Iris’s Christmas Fettucine
In the movie The Holiday, Iris’s Christmas fettuccine isn’t memorable because of the ingredient list (we never even really see it). It’s memorable because of what it represents: Early in the film she’s heartbroken and small. By Christmas, she’s hosting. She’s feeding people. She’s laughing. She’s fully alive in her own right, creating warmth and abundance out of nothing more than butter, cream, and friendship. It’s pure Nancy Meyers magic… food as atmosphere. Pasta as love language. A kitchen with friends laughing around the table, joking about playing spin the dreidel, as sanctuary. And if Nancy Meyers says Christmas fettuccine is a thing… then Christmas fettuccine is a thing. So here is my encouragement to you: Make it. Share it. Enjoy it. Xo!
Serves: 6 people
Total time: About 30 minutes
Downloadable Recipe Card: Coming soon
What You’ll Need
Pasta
1 pound (16 oz) dry fettuccine
Sauce
1 cup (2 sticks) butter
1½ cups heavy cream
3–4 cloves garlic, finely minced
½ tsp Italian seasoning
¾ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 cup freshly grated Romano
Optional but recommended
Splash of reserved pasta water
Extra Parmesan for finishing
Fresh parsley for brightness
How to Make
First, we need to get our pasta going.
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine until just al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup pasta water.
Now, it’s time for our sauce!
In a large saucepan over low heat, add cream and warm. Melt butter into the cream. Let it gently simmer for 2–3 minutes (not boil). Now, whisk in garlic, italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Simmer another minute until fragrant.
It’s time to make this cheesy!
Add the Cheese (Slowly) Increase heat slightly to medium-low. Whisk in: Romano first (for salt and depth), and then Parmesan. Stir until fully melted and smooth. Do not let it boil (it will break your sauce!)
Toss and mangia!!!
Add drained pasta directly into the sauce. Toss gently using tongs until fully coated. Taste and adjust salt. Serve immediately with: Extra Parm, fresh black pepper, or even a little chopped parsley.
