Audrey Hepburn’s Favorite Meal Was This Surprisingly Simple (and Divisive) Dish

Audrey Hepburn is remembered as one of Hollywood’s most iconic actresses, known for her grace, style, and the classic films that defined an era. But beyond the silver screen, Hepburn was also a lover of food—specifically, a simple and surprisingly unconventional comfort meal that caught many by surprise: pasta with ketchup.

In the book Audrey at Home: Memories of My Mother’s Kitchen, written by Luca Dotti, Hepburn’s youngest son, the actress’s love for this humble dish is revealed, offering a glimpse into her personal life beyond the limelight. According to Dotti, this “lazy girl” meal was a Sunday night tradition for the two of them, after a hectic week of work. It wasn’t the sophisticated haute cuisine one might associate with a glamorous star like Hepburn, but rather a dish she enjoyed for its simplicity and comfort.

The meal, which might sound unusual to some, consisted of penne pasta doused in ketchup. But before you wrinkle your nose at the idea of using ketchup as a pasta sauce, Hepburn’s method had a twist. The ketchup wasn’t the star of the dish on its own. Instead, she blended it with a bit of butter, olive oil, and grated Emmentaler cheese, transforming it into something creamy and surprisingly flavorful.

The recipe for Hepburn’s signature pasta dish is simple and requires just four ingredients: uncooked penne, ketchup, unsalted butter, extra virgin olive oil, and Emmentaler cheese. According to Dotti, this was the kind of meal that allowed her to unwind, relaxing in front of the TV after a long week. “Her very personal view of a good life included relaxing in front of the TV with a plate of penne and ketchup,” he recalled.

To prepare this dish, you’ll need:

• 8 ounces of uncooked penne
• A dollop of ketchup (as much as your taste buds enjoy)
• 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• Grated Emmentaler cheese (or Emmental cheese)

Start by cooking the pasta, reserving a small amount of the cooking water before straining. Return the drained pasta to the pot, then add the butter and olive oil, mixing until the ingredients are well combined. Lower the heat and let the pasta rest for a few minutes (a technique known as mantecare). After that, stir in just enough ketchup to give the dish a rich pink color, followed by the cheese. Add a little pasta water to thin out the mixture to your liking, and voilà—Hepburn’s comforting, creamy pasta dish is ready to be enjoyed.

While Hepburn preferred Heinz ketchup, you can use your favorite brand or even make your own homemade ketchup for a fresher take. For an extra umami kick, some people opt to add a few drops of soy sauce to the dish.

Though it might seem odd to some, Hepburn’s choice of pasta with ketchup reveals an important part of her personality: she valued simplicity and authenticity. It was a meal that made her feel at home and relaxed, and perhaps that’s what made it so special to her. In the world of glitz and glam, it’s a reminder that even the most refined stars sometimes crave a humble plate of comfort food.