You might think fettuccine is off limits as soon as you start following a Paleo diet, and you’d be 100% correct! Fettuccine is a flat thick noodle made of egg and flour, a pasta cut in ribbons, and therefore not Paleo. Only there is an asterisk connected to that statement, specifically for this recipe. :)
Unlike most gluten-free branded products and ingredients, this fettuccine is not only gluten-free but also Paleo. Most gluten-free products use some other grain to replace the wheat which is why everything gluten-free is not Paleo however it does work the other way. Everything that is Paleo is also gluten-free.
Why is this gluten-free fettuccine Paleo?
The gluten-free fettuccine we ate during this meal is made by Cappello’s. Cappello’s is a Denver based gourmet-food company. Stacey Marcellus and Benjamin Frohlichstein founded the high-end gluten free and grain free company in 2011.
Cappello’s mission is simple: provide fresh, uniquely delicious options for gourmet food-lovers, healthy eaters and people with dietary restrictions.
How is this Gluten-free, Paleo Fettuccine Made?
The ingredients this Paleo fettuccine is made up of are: almond flour, cage-free eggs, tapioca flour, xanthan gum and sea salt.
For me, the only questionable ingredient in this fettucine was the xanthan gum. “The worst xanthan gum seems to be capable of (in adults) is causing some digestive distress in those who are susceptible by increasing stool bulk, water content, and sugar content” (source). Neither Jeff, Dave nor I had any issues after consuming this single meal.
How Does It Taste?
I’m an Italian girl who grew up eating pasta! I know the difference between the real deal and the fake, canned garbage that some folks pass off as pasta. The taste and texture of Cappello’s fettuccine is spot on and tastes delicious. And I made sure to let them know how I felt on Instagram. :)
Even though the box says you only need to cook the noodles in boiling water for 45 seconds, I cooked it a little longer because I’m not a fan of al dente pasta. :)
How Much Does it Cost?
At the time of this article, four 9 oz. (255g) packages of fettuccine costs $44.00, the packages are freezable and ship in custom eco-coolers.
You may be thinking that one 9oz package for $11 may be expensive but
a. if you have gone gluten-free and/or Paleo and have not had pasta in quite a long time then this should be considered a luxury item, not an every day food, something you purchase for a special occasion and
b. remember, this is a high-end product. It takes time, love and passion to make a quality product and ship it anywhere across the country.
c. If you break this meal down into cost per serving I think you’d be surprised at how cost-effective it actually is (even if you eat the equivalent of three servings, like we may have). When compared to eating out, this meal is not that expensive.
Where Is It Sold?
Cappello’s sells and ships their Paleo fettuccine (along with lasagna, gnocchi and chocolate chip cookie dough) on their website. It is available in most health food stores. Look for them in the freezer section of most Whole Foods.
I served this Paleo Fettuccine with homemade pasta sauce, italian sausage and a side salad with oil & vinegar dressing.
