MYTH OR TRUTH: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ALFREDO SAUCE
When it comes to Fettuccine Alfredo, the mind immediately pictures a rich and creamy dish, a staple in many restaurants around the world. But you might be surprised to learn that this is not the original version of the dish created in Italy. The true story of Fettuccine Alfredo is a tale of love, simplicity, and cultural transformation.
In Italy, we simply call it 'Pasta al Burro', and I won’t hide the fact that it’s one of my favorite pasta dishes. So simple, yet incredibly comforting. Just a few ingredients come together to create an explosion of flavor—pure magic!
But do you know the story of how this perfect combination was born?
A Dish Born from Love
The story begins in Rome in 1908, when Alfredo Di Lelio, a Roman restaurateur, created this dish for his wife, Ines. After giving birth to their son, Ines needed a meal that was nutritious, light, and easy to digest. Inspired by love and necessity, Alfredo came up with a recipe that was as simple as it was brilliant:
Fresh, handmade fettuccine.
Homemade butter, melted to coat the pasta.
Grated Parmigiano Reggiano, adding flavor and creaminess.
A ladle of pasta cooking water, binding everything together.
The result? A dish that not only met Ines’ needs but also won over the customers at Alfredo’s restaurant, “Alfredo alla Scrofa.”
From Italy to Hollywood: The Journey to Fame
The Fame of Fettuccine Alfredo remained confined to Rome until the 1920s, when two Hollywood stars, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, visited the restaurant during their honeymoon. Impressed by the dish’s simplicity and incredible flavor, they decided to bring the recipe back to the United States. As a token of their gratitude, they gifted Alfredo a pair of engraved golden cutlery—a gesture that added to the legend of this dish.
However, in the U.S., the recipe underwent some changes to suit local tastes. The original version was modified with:
Heavy cream to make the dish even richer.
Garlic, a staple ingredient in American cuisine.
Sometimes even chicken or broccoli, transforming a minimalist dish into something completely different.
Today, American "Alfredo Sauce" is famous worldwide, but it strays far from the essence of the original Italian dish.
A Return to Simplicity
If this story has piqued your curiosity, here’s some good news: you can still enjoy the authentic Fettuccine Alfredo, just as Alfredo originally envisioned them. The original recipe doesn’t need embellishments or complicated ingredients—just the magic of fresh, high-quality products. Making this dish at home is an act of love for those at your table and a tribute to Italian tradition.
Here are some tips to recreate its authenticity:
Use homemade butter.
Choose aged Parmigiano Reggiano, whose deep flavor will make all the difference.
Cook the fettuccine al dente and always save some pasta water to bring everything together.
The Beauty of Italian Cuisine
Fettuccine Alfredo, in their original form, embody everything we love about Italian cuisine: few ingredients, high quality, and an emphasis on simplicity. It’s a dish that tells a story, brings people together, and proves that excellence doesn’t need to be complicated.
Cooking homemade and “SENZA” is a journey that brings you closer to nature and allows you to take care of yourself and others. Are you ready to discover or rediscover the real Alfredo? Get in the kitchen and taste Italian tradition like never before!
Share your results on social media with #Senzamaders. We can’t wait to see your creations!
See you soon.
