Like many popular Italian dishes in the U.S., Fettuccine Alfredo isn't entirely Italian. In the case of this creamy, cheesy pasta dish, it originated as a collaboration of sorts between a Roman chef and a Hollywood power couple. The couple in question were Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford, two silent film actors — and they were a big deal, with the respective nicknames "The King of Hollywood" and "America's Sweetheart."

Fettuccine Alfredo evolved from the couple's 1920 honeymoon to Rome. They visited a local restaurant belonging to chef Alfredo di Lelio, and tasted his signature dish: Fettuccine al triplo burro. He'd created it years ago for his heavily pregnant wife, who couldn't keep most food down.