Fettuccine al Burro

Authentic Italian Fettuccine al Burro Recipe

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Fettuccine al Burro is a classic Italian pasta dish that translates to "fettuccine with butter." This simple yet decadent recipe features fettuccine noodles tossed in a creamy butter and cheese sauce, making it a rich and indulgent meal.

History

Fettuccine al Burro originated in Italy, where it is a popular dish in many regions. The recipe is believed to have been created as a way to showcase the rich flavors of butter and cheese, which are staples in Italian cuisine.

Ingredients

0.5 cup butter, softened
0.25 cup whipping cream
0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese
0.25 cup grated romano cheese
1 lb (454 g) fettuccine or linguine noodles
salt and pepper to taste
herbs or garlic (optional)
sautéed mushrooms (optional)

How to prepare

Cream the butter until light.
Gradually add the cream, beating constantly.
Beat in the cheeses.
Cover and set aside. If the butter cheese mixture is not to be used at once, refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature before using.
Warm the serving bowl and plates by putting them in the oven set on low heat.
Cook the fettuccine noodles according to the package directions. Rinse and drain. Pour into the warmed serving bowl.
Add the creamed butter/cheese mixture and toss with the fettuccine using two forks until well coated.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Garnish with sautéed mushrooms if desired.
Pass extra Parmesan cheese.
Serve at once on warm plates.
Serves 6 to 8.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Stir in cooked vegetables such as peas or broccoli for added nutrition.
Use different types of cheese, such as Romano or Asiago, for a unique flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cream the butter until light and fluffy for a smooth sauce.

- Gradually add the cream while beating constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

- Warm the serving bowl and plates before serving to keep the dish hot.

- Toss the fettuccine with the butter and cheese mixture using two forks to evenly coat the noodles.

- Season to taste with salt and pepper for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Fettuccine al Burro with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Pair with a glass of white wine for a perfect dining experience.

Cooking Techniques

Cream the butter until light and fluffy.

- Toss the fettuccine with the butter and cheese mixture using two forks for even coating.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use half-and-half or milk instead of whipping cream for a lighter sauce.

- Substitute different types of pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, for the fettuccine noodles.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the butter and cheese mixture in advance and refrigerate until ready to use.

- Cook the noodles ahead of time and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color. - Serve in a decorative pasta bowl for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Fettuccine al Burro with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.

- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a Caesar salad for a classic Italian meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, adding a splash of cream if needed to revive the sauce.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

400 per serving

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 2g

Fats

- Total Fat: 25g

- Saturated Fat: 15g

- Trans Fat: 1g

Proteins

- Protein: 10g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 20% DV

- Calcium: 15% DV

- Iron: 10% DV

Alergens

Contains dairy (butter, cream, cheese)

- Contains gluten (noodles)

Summary

Fettuccine al Burro is a rich and creamy pasta dish that is high in fat and calories. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

Fettuccine al Burro is a delicious and indulgent pasta dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. With its creamy butter and cheese sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Fettuccine al Burro. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Italy. My grandmother, Nonna Maria, was known throughout the village for her incredible cooking skills. She had a way of taking simple ingredients and turning them into the most delicious meals.

One day, I was helping Nonna Maria in the kitchen as she prepared dinner for the family. She was making her famous spaghetti carbonara, and I was mesmerized by the way she effortlessly whipped up the creamy sauce and tossed it with perfectly cooked pasta. As I watched her work her magic, I couldn't help but ask her where she had learned to cook so well.

Nonna Maria smiled at me and said, "My dear, I have learned to cook from many different people and places over the years. But there is one recipe that holds a special place in my heart - Fettuccine al Burro. It is a classic Italian dish that is simple yet incredibly delicious."

I begged her to teach me how to make it, and she agreed. She pulled out a worn, stained recipe card from her collection and handed it to me. The card was filled with handwritten notes and scribbles, evidence of years of tweaking and perfecting the recipe.

As Nonna Maria guided me through the steps of making Fettuccine al Burro, she shared the story of how she had acquired the recipe. She told me that many years ago, when she was a young bride, she had visited a small trattoria in Florence with her husband. The trattoria was known for its incredible pasta dishes, and Nonna Maria was eager to learn the secrets behind their delicious meals.

She struck up a conversation with the chef, a kind old man named Giovanni, who took her under his wing and taught her the art of Italian cooking. Giovanni showed her how to make Fettuccine al Burro, a dish he claimed was his nonna's secret recipe. Nonna Maria watched, listened, and learned, taking in every detail of the process.

After several hours of cooking and chatting, Giovanni finally deemed Nonna Maria ready to try making the dish on her own. He handed her a copy of the recipe and bid her farewell, wishing her luck in her culinary endeavors.

Nonna Maria returned home with the recipe in hand, determined to recreate the flavors of the trattoria in her own kitchen. She spent hours practicing, tweaking, and perfecting the recipe, adding her own personal touch to make it truly her own.

As she shared this story with me, I felt a sense of pride and connection to my grandmother. I realized that cooking was not just about following a set of instructions - it was about tradition, history, and love. Nonna Maria had passed down this recipe to me, not just as a way to make a delicious meal, but as a way to connect with my heritage and carry on the legacy of those who had come before me.

As we sat down to enjoy the Fettuccine al Burro that I had made under Nonna Maria's guidance, I felt a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. I knew that this recipe would be a staple in my own kitchen for years to come, a reminder of the love and wisdom that my grandmother had shared with me that day.

And so, every time I make Fettuccine al Burro, I think of Nonna Maria and her journey to learn the recipe. I am grateful for her guidance, her patience, and her love. And I am proud to carry on the tradition of this delicious dish, knowing that it will always hold a special place in my heart.