Grocery
Fettuccine Pasta
What it is
Fettuccine is a type of pasta that is traditionally from Rome and Naples. It is a flat, thick pasta made of egg and flour. The name means 'little ribbons' in Italian. It is a popular pasta shape enjoyed in many cuisines around the world. This pasta is dried and packaged for easy storage and preparation.
How people cook with it
Fettuccine is a versatile pasta shape that pairs well with a variety of sauces.
- With creamy Alfredo sauce
- In baked pasta dishes
- Tossed with pesto
- As a base for hearty ragu
To prepare fettuccine, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the dried pasta and stir gently to prevent sticking. Cook according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente, which means it is tender but still has a slight bite. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water. Return the drained pasta to the pot and toss immediately with your chosen sauce. The reserved pasta water can be used to help the sauce emulsify and cling to the noodles.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to spaghetti, fettuccine is wider and flatter. This shape allows it to hold heavier, creamier sauces more effectively. Linguine is similar in width but is elliptical in shape, while fettuccine is flat. The broader surface area of fettuccine provides a more substantial mouthfeel.
Who it is for
Home cooks and professional chefs alike use fettuccine to create classic and innovative pasta dishes.
How to keep the rest
Store uncooked fettuccine in a cool, dry place in its original packaging or an airtight container. Properly stored, it can last for a long time. Once cooked, refrigerate any leftovers promptly in a sealed container and consume within a few days.