Lelia in 1908 Rome, Italy. This makes the recipe 115 years old!

Alfredo first made the dish to help his wife regain her strength after giving birth to their first child. Even though at first he served it only at home, he later decided to include it on his restaurant’s menu.

The dish garnered a lot of attention as Chef Alfredo prepared it in a spectacle - like manner right at the tables. Many people loved this novelty, popularly called “blondes” and came from all over to try it.

This popularity peaked the interest of American tourists as well and many of them went to try it. Obviously they loved it and the recipe travelled back to America with them. However, there’s one couple that made all the difference for fettuccine alfredo in the US: Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford.

These two actors visited Chef Alfedo’s restaurant on their honeymoon in the 1920s and tried the dish. The taste, paired with the spectacular preparation process left them in awe!

They even sent the chef a golden fork and spoon with the words “To Alfredo, the king of noodles” engraved. Once this happened, the fettuccine alfredo recipe skyrocketed in popularity in the US.

What Does Fettuccine Alfredo Taste Like?

In Italy, fettuccine alfredo tastes like butter and parmesan cheese. In the US, however, the taste is very different!

The classic fettuccine alfredo recipe in the US starts with boiling the fettuccine noodles in a large pot. Once al dente, the water is drained and the noodles are set aside. Then, it’s time to prepare the creamy fettuccine alfredo sauce.

The cream mixture consists of heavy cream, freshly grated parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Of course, salt and pepper are always in the mix as are various other spices. This sauce is then lightly cooked until very creamy and the noodles are added.

Once the noodles are fully coated, the dish is ready to be served!

Unlike other pasta recipes, the alfredo recipe omits vegetables entirely. However, many people like to add things like mushrooms to theirs to add even more richness. Others prefer grilled chicken in the mix.

Either way you turn it, fettuccine alfredo is an extremely delicious dish. All of its varieties can be found in Italian restaurants across the country.

How Healthy is Fettuccine Alfredo?

Given that the main ingredients of this dish are all high-fat options, fettuccine alfredo is pretty high-calorie dish!

One classic serving of fettuccine alfredo packs about 1200 calories, with 73g fat, 106g carbs, and 28g protein. If you decide to add ingredients like mushrooms or chicken, the calorie count will also go up.

If you are concerned about your daily caloric intake, you can opt for a lighter version of the dish. This recipe usually includes substitutes that don’t change the taste much, but do have an effect on the nutritional value.

However, we’d like to highlight that this dish is an excellent meal that should be enjoyed without guilt. If you stay active and eat healthy most of the time, a nice plate of fettuccine alfredo is well-deserved!

Where Can I Find Fettuccine Alfredo Near Me?

If all this reading made you hungry, you’re in luck! We have some amazing restaurant recommendations for you! Check out our short list here or head to our website for a more detailed look.

Verdi Pizza is our pick for everyone living or visiting Las Vegas! This restaurant has an amazing selection of various Italian dishes you’ll love.

If you’re in Boston, pay Dolce Vita a visit. We promise they won’t disappoint!

Finally, for everyone in Baltimore, we’d like to highlight Eato’s Pizza.

We wish you a pleasant meal with one of our partners and can’t wait to hear your review!