Condimento alla Papalina (Creamy Cheese Sauce for the Pope)
Ask anyone in Italy if they know “The Talisman of Happiness” and odds are they’ll say yes. Ada Boni wrote the first edition of the essential cookbook in 1929 and updated it over the years as Italy’s culture and cooking changed. This recipe is adapted from the latest edition (Voracious, 2025). Condimento alla papalina, which loosely translates to “sauce for the pope,” was created in honor of Pope Pius XII, who became head of the Catholic Church in 1939. It’s a testament to how only a few ingredients you probably have on hand can create a delicious, incredibly satisfying dish in about 15 minutes. She calls it a lighter alternative to carbonara, although the amount of butter and cheese is quite generous. Ms. Boni says the sauce is best tossed with fettuccine. Kim Severson
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