“Shall I make us a little Christmas fettuccine?” This Christmas Fettuccine recipe is based on the memorable quote from my favorite Christmas movie, The Holiday.
The noodles are enveloped by a creamy sauce made from a handful of simple ingredients – butter, freshly grated parmesan cheese and pasta water.
This creamy pasta dish is perfect to enjoy on Christmas Day, Christmas Eve or anytime during the holiday season.
In the movie The Holiday, Kate Winslet’s character (Iris) offers to make Jack Black’s character (Miles) a Christmas fettuccine to cheer them up after a heart-to-heart chat. It’s a short but sweet memorable scene that has always stuck with me. The fettuccine recipe from the movie was never shared so this is my take on the famous dish!
With a handful of ingredients including butter, parmesan cheese and fettuccine noodles, it’s so easy to make a big bowl of fettuccine for yourself or your family. Top with a toasted panko breadcrumbs to elevate the recipe further for the holidays.
While most are familiar with fettuccine alfredo made with heavy cream, this Christmas fettuccine is based on the Roman-style fettuccine which is simple and elegant.
why you’ll love this recipe
- Easy: You only need 3 key ingredients to make the base sauce of this Christmas fettuccine.
- Festive: It’s a cozy and comforting festive dish for a small Christmas dinner or cozy movie night-in.
- Delicious: A big bowl of pasta made from high-quality ingredients is perfect for this time of year.
Ingredients needed
Fettuccine noodles: I use fresh fettuccine noodles for this recipe but you can use dry fettuccine if desired.
Butter: always use unsalted butter so that you can adjust the salt levels in this great dish
Cheese: freshly-grated parmigiano reggiano cheese is a MUST; do not use pre-shredded cheese as it will not combine properly to create the creamy and cheesy sauce.
Water: Make sure to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. Hot water from the pot the pasta is cooked in is super important to bring the sauce together.
How to make this Christmas fettuccine recipe
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil.
- To a large serving bowl or pot, lay 8 tablespoons of butter at the bottom and set aside. Freshly grate the parmesan cheese and set aside.
- Cook the fettuccine noodles until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Use tongs to scoop the cooked fettuccine noodles from the pasta pot directly into the large bowl (or pot) with butter. As you gently toss the pasta by pushing the pasta towards the back of the bowl / pan and bringing it back towards you, add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. As you toss, gradually sprinkle in the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Keep tossing until all of the parmesan cheese has been used. Add a little pasta water as needed to help create the perfect consistency.
- Once everything is combined, the ‘sauce’ should be smooth and glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt (and pepper) if desired. Serve with more parmesan cheese on top.
Tips & tricks
- Do not use pre-shredded parmesan cheese as it will not combine properly to create the creamy and cheesy sauce.
- Add the panko breadcrumb topping on top of the fettuccine for a festive touch. Add 1-2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley and/or some lemon zest to enhance the flavour further.
- I love to top this fettuccine with some cracked black pepper.
- If parmigiano reggiano cheese is not available, then substitute with Pecorino Romano
- You can serve this with a protein on the side like roasted chicken breasts or roasted chicken thighs if desired.
What to serve at the dinner table with this Christmas fettuccine
- A simple arugula side salad: Arugula tossed with extra-virgin olive oil and lemon juice.
- This Kale & Brussels Salad with Toasted Hazelnuts is a crunchy, fresh side dish.
- Quick Garlic Bread Bites pair perfectly.
- This Brussels Salad with Apples, Dates & Almonds can be made ahead of time.
Common questions
If you forget to reserve pasta water, don’t fret! Mix together 1/4 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 cup cold water or chicken broth. Then, microwave on high for 1-2 minutes. Finally, use this mixture instead of reserved pasta water.
How to store leftover fettuccine
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Christmas Fettuccine Recipe (inspired by The Holiday)
Ingredients
For the Christmas fettuccine
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1 1/4 cups finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano plus more for garnish
- 1 lb (450-500 grams) fresh fettuccine or 3/4 lb (350-400grams) dried fettuccine
- 1/2-1 cup reserved pasta water
Optional: For the panko crumb topping
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- pinch of kosher salt
Instructions
For the fettuccine alfredo
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil.
- To a large serving bowl or pot, lay 8 tablespoons of butter at the bottom and set aside. Freshly grate the parmesan cheese and set aside.
- Cook the fettuccine noodles until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Use tongs to scoop the cooked fettuccine noodles from the pasta pot directly into the large bowl (or pot) with butter. As you gently toss the pasta by pushing the pasta towards the back of the bowl / pan and bringing it back towards you, add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. As you toss, gradually sprinkle in the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Keep tossing until all of the parmesan cheese has been used. Add more reserved pasta water as needed.
- Once everything is combined, the 'sauce' should be smooth and glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt (and pepper) if desired. Serve with more parmesan cheese on top.
Optional: For the panko crumb topping
- In a large frying pan, add the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat.
- Once the butter is melted, stir in the panko breadcrumbs and a pinch of kosher salt. Cook, stirring often, 4-5 minutes, until the panko is golden brown.
Notes
- I love to top this fettuccine with some cracked black pepper.
- Add the panko breadcrumb topping on top of the fettuccine for a festive touch. Add 1-2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley and/or some lemon zest to enhance the flavour further.
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