There’s something timeless about a simple bowl of pasta — and no one knew that better than Audrey Hepburn.

A Timeless Dish

I can’t help but smile thinking about Audrey stirring a pot of this pasta in a sun-drenched kitchen, maybe with a scratchy record playing in the background. It reminds me so much of my own time visiting Italy — where the best meals were always the simplest, made with good friends, good cheese, and whatever was fresh and in reach.

While she dazzled the world with her grace and style, Audrey’s favorite meals were often humble and uncomplicated. One of her beloved recipes? Hay and Straw Pasta — a cozy, colorful dish of green and white pasta tossed with cream, peas, and parmesan.

This recipe is a nod to simplicity, beauty, and the little joys of good food shared with the people you love.
Today, we’re bringing her version to life — and trust me, it’s every bit as charming as you’d hope.

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A Little History: Audrey Hepburn’s Love for Simple Meals

Despite her glamorous image, Audrey Hepburn’s real life was filled with practical, rustic meals — often Italian-inspired.
Having spent part of her later life in Switzerland and Italy, she developed a love for comforting, down-to-earth foods. Her son, Luca Dotti, shared in his memoir “Audrey at Home” that dishes like Hay and Straw Pasta (Paglia e Fieno) were among her favorites — easy, nurturing, and unfussy. Honestly, I love every recipe in this book, but this one is so creamy and mouth-watering!

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Hay and Straw Pasta Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spinach fettuccine (the “straw”) (I have substituted zooddles for this or just let the peas be the green straw and use bucatini pasta.)
• 8 oz regular egg fettuccine (the “hay”)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)- don’t skip this!
• 1 cup frozen peas (thawed)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: diced prosciutto or ham (for a more savory version)

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Instructions:

1. Boil the pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   Cook both types of fettuccine together according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. Make the sauce:
   In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
   Stir in the heavy cream and warm it gently, allowing it to thicken slightly.
3. Add peas and cheese:
   Stir the peas into the cream sauce, then sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
   If the sauce gets too thick, loosen it with a splash of reserved pasta water.
4. Combine:
   Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, stirring gently to coat every strand. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
   (Optional: Stir in diced prosciutto or ham if you want a heartier version.)
5. Serve:
   Plate immediately and sprinkle with extra Parmesan if you like.
   Best enjoyed fresh and warm!

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FAQs: Hay and Straw Pasta

Can I use only one type of pasta?
You can — but the fun of this dish is the contrast between the green and white pasta. It’s part of the charm!

Can I make it lighter?
Sure!
Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk, and use a little less cheese. The sauce will be lighter but still creamy.

How long does it keep?
This pasta is best eaten fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.

Is it authentic Italian?
Paglia e Fieno (“Hay and Straw”) is a classic Italian dish, and Audrey’s version stays very close to the original — simple cream sauce, peas, and sometimes ham.
It’s a perfect example of Italian country cooking: beautiful ingredients, minimal fuss.

Printable Recipe Card

Why We Love Audrey’s Hay and Straw Pasta

This isn’t a fussy, complicated recipe. It’s what Audrey loved most — a cozy, nourishing bowl of real food.
It’s a reminder that elegance often lives in simplicity — and that even a quick, quiet dinner can feel a little magical. It’s also super versatile. Most of the time, we add ham.

Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner, a weekend lunch with friends, or a solo treat just for yourself — Hay and Straw Pasta always feels a little bit special.

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