Alfredo
/alˈfre.do/
Alfredo is the Italian way to refer to a sauce made from butter and Parmesan.
The term refers to a specific type of sauce characterized by its use of butter and Parmesan cheese.
Meaning: sauce made from butter and Parmesan (name)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /alˈfre.do/.
Did you know?
- The name Alfredo traces back to the Old English words ælf meaning 'elf' and ræd meaning 'counsel'.
- In Italy, if you order 'Pasta Alfredo', you might be confused, as the sauce is considered an American invention rather than a traditional Italian dish.
- The authentic dish that inspired the name is Fettucine all'Alfredo, created by Alfredo di Lelio in Rome. Unlike the version found in the US, the original recipe contains no cream.
Example conversation
Sofia and Lorenzo are ordering dinner at a restaurant.
- SofiaCosa ordini, Lorenzo?What are you ordering, Lorenzo?
- LorenzoPrendo i fettuccine Alfredo.I'll have the fettuccine Alfredo.
- SofiaOttima scelta, sono deliziose.Great choice, they are delicious.
- LorenzoSì, amo questo condimento.Yes, I love this sauce.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Alfredo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Alfredo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
