Italian cuisine brims with diverse recipes, each with its regional charm, beloved both locally and worldwide. Interestingly, there’s one recipe that, despite its Italian roots, enjoys enormous popularity abroad, especially in the USA, yet remains relatively unknown in Italy. This is the tale of Alfredo sauce, a creamy, rich condiment that pairs exquisitely with fettuccine, creating the famed fettuccine Alfredo, a favorite across the Atlantic. This dish is purely Italian: fresh egg fettuccine tossed with butter and Parmigiano Reggiano DOP.

The birth of Alfredo sauce

This recipe traces back to the early 1900s when Alfredo Di Lelio, a Roman restaurateur, crafted it to help his wife recover strength after childbirth. She adored it so much that Alfredo added it to his restaurant’s menu on Via della Scrofa. The sauce’s simplicity and authentic flavor quickly charmed diners. A few years later, Hollywood silent film stars Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford sampled Fettuccine Alfredo at Di Lelio’s restaurant, introducing the recipe to the United States. Today, Alfredo Sauce stands as one of the most adored Italian recipes overseas.

Fettuccine Alfredo: between tradition and innovation

The beloved recipe abroad has also led to the proliferation of numerous variations under the name of Alfredo sauce, but of dubious authenticity. Therefore, during the pandemic, the current owners of the restaurant, Mario and Veronica, decided to launch jars of the original Alfredo sauce on the market. This choice stems from the need to bring the true Alfredo sauce recipe to families’ tables, curbing the phenomenon of variations that were becoming popular, especially in the United States.

The jars, containing 200 grams of sauce made only with selected and high-quality ingredients, aim to offer the authentic taste of the original recipe. Additionally, the packaging has been designed to include a QR code, through which you can discover the true recipe for preparing tettuccine Alfredo. This idea symbolizes how the love for such a historic dish can be kept alive in a contemporary and practical format.

Beyond Fettuccine: the versatility of Alfredo sauce

Alfredo Sauce’s adaptability makes it ideal for various dishes beyond the classic fettuccine. You can use it to dress different pasta shapes, both long and short, and even potato gnocchi, enhancing their taste. Additionally, this sauce serves wonderfully as a dressing for vegetables, adding richness and flavor to side dishes. It also pairs excellently with meat dishes, such as chicken or turkey, elevating them with a luscious glaze.

How to make Alfredo sauce

The recipe for Alfredo sauce is straightforward and requires only a few ingredients. Simply melt butter in a pan over medium-low heat. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Some variations include cream for a thicker consistency. Patience is crucial; stir continuously over low heat to prevent burning. When the sauce starts to simmer and thicken, season with salt and pepper, stirring well. Your sauce is now ready!

Some variations of this famous recipe

Beyond the classic recipe, interesting variations of Alfredo sauce have emerged over time thanks to experimentation and culinary curiosity. For example, simply add a minced garlic clove to your recipe for an extra touch of flavor! There are also other ingredients that can be added to enhance and personalize your Alfredo sauce. Fresh spinach, for instance, adds a touch of color to the sauce and provides extra nutrition. Some people enjoy this condiment with mushrooms: just sauté the mushrooms in a pan and then add them to the sauce to create a rich and tasty dish. Lastly, for meat lovers, we recommend this combination: add crispy bacon to the Alfredo sauce to achieve a smoky flavor and added crunch. Try these variations and create your personalized Alfredo sauce!

Tips for a perfect Alfredo Sauce

Buon appetito!

(credits: Eat and Walk Italy)