Linguine vs. Fettuccine: What’s the Difference?
True pasta connoisseurs will know that the conversation around linguine vs. fettuccine isn't as straightforward as it may seem. Do you know the difference between these two pantry staples? Are you having a culinary conundrum about which ribbon or string of pasta to use with which sauce? After all, they’re very similar in appearance, and a person could easily mistake one for the other at the local market.
What if your pantry has a shelf-load of pappardelle, linguine and spaghetti, but you need fettuccine for that creamy Alfredo sauce? Before you run out and buy a new packet of pasta, continue reading to learn more about linguine vs. fettuccine. There are interesting differences and similarities to discover, as well as useful tips relating to pasta sauce pairings. This helpful linguine vs. fettuccine guide has everything you need to avoid a noodle mix-up.
Jump to Section
- What Is Linguine Pasta?
- What Is Fettuccine Pasta?
- What Are the Similarities Between Fettuccine and Linguine?
- What Is the Difference Between Fettuccine and Linguine?
- Can I Substitute Linguine for Fettuccine?
What Is Linguine Pasta?
When comparing linguine vs. fettuccine, the more slender noodle is the former. The word "linguine" means “little tongues.” Its long and flat shape in conjunction with its meaning makes it easy to remember when differentiating between linguine vs. fettuccine. Think of it as a flatter version of spaghetti or angel hair pasta.
Linguine is very similar to spaghetti in weight and texture. Originating in Genoa, Italy, linguine’s delicate texture comes from a simple mix of water and flour. White, whole wheat or even potato flour can be used to make this Genoa food. It has a delicate texture that pairs well with light sauces and seafood recipes, such as linguine with clam sauce.
What Is Fettuccine Pasta?
Originating in Italy’s foodie regions of Rome and Tuscany, fettuccini is a long, wide, thick and flat noodle. Think of it as linguine’s older, more buff sibling when comparing linguine vs. fettuccine. Fettuccine pasta is made with eggs and flour, giving it a thicker and more dense structure than linguini’s delicate demeanor. When being prepared, the dough is usually rolled out flat by hand before being cut into wide strips.
Fettuccine means “little ribbons,” and the noodles do, in fact, look like ribbons. It’s similar in appearance to tagliatelle, but narrower. When comparing linguine vs. fettuccine, the width of fettuccine makes it an excellent choice for heavy and meat-based sauces. Who doesn’t love the classic fettuccine Alfredo? Use fettuccine with creamy recipes or try it with this thick and hearty ragù alla Bolognese.
What Are the Similarities Between Fettuccine and Linguine?
While there are many differences (discussed below) when comparing linguine vs. fettuccine, one or two similarities often confuse people. Both are long, flat strands of pasta, and with similar tastes, it's easy to think that both work equally as well as the base for easy pasta recipes. The differences set out below will make your culinary decisions much easier.
What Is the Difference Between Fettuccine and Linguine?
Diving into a deeper comparison of linguine vs. fettuccine noodles, you’ll find that there are a few differences between the two types of pasta. From the shapes to the ingredients used to make them, these are the differences to take note of when differentiating between linguine vs. fettuccine:
- Shape: Linguine is like a flatter strand of spaghetti. Fettuccine is thicker, wider and flatter than linguine.
- Cooking Time: Fettuccine cooks a bit faster than linguine, in approximately 9 to 11 minutes, because of its flatter shape. Linguine takes slightly longer to cook — around 12 minutes.
- Texture: Linguine is more delicate and pairs well with light sauces. Fettuccine is thicker and can hold onto heavy sauces and meaty ingredients.
- Ingredients: Linguine is made with flour and water. Fettuccine is made with eggs and flour, and sometimes a little added water.
Fettuccine vs. Linguine Sauce Pairings
Now that you're more clued up on the similarities and differences relating to fettuccine vs. linguine, it's time to experiment with sauce pairings. Fettuccini pairs well with thick sauces like Alfredo, robust meat-based marinaras and creamy sauces. Another great sauce pairing for fettuccine is amatriciana.
Linguine goes well with thin selections like seafood and clam sauces, pesto or even a simple drizzle of butter. It’s a terrific noodle for that scallop and shrimp recipe you’ve been dying to try.
No matter your pasta preferences, cooking classes near you are the key to helping you learn advanced skills from gourmet chefs. You can even master the art of homemade pasta to fully understand the concept of linguine vs. fettuccine.
Not able to get to a cooking class? No worries. Offering convenience, fun and an engaging atmosphere, online cooking classes are a wonderful alternative to an in-person session. Whether you're making seafood linguine or rustling up some delicious garlic Parmesan chicken pasta, you can learn how to prepare all of those wonderful pasta (or any other) dishes in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Can I Substitute Linguine for Fettuccine?
In your quest to discover everything there is to know about linguine vs. fettuccine, you may be wondering if you can substitute the two. The quick answer is yes, but as with anything, there are always nuances.
Generally speaking, you’ll want to stick with the same shape, or near to it, when substituting pasta noodles. So, yes, you can substitute linguine for fettuccini since they’re similar in shape, length and size, but the more delicate texture of linguine means that a reverse swap is slightly more difficult to pull off when making dishes like this seafood linguini. Whether it be linguine vs. fettuccine or other pasta substitutions, sticking to recommended sauces is always best.
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Now that you're an expert on the topic of linguine vs. fettuccine, whether you're buying from the store or making your own at home, by pairing the right pasta with the right sauces, you'll be able to wow everyone at your next pasta evening gathering. After all, who doesn't love Italian food?
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