Fettuccine, with its elegant ribbons and delightful texture, is a beloved staple of Italian cuisine. Known for its versatility, this pasta is perfect for absorbing and melding with a variety of sauces. Whether you opt for dried or fresh, fettuccine offers a satisfying bite that pairs beautifully with an array of ingredients. Its origins in Italy lend it an air of authenticity, making it a favourite choice for both traditional dishes and innovative culinary creations. Dive into the world of fettuccine and discover how this simple yet sophisticated pasta can enrich your dining experience.
What is fettuccine?
Fettuccine is a famous Italian pasta characterised by its long, flat ribbons. Traditionally made from a dough of eggs and flour, it offers a robust yet tender texture that holds up well to rich and creamy sauces. Fettuccine is celebrated for its ability to carry bold flavours, making it a versatile choice for various dishes, from hearty meat sauces to delicate cream-based preparations.
What does fettuccine mean?
The name "fettuccine" derives from the Italian word "fettucce," which means "little ribbons." This description perfectly captures the shape, designed to hold sauces effectively and soak up and distribute flavours evenly throughout the dish, enhancing the overall culinary experience.
Fettuccine vs tagliatelle
Fettuccine and tagliatelle are very similar, both consisting of long, flat ribbons of pasta. The primary difference is their regional origins within Italy. Fettuccine is associated with Rome and the central regions, while tagliatelle hails from Emilia-Romagna in the north. Typically, tagliatelle is slightly wider, but the two can often be used interchangeably in recipes, especially those featuring hearty sauces.
Fettuccine vs tagliolini
Fettuccine and tagliolini differ mainly in their width and thickness. Fettuccine is broader and thicker, providing a robust texture that pairs well with rich, creamy sauces. In contrast, tagliolini is much thinner and more delicate, resembling fine ribbons. This makes tagliolini better suited for lighter sauces and broths, allowing its finer texture to shine through in the dish.
Recipes with fettuccine pasta
Explore our favourite fettuccine pasta recipes to experience the deliciousness of the long, flat ribbons. Enveloped in all kinds of sauces, the fettuccine shows how luscious and irresistible a simple pasta dish can be with the right ingredients.
Chicken pasta with béchamel sauce
Make the perfect fettuccine dish with our chicken pasta with béchamel sauce. Juicy grilled chicken and savoury mushrooms are combined with whole wheat fettuccine, all enveloped in a rich béchamel sauce. The tender chicken and sautéed mushrooms provide a delightful contrast in texture, and the creamy béchamel sauce binds everything together.
Chicken fettuccine Alfredo
Our luxurious and irresistible homemade chicken fettuccine Alfredo is everything you need from a pasta dish. It features tender, golden-brown chicken, perfectly cooked al dente fettuccine, and a smooth white sauce. The luscious Alfredo sauce is creamy and cheesy, and when you top it with fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, it brings your favourite Italian flavours to life. Whether you are cooking for yourself, hosting guests, or celebrating a special occasion, this quick and delicious recipe is sure to impress.
Prawn fettuccine
Experience the tantalising flavours and textures of our exquisite prawn fettuccine. Tender prawns are enveloped in a rich, creamy béchamel sauce, complemented by bold flavours of capers and black olives. The dish is enhanced with vibrant touches of fresh parsley, zesty lemon, and savoury Parmesan cheese, and combined with delicate yet succulent prawns and creamy sauce, you get a culinary masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.
Fettuccine Alfredo with broccoli and chicken
Enjoy one of your new favourite easy-to-make recipes: a creamy fettuccine Alfredo with broccoli and chicken. Our version adds fried chicken and broccoli to the classic recipe. Fettuccine Alfredo is known for its Alfredo sauce, which is made from cooking cream, Parmesan cheese, and butter. Mixed, they form a base that envelops all the other ingredients. Succulent chicken, broccoli with a bite, and tender fettuccine are all wrapped in a creamy sauce. Cook a big portion for the whole family and thank us later.
Fettuccine pasta is a popular choice for creamy dishes, but so are other types, for example, penne. Find more information in our article on penne pasta and discover a whole new world of deliciously creamy pasta dishes for you to enjoy.
Cajun chicken Alfredo
The classic pasta Alfredo has inspired many new and exciting variations, and our spicy Cajun chicken Alfredo may be one of the best. The classic dish is beloved for its creamy sauce, and we do not want to change that. Our version blends cooking cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese for a mouthwatering and creamy sauce. Adding classic Cajun spices, such as paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder, injects the dish with warmth and heat and pairs excellently with the indulgent sauce.
Fettuccine Alfredo
Occasionally, we all want a classic — and what better classic to enjoy than a quick, easy, and utterly delicious fettuccine Alfredo? Discover the charm of a traditional Italian American pasta dish that has blessed the palates of families across the globe. The famed Alfredo sauce is made from cooking cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. They combine into a rich and indulgent base with a refreshing, zesty touch from the lemon. Serve it, covering tender fettuccine, and savour an easy but unforgettable meal with the whole family.
Creamy mushroom pasta
In just 20 minutes, you can cook creamy mushroom pasta and satiate your comfort food cravings. Pasta is smothered in a creamy sauce made from cooking cream and lemon juice and built on the savoury flavours of sautéed brown mushrooms. Fettuccine pasta holds on to the delicious sauce and ensures that every bite has the comfort food goodness we are after.
Steak fettuccine
Combine savoury strips of meat and tender mushrooms with a creamy sauce and indulge in one of your new go-to pasta dishes. Easy to make, our recipe for delicious steak fettuccine is perfectly served for weeknight dinners or whenever you want to give your guests something special. The combination of succulent steak, tender mushrooms, and a luscious sauce makes it an irresistible and mouthwatering treat.
Questions about fettuccine
Explore the world of fettuccine with our answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about this pasta type. Keep reading below to get started on your fettuccine adventure.
Is fettuccine Italian?
Yes, fettuccine is Italian. It is a quintessential pasta type originating from Italy and has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries. Its long, flat strands of pasta make it ideal for various sauces, with the wide surface area ensuring all the sauce clings delightfully to it so you can use it for the best Italian recipes from creamy Alfredo to rich Bolognese.
What to eat with fettuccine?
Fettuccine pairs beautifully with a variety of sauces and ingredients. Classic pairings include rich Alfredo sauce with butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese and hearty Bolognese featuring a slow-cooked meat sauce. For lighter options, fettuccine can be tossed with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. Seafood, such as shrimp or scallops, also complements fettuccine wonderfully, as do fresh vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes. Choose something with creamy, cheesy sauces to take advantage of the large surface area of the fettuccine strands.
How long to cook fettuccine?
Cooking fettuccine varies slightly between dried and fresh pasta. For dried fettuccine, cook in boiling salted water for 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and start checking for doneness around the 8-minute mark to cook it al dente. For fresh fettuccine, cook in boiling salted water for 2-4 minutes. Stir occasionally and begin checking for doneness after 2 minutes. Note that the cooking time may vary, so always check the instructions on the package.
How to know when fettuccine is done?
To know when fettuccine is perfectly cooked, look for an al dente texture with a softness but still a firm bite. Begin tasting the fettuccine a couple of minutes before it should be done. When you take a bite, it should be cooked through yet slightly firm. This ensures the fettuccine will provide the ideal base for absorbing and holding sauces.
How much fettuccine per person?
For a satisfying serving of fettuccine, use about 125 grams of dried pasta per person. You can use about 100 grams if you serve it with a piece of meat or other bigger elements. For a serving of fresh fettuccine, use 125-150 grams per person. Fresh pasta tends to be lighter and more delicate than dried pasta, so you may want to use a bit more to ensure a generous portion.
How to reheat fettuccine?
Reheating fettuccine is simple and effective, preserving its delightful texture and flavour. The best method is to reheat it gently on the stovetop. Place the fettuccine in a pan with a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent it from drying out. Warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat it in the microwave by placing it in a microwave-safe dish, covering it loosely, and heating it on medium power in one-minute intervals, stirring in between.