National Fettuccini Alfredo Day

Cheerful person holding a plate of fettuccini alfredo, wearing a chef's hat, kitchen setting with pots and pans in the background.. — National fettuccini alfredo day illustration

Welcome to National Fettuccini Alfredo Day! Get ready to indulge in a creamy pasta delight that will make your taste buds sing with joy. Whether you're a fan of Italian cuisine or simply love a hearty pasta dish, this day is all about celebrating the rich and delicious flavors of fettuccini alfredo.

When is Fettuccini Alfredo Day?

It's national fettuccini alfredo day on the 7th February.

The Origin of Fettuccini Alfredo

The history of fettuccini alfredo dates back to early 20th century Rome, Italy. Legend has it that the dish was created by Alfredo di Lelio, a passionate Italian chef known for his innovative recipes and exceptional culinary skills.

Alfredo initially invented the dish as a way to appeal to his pregnant wife, who was experiencing severe nausea and had lost her appetite. Determined to create something appetizing for her, he came up with a simple yet brilliant combination of freshly made pasta, butter, and Parmesan cheese. The result was a creamy, velvety sauce that was both comforting and nourishing.

Bringing Fettuccini Alfredo to the World

The fame of fettuccini alfredo spread beyond the borders of Italy thanks to American actors Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks. During their honeymoon in Rome in the 1920s, they dined at Alfredo's restaurant and fell in love with the creamy pasta dish. They raved about it when they returned to the United States, and soon enough, fettuccini alfredo became a sensation among Hollywood stars and eventually found its way onto menus across the country.

Today, fettuccini alfredo is a beloved pasta dish enjoyed by people all around the world. From restaurants to home kitchens, people have put their own twists on this classic recipe, adding ingredients like chicken, shrimp, and vegetables to create their own variations of the dish.

History behind the term 'Fettuccini Alfredo'

1914

Alfredo Di Lelio creates 'fettuccini al burro'

In 1914, the famous Italian chef Alfredo Di Lelio first created a dish known as 'fettuccini al burro' at his restaurant in Rome. This dish consisted of fresh fettuccini pasta tossed in a rich sauce made with butter and Parmesan cheese.

1927

Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks popularize the dish

In 1927, the renowned Hollywood couple Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks visited Rome and dined at Alfredo Di Lelio's restaurant. Impressed with the exquisite taste of the 'fettuccini al burro', they fell in love with the dish and its creator. They even took the recipe back to the United States, introducing it to their friends and colleagues in Hollywood.

1943

Alfredo Di Lelio modifies the recipe for his wife

Being pregnant and suffering from morning sickness, Alfredo Di Lelio's wife had lost her appetite. To entice her to eat, he tweaked the original recipe by incorporating more cheese and butter, creating a creamier version of the dish. This modified version, known as 'fettuccini alfredo', instantly became a family favorite.

1950s

Fettuccini Alfredo gains popularity in the United States

During the 1950s, Italian cuisine started gaining popularity in the United States. Fettuccini Alfredo became a staple dish in many Italian-American restaurants, especially after it was featured in popular cookbooks and culinary magazines. Its creamy texture and indulgent flavor captivated the American taste buds.

1970s

Fettuccini Alfredo becomes an international sensation

In the 1970s, Fettuccini Alfredo gained international recognition and became a favorite of food enthusiasts worldwide. Numerous Italian restaurants across the globe started offering their own variations of this timeless classic. Today, Fettuccini Alfredo is considered an iconic pasta dish and continues to delight food lovers everywhere.

Did you know?

Did you know that the original fettuccini alfredo recipe only consisted of three ingredients: fettuccini pasta, butter, and Parmesan cheese? Sometimes, simplicity is the key to culinary excellence!