Loni Anderson’s Pasta Dish Was as Timeless as She Was

Loni Anderson's Pasta Dish Was as Timeless as She Was originally appeared on Parade .

Tributes for Loni Anderson have poured in after the actress died on Sunday, August 3, 2025. Anderson, who was 79, made a name for herself playing the bombshell receptionist Jennifer Marlowe on WKRP in Cincinnati in the late '70s and early '80s. 

"I was against being like a blond window dressing person, so I made my feelings known," Anderson told Australia's Studio 10 in 2017 of her role. "And, as we know, Jennifer was the smartest person in the room. She just turned into a great, groundbreaking kind of character for women to be glamorous and smart."

Anderson, who earned nominations for three Golden Globes and two Emmy Awards for her work, was married four times: to real estate developer Bruce Hasselberg, actor Ross Bickell , actor Burt Reynolds and musician Bob Flick. 

Anderson's divorce from Burt Reynolds was tabloid fodder and it even became so intense that Reynolds' friend, photographer Lisa Smith, once insulted Anderson's cooking, saying that she "only cooked nine or 11 times."

Apparently, though, Anderson had more going on in the kitchen than the rumors suggested. Anderson shared a recipe for "Fettucini a la Ross" that seems to have been inspired by her second husband and it's currently circulating on social media. The pasta is elegant, timeless and luxurious. Here's why this pasta dish should earn a spot in your recipe rotation. 

Related: '80s Soap Icon 'Devastated' Over Loss of 'Wonderful' Loni Anderson

What Makes Loni Anderson's Fettuccini a la Ross So Special?

Anderson's pasta is a take on fettuccine Alfredo , made with plenty of cream and cheese to create a delicious, buttery dish. 

The pasta is packed with prosciutto for an added boost of meaty texture and saltiness, plus a bit of red pepper in the mix for a little spicy kick to cut through some of the richness of the cream-based sauce. Crushed sage leaves and Marsala wine, a type of cooking wine, also help infuse extra flavor in every bite of the star's pasta dish.

The best part of this dish is that it's relatively easy to pull off. You could make it for a weeknight dinner but it's also special enough for a dinner party for family and friends. Add a simple side salad and maybe some garlic bread and dinner is ready!

Related: The Best (And Easiest) Way to Make Alfredo Sauce, According to Martha Stewart

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How to Make Loni Anderson's Fettuccini a la Ross

Ready to give Anderson's pasta a try? Here's how to make it. Start by filling a big pot with water, toss in a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. While the water comes to a boil, melt some butter in a wide pan and sauté chopped prosciutto or ham until it starts to crisp. Stir in your favorite spices (think garlic powder, Italian seasoning or black pepper) and a splash of Marsala wine, letting it cook down slightly before lowering the heat.

Once the water's boiling, drop in your fettuccine and cook until just al dente. As the pasta cooks, add some heavy cream to the pan, stirring as it simmers and thickens. Drain the pasta, then toss it right into the sauce with plenty of grated Parmesan until every strand is coated and glossy. Serve it all up on a big platter with salad and a glass of red wine.

Related: The Classic Italian Recipe That Goldie Hawn Calls A 'Naughty Joyful Dish'

Loni Anderson's Pasta Dish Was as Timeless as She Was first appeared on Parade on Aug 6, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 6, 2025, where it first appeared.