You can’t beat fresh pasta, but it’s not a bad idea to keep a few boxes of the dried stuff around for a quick weeknight meal. Fettuccine makes for a substantial, comforting supper, and Cook’s Illustrated has found the best box for you buck. (Spoiler alert: all brands tested were pretty good!)




According to Cook’s Illustrated, the ideal fettuccine noodle showcases a “clean flavor and a hint of springy chew.” Four major brands were tested, and the competitors were boiled until perfectly al dente, then prepared two different ways for tasting: tossed with canola oil and tossed with butter and parm. All four brands fared well (click the link below to see the full results) but the best brand was Garofalo Fettucce, which was prized for its “wide, thick noodles” that “were bouncy and springy, with just the right amount of chew.”

Can’t find that exact brand? Don’t sweat it. According to the testers, “there wasn’t a bad noodle in the bunch.” The most important factor is how you cook the noodles. Make sure you use plenty of salted water, stir frequently to prevent sticking, and taste as you go, using the cooking times on the box as a “rough guide.”


Which Fettuccine Should You Buy? | Cook’s Illustrated