Posted on 12/24/2024 9:27:41 PM PST by nickcarraway
Forget long waits and hefty bills—these 17 Italian classics show how homemade can beat the high-end every time. With Nonna’s secrets guiding the way, every dish is a masterclass in keeping things authentic, flavorful, and utterly fulfilling. They’re the kind of recipes that make even the best trattorias a little jealous. You don’t need to tip anyone, except maybe the chef in your mirror.
Italian Pot Roast Pasta
If cozy dinners are your thing, you’ll love this combo of tender pot roast with pasta. It turns a classic comfort meal into something you can twirl on a fork. Italian Pot Roast Pasta doesn’t need a special occasion to be enjoyed, making any dinner feel like a Sunday family gathering. It’s proof that combining two favorites, slow-cooked meat and pasta, is always a good idea.
Classic Shrimp Scampi
Sometimes, the simplest dishes hold the most appeal, and shrimp lovers will rejoice at this dish. Rich and garlicky, it takes a straightforward approach to seafood. In Classic Shrimp Scampi, the focus is on enhancing the natural flavors rather than overwhelming them. Perfect for a quick dinner, its simplicity is its greatest charm. Get the Recipe: Classic Shrimp Scampi
Chicken Cacciatore
Imagine your kitchen filled with the aroma of herbs and simmered chicken that reminds you of a rustic Italian country house. Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish that offers a fantastic combination of savory flavors. It’s a one-pot wonder that makes clean-up easy and dinner filling. This dish is just right for those who love a touch of tradition with their meals. Get the Recipe: Chicken Cacciatore
Italian Wedding Soup
For soup lovers, there’s nothing more inviting than a warm bowl of Italian Wedding Soup. This dish melds meat and greens in a broth that’s accented with just the right amount of seasoning. It’s as ideal for a cozy night in as it is for a special occasion meal. Plus, who doesn’t love a meal that feels like a celebration every time? Get the Recipe: Italian Wedding Soup
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Bringing the freshness of cherry tomatoes to the forefront, this pasta dish is all about highlighting fresh, clean flavors. Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce has a lightness that’s perfect for those who appreciate a less is more approach. It’s quick to prepare and always leaves everyone wanting more. Perfect for a busy weekday meal or a casual dinner with friends.
Pasta e Fagioli Soup
When you crave something hearty and filling, this is the go-to dish. Pasta e Fagioli Soup combines pasta and beans in a rich broth, offering a texture and depth that’s hard to match. It’s both nourishing and deeply satisfying without being overly heavy. Ideal for chilly evenings or when you need a comforting meal. Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Slow Cooker Italian Pot Roast Pasta. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.
For those who love coming home to a meal that’s ready to serve, this dish offers convenience and flavor packed into one. The slow cooker does all the hard work, melding flavors over hours for Slow Cooker Italian Pot Roast Pasta, which is just as delicious as it sounds. This dish combines the depth of a pot roast with the hearty satisfaction of pasta. It’s a crowd-pleaser that frees up your day. Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Pot Roast Pasta
Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
If you’ve been yearning for that rich, creamy Alfredo Sauce from your favorite restaurant, this copycat recipe brings it to your table. Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce is indulgently creamy and smooth, perfect over your choice of pasta. It’s ideal for an Italian feast night and much more cost-effective than dining out. A sure hit for any gathering, large or small.
Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich
Take your sandwich game to the next level with this Italian-inspired creation. Featuring succulent grilled chicken and fresh Caprese elements, Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich brings a bit of Italy to your lunchtime. It’s quick to assemble, making it perfect for a delicious last-minute meal. Whether you’re at home or on the go, this sandwich stands out.
Authentic Bolognese Sauce
If you cherish slow-cooked meals that allow flavors to develop and deepen, this is your dish. Authentic Bolognese Sauce is robust and meaty, perfect for those who love a good, thick sauce on their pasta. It’s the kind of meal that commands attention at the dinner table and is perfect for sharing with family and friends. It’s a true taste of Italy right in your kitchen.
Chicken Piccata Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges. Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love. Known for its vibrant and tangy flavor profile, this chicken dish is a wonderful choice for those who appreciate a lighter, lemon-infused meal. Chicken Piccata provides an enticing blend of flavors with a touch of sophistication. It’s incredibly versatile, easily paired with pasta or a side of veggies. Whether it’s a weeknight or a special occasion, this dish fits right in. Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata
Polenta with Mascarpone
When you’re in the mood for something different yet comforting, turn to this creamy delight. Polenta with Mascarpone is smooth, with a subtle richness that comes beautifully together in each spoonful. It can be a wonderful base for various toppings or enjoyed gloriously on its own. It’s a soothing, creamy dish that’s especially comforting on a cool evening.
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
Seafood and pasta enthusiasts will find a perfect blend in this rich and creamy dish. Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo takes the classic Alfredo and upgrades it with the addition of plump, juicy shrimp. Ideal for when you desire something a bit more upscale without leaving your home. It makes dining in feel like a treat. Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
Combining the fresh flavors of bruschetta topping with perfectly grilled chicken, this dish creates a magical blend that is hard to resist. Grilled Bruschetta Chicken is as visually appealing as it is delicious. With flavors that pop with every bite, it’s a summer favorite that’s welcome year-round. It’s perfect for an outdoor meal or a family dinner.
Pizza Pasta Salad
Blend the beloved flavors of pizza with the cool freshness of a pasta salad. Pizza Pasta Salad is as fun to eat as it sounds. This dish is perfect for picnics and potlucks, where it’s sure to be a crowd favorite. It’s an easy, go-to recipe for when you need something quick, delicious, and a little different. Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce
For those who adore the pillowy texture of gnocchi, this dish adds a refreshing twist with a light lemony sauce. Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce is delicate yet flavorful, providing a nice balance to the richness of the gnocchi. It’s sophisticated enough for a dinner party yet easy enough for a weekday meal. A refreshing change from heavier, tomato-based pasta dishes.
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Bringing home the flavors of a beloved Italian restaurant dish, this pasta is all about creamy, tomato-rich goodness. Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka offers a smooth, velvety texture that clings beautifully to the pasta. It’s perfect for a night when you want to impress without much fuss. A lovely blend of simple yet bold flavors.
The Bridget Moynahan Blue Bloods cookbook is quite good also.
bttt
Alfredo and shrimp scampi may be good, but are not truly Italian.
You can also use the cut rump roast to substitute for short ribs and make a tagliatelle with a beef rump ragu.
Got a recipe?
Oh boy, a cooking thread!
Thank you so much Nick. This will be fun to read later today when I take a break.
Merry Christmas to you and yours, 🎄♥️🎄
My wife and her side of the family are Sicilian. Here is what we made yesterday-
Sicilian Sausage Bread
Your favorite white bread dough recipe- you can use frozen from the store, but made from scratch is better
Italian sausage, loose, par cooked
One large onion, sliced to about 1/4” slices, separate all the rings and sauté until soft
(This is for one loaf)
Fresh ground pepper
Red pepper flakes
Green olives
After proofing your dough-
Roll it out like a pizza crust, brush the surface with olive oil
Spread black pepper and red pepper flakes on the surface (easy with the red pepper)
Spread par cooked sausage and onions and olives evenly over the surface, then
Tightly roll it up- at this point, you can either pinch the ends closed and bake it straight, or curl the roll up into a round loaf.
Put into a pre-heated oven (400deg) for 45 minutes.
Remove, let cool a little, and enjoy!
My World Famous Easy Chicken Cacciatore;
1 chicken
8-ox pancetta
1 Onion
3-4 cloves garlic
1/2 bottle Marsala
Herbs
1 large can crushed tomatoes
Cut up chicken, dredge, and slowly brown in olive oil (I like to over-do the chicken...)
In a larger dutch oven, sauté the onion and garlic with the pancetta.
Add the chicken to the onion/pancetta and mix. Put the lid on the thing, and lower heat. Let it go for a few minutes.
Add the Marsala, and simmer for a bit.
Add the tomatoes, herbs, and maybe a bay leaf. Cover and simmer. When done, let stand for a while, then serve over pasta, spooning on some of the sauce. Add some parmasean (sp?). Green beans and a bottle of Chianti, and enjoy. Gets better the next day, too... (I WANT THIS RIGHT NOW)
“Got a recipe?”
This is the one I use.
Ingredients
10 oz Tagliatelle pasta
12 oz ground beef (or chuck roast or any beef you choose that can easily be shredded)
2 Tbsp olive oil
6 1/2 oz pancetta finely diced
1 carrot finely diced
1 celery stalk finely diced
1 medium sweet yellow onion finely diced
2 cups tomatoes peeled, seeded, and crushed
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup dry red wine
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 can beef broth optional
salt and pepper to taste
fresh parmesan cheese optional garnish
Instructions
In your Dutch oven over medium-low heat, brown the pancetta until the fat melts, about 8-10 minutes.
Next, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, carrots, celery, and onion to the Dutch oven, and cook everything for about 8-10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Increase the heat to medium-high, add in the ground beef, and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes. Then, add in the wine and stir until it evaporates, about 5 minutes.
Next, add in the crushed tomatoes, cover, and simmer over low heat for 2 hours, adding a little broth if necessary. Stir occasionally.
When there are 10 minutes left of the 2 hours, add in the milk, heavy cream, and salt and pepper to taste.
At the same time, with only a few minutes left for the sauce to cook, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook your tagliatelle pasta according to the package directions until it reaches al dente.
Drain the pasta and add half of the ragù sauce to it at this time. Mix gently to get a light coating of sauce over the pasta. If you desire a thinner sauce consistency, you may add a splash of broth if you prefer, but it is not necessary.
Finally, serve your pasta on a plate or in a bowl, top it with some of the remaining ragù, and add fresh Parmesan cheese if preferred.
Enjoy!
Thx...... a keeper.
Merry Christmas.
Sounds very good and I like the pancetta.
This is the recipe I use. I like the addition of green and red bell peppers, mushrooms and Kalamata olives. I also add a bit of red wine, and I don’t like drumsticks, so I use all chicken thighs, bone in but trim off some of the fatty skin. And I add some fresh green beans and carrots, bay leaf and fresh thyme and rosemary and a dash of smoked paprika.
Shrimp is cheap?
I just looked yesterday. 19 bucks a pound. Eggs were $6.50
I like and follow the Pasta Grammer channel on YouTube.
Another great channel is Vincenzo’s Plate.
In fact I’m making his lasagna today. Except I couldn’t find buffalo mozzarella or fresh lasagna sheets so I’m making with BelGioioso Fresh Mozzarella and Barilla Oven Ready Lasagna sheets.
Using a bechamel instead of ricotta is a game changer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2ADTfAasck&list=PLJwrH1iB-tbfyWu2YCG1mmTFDMpcnQvsm
Shortcuts for a great red meat sauce
Anchovy paste sauteed in olive oil with the onions and peppers
Beef bullion or stock
Use ground beef, not lower fat beef
Don’t skim the fat, stir it more.
Alfredo is most definitely Iralian. Olive Garden Alfredo, not so much.
It’s just pasta with a butter parmasano regiano sauce. Mama’s would fix for sick kids.
https://collinaitaliana.com/fettuccine-alfredo-the-original-recipe-and-its-story/
One of many links to the original story. The restaurant is still in Rome.
In fact, if you go to Italy today, you'll have a hard time finding fettuccine Alfredo.
Putting butter (or more commonly olive oil) on pasta with a bit of grated Parmigiano Reggiano and even a bit of grated truffle has been done probably since there was pasta, but it has now morphed into the butter, heavy cream, and too much grated cheese pseudo-Italian pasta dish that American's like.
Cream is not a common ingredient in typical Italian pasta dishes.
Cream is not a common ingredient in typical Italian pasta dishes.
That is most true! A sad fact lost on most Americans. I cringe when American Alfredo is brought up!
Same!
Shrimp Scampi with fettuccine sounds good. We don’t even need to go shopping. Might go for it tonight.
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