Recipes tagged with « Italian »
Anchovy Tuna Fettuccine Twist
Fettuccine combined with sautéed cherry tomatoes, shredded canned tuna and finely chopped anchovies. Toasted seasoned breadcrumbs add texture. Olive oil carries the sauce, garlic infuses aroma, chili flakes bring heat. Cooking pasta al dente, saving pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Parsley freshens and brightens at the end. Adjust seasoning; add lemon zest for brightness and substitute sun-dried tomatoes for cherry tomatoes if unavailable. Quick 35-40 minutes from start to finish. A hands-on, flavorful seafood pasta with crunchy topping and subtle umami depth.
Grilled Veg & Prosciutto Pizza
Hand-stretched pizza dough topped with a chunky spiced tomato sauce, grilled mixed vegetables, mozzarella fior di latte, shaved asiago, kalamata olives, and delicate slices of prosciutto. Cooked quickly on a blazing pizza stone until crust crackles golden. Bright basil finished. Substituted asiago for pecorino, kalamata for black olives, and added smoked paprika for depth. Sauce thick but still loose enough to spread evenly. Key: high heat, frequent turning during bake, watch crust bubbles. Keeps crispy edges, melty cheese, fresh toppings. Be ready to work fast. Avoid soggy bottom pitfalls by draining veg well and not oversaturating sauce. Crunchy char on veg, savory salt of prosciutto layered last for aroma and texture contrast.
Pork Meatball Sweet Pea Risotto
A risotto with pork meatballs, sweet peas, and a twist of asiago cheese instead of parmesan. The panko soaked in cream adds moisture, fennel seeds swapped with smoked paprika for depth. Wine reduced slower to release aromas fully. Peas blanched briefly then stirred in at finish keeps snap. Meatballs baked till golden with a touch higher temp for crust. Kale chips optional garnish introduces crisp texture. No eggs or nuts, naturally gluten free if panko replaced by gluten free crumbs. Emphasis on tactile cues and layered palettes from braising to flambéing flavors.
Fresh Handmade Pasta
Fresh pasta made from scratch using a modified flour and egg ratio for better elasticity. Olive oil swapped for truffle oil for depth and a touch of grated parmesan added to the dough for umami. Kneading technique shifted slightly to develop gluten optimally. Resting time reduced to 25 minutes for quicker processing. Pasta cut as pappardelle instead of fettucine. Boiling time adjusted to match thickness. Step order shuffled to emphasize tactile feel. Tips on avoiding sticky or crumbly dough. Sensory cues stressed: dough texture, color shifts during cooking, aroma notes from truffle oil. Suitable vegetarian, nut-free, lactose-free by choice of ingredients.
Shrimp Arancini Bites
Shrimp risotto balls, breaded and fried until crisp golden brown. Uses sticky chilled risotto, coated in flour, egg wash, and panko. Frying temp key for crunch without greasy mess. Bite-sized, slightly altered portion sizes and ingredients for freshness. Instructions reorganized and timing adjusted to watch texture, not clocks. Two ingredients swapped - parsley for basil, cheddar for mozzarella - adds brightness and subtle sharpness. Useful tips on handling hot oil and troubleshooting crumb issues included. Great snack or main with a squeeze of lemon.
Italian Wedding Soup Remix
A rustic Italian Wedding Soup variant. Combines pork, veal, and beef boulettes with fresh herbs, a mix of chicken and vegetable broth, fresh spinach, and lemon juice for brightness. Small pasta pearls cook until just tender. Parmesan rind simmers to enrich broth. Aromatics sweated just right; boulettes browned in batches to avoid steaming. Adjust herbs and spice to taste. Swap orzo for fregola or tiny elbows. Guidance on texture cues, avoiding overcooked noodles and dry meatballs. A home cook’s approach that prioritizes hands-on techniques over timing, flavor balance with acidity and savory meld. Simple, flexible, forgiving.
One-Pan Tomato Gnocchi
Quick skillet gnocchi simmered in a fresh tomato sauce with garlic and herbs. The bocconcini melts into creamy pockets creating contrasting textures. Uses less oil and adds a pinch of chili flakes for subtle heat. Onion sweated gently with water to soften without browning, preserving delicate flavors. Basil stems infuse sauce; leaves finish dish for brightness. Cook gnocchi directly in sauce to absorb flavor and thicken sauce naturally. Simple substitutions possible for fresh cheese and herbs, keeping dish flexible. Timing relies on visual cues and aromatic cues rather than strict minutes. Rustic, fuss-free, rewarding comfort food.
Sausage Rapini Subs
Italian sausage melded with stewed diced tomatoes and wilted rapini stuffed inside crusty submarine rolls layered with melted provolone. A hearty handheld, balancing savory meat, lightly bitter greens, and sharp creamy cheese. Techniques focus on browning sausage properly, peeling acidity from tomatoes, and blanching rapinis to just tender-crisp. Mild oily crusts warmed until cheese bubbles, then filled with the savory mess. Variations suggest swapping fennel sausage for spicy chorizo or kale for rapini to tame bitterness. Timing based on color, aroma, texture cues over clocks. Quick roast and saute. Practical tips for soggy buns and uneven cooking included.
Shrimp Spinach Lasagna
A savory layered pasta dish with sautéed spinach and shrimp, creamy béchamel sauce, melted cheeses, and tender lasagna sheets. Quick blanched spinach squeezed dry prevents sogginess. Shrimp get a brief sear to avoid rubberiness. The béchamel thickens to coat layers without heaviness. Cheese topping browns under the broiler, signals finished bake. Substitutes suggested for allergy and availability concerns. Timing cues focus on texture, aroma, visual doneness rather than strict clocks. Technique tips on squeezing moisture, avoiding crusty edges, and reheating for leftovers included.
Braised Beef Pappardelles
Braised chuck beef cubes seared in butter, simmered with shallots, smashed garlic, dry sherry replacing porto, beef stock thickened slightly, chopped dried figs replacing dates, salt and cracked pepper to taste. Wide ribbon pappardelle noodles cooked al dente, tossed with tender beef, baby arugula, a knob of cold butter stirred in off heat, garnished with crumbled Roquefort and toasted pecans instead of walnuts. Use pasta water to loosen sauce. Aromatic and rich with fruity-sweet notes from figs and sherry. Hearty rustic main dish. Slow braising technique for melt-in-mouth texture. Serves 4 to 5.
Shrimp Fennel Tagliatelle
Tagliatelle tossed with sautéed shrimp and aromatic fennel bulbs. Infused with fresh garlic and a hint of chili flakes for subtle heat. Olive oil drives the flavor base, while lemon zest brightens the end result. A splash of vegetable broth steams fennel until just tender. Pasta cooked al dente retains bite to cut through delicate seafood. No dairy, nuts, or eggs involved. Simple yet nuanced seafood pasta that balances sweetness of fennel with briny shrimp and citrus notes.
Red Wine Pappardelles with Meat Sauce
Hearty pasta with slow-simmered Italian-style sausage and red wine sauce, finished with sautéed rapini and crispy soppressata. Rich, layered flavors develop through reduction and gentle simmering. Parmesan and fresh herbs tie it together. A rustic, balanced plate—the sauce thickens to just the right texture, coating pappardelles perfectly.
Confited Peppers with Guanciale
Peppers slowly cooked till deeply caramelized, joined by crisped guanciale replacing pancetta for nuanced pork fat flavor. Fresh tarragon and chives introduced instead of parsley for herbal lift. Olive oil gently blistering as peppers soften. Method focuses on controlling heat to avoid bitter burnt edges yet coax max sweetness. Listen for subtle sizzle shifts, watch color deepen from bright red to molten ruby. Drain excess fat but keep just enough for coating. Salt and freshly cracked black pepper finish. Serve warm or just shy of room temperature. Ideal as a rustic spread or alongside crusty bread.
Ricotta Spinach Calzones
Hand-shaped calzones stuffed with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and feta, fresh spinach, and scallions. The dough is portioned, rolled thin, then crimped tight to trap the hot cheese filling. Baked at high heat until golden brown with hints of caramelized spots. Ideal for vegetarian mains. Avoid soggy bottoms by proper dough thickness and egg wash seal. Variations include substituting mozzarella with provolone and adding nutmeg to the cheese mix.
Rosemary Pink Sauce
A creamy tomato-based sauce infused with rosemary and thyme, finished with pecorino instead of parmesan. Uses olive oil instead of butter for a lighter touch, and adds a pinch of chili flakes for subtle heat. Cook garlic and herbs low and slow, extract flavors fully before combining with tomato puree and cream. Simmer gently till sauce blisters and thickens with reddish sheen. Serve with fresh pasta or gnocchi. Salt and black pepper finish it off. No gluten, nuts, or eggs in recipe. Simple ingredients build layers of aroma and texture.
Iceberg Caesar Salad Remix
A riff on classic Caesar with iceberg lettuce swapped for romaine, pancetta replaces bacon, and olive oil blends into the dressing. Homemade croutons get tossed in garlic butter, crisped till golden with audible crackles. Anchovy paste and Dijon blend with lemon juice and finely grated pecorino to build the vinaigrette's backbone. Emulsify with a raw egg yolk, whisking in oil slowly till thick, creamy. Tossed with wedges of lettuce, toasted cubes, pancetta shards, and sharp, salty shavings for texture contrast. Timing relies on bread color and dressing sheen, not clocks—listen and look close.
Tomato White Bean Pasta Twist
Short pasta tossed in a chunky sauce with white beans and melted creamy cheese. Onion and garlic sautéed in olive oil with red pepper flakes, then combined with crushed canned tomatoes and fresh herbs. Beans added late to keep shape but warm through. Cheese folded in off heat to melt gently. Parsley in place of chives. A hint of smoked paprika replaces the piment broyé for a subtle smoky kick. Salt and pepper adjusted at stages. A little lemon zest brightens at the end.
Sausage Zucchini Orzo Bake
Savory pork meatballs mixed with fresh shredded zucchini roasted in a slow-reduced tomato sauce. Orzo cooked al dente then finished with broccoli grated fine and butter for richness. Balanced textures from golden browned meat to tender al dente pasta and veggie crunch. A practical meal using common ingredients with flexible swaps like turkey sausage or kale. Timing varies with oven and stove; visual cues prioritize doneness over strict minutes. Robust Parmesan flavor binding the meatballs and pasta. Broccoli added at end preserves bright green color and fresh taste. Broil step adds crisp crust, hallmark for this dish.
Linguines Lamb Ragout
Lamb shoulder cubes browned then simmered in crushed tomatoes and beef broth with kalamata olives replaced. Cooking done in pressure cooker saves time but watch for aroma cues. Onions softened to sweetness key. Pasta boiled al dente separately then combined with sauce. Olive substitution shifts flavor toward briny depth. Total cooking around 55 minutes with focus on texture and doneness rather than clock.
Chicken Fettuccine Twist
A creamy pasta dish with tender chicken strips in a cheesy sauce made with creme instead of heavy cream, zested Parmesan swapped for Pecorino Romano, and fettuccine replaced by pappardelle. Butter and garlic provide foundational flavor. Water reserved from pasta cooking to adjust sauce consistency. Elevated timing and heat control keep chicken moist, sauce silky, and pasta al dente. Salt and pepper balance all. A hint of lemon zest adds brightness without overpowering. No eggs or nuts. Four servings.
Walnut Cream Tagliatelle Remix
Tagliatelle tossed in a reinvented walnut cream sauce with toasted pecans and aged pecorino Romano. Artichoke hearts swapped for sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy bite. Cream sauce incorporates cashew butter for added silkiness. Pasta cooked al dente, saved cooking liquid to adjust sauce texture. Garnished with crunchy pecans and extra grated pecorino at serving. A vegetarian, egg-free dish balancing creamy, nutty, and tangy notes using simple pantry staples.
Broccoli Sausage Stuffed Potatoes
Large red or Russet potatoes baked then hollowed. Filling blends tender broccoli florets with browned Italian sausage, sharp cheddar, and creamy butter-milk mash. Quick steam for broccoli locks color and crunch, then chilled fast. Sausage pan-fried for deep caramelization. Baking finishes with cheese melted and browned. Balanced texture: soft potato shell with savory, slightly crisp topping. Sub potato with Yukon gold for more buttery taste. Swap sausage for chorizo for smoky heat or use turkey sausage for leaner dish. Milk can be almond or oat for dairy-free, butter replaced with olive oil tied into sausage fat. Keep potato walls 1/4 inch thick to hold stuffing without breaking. Crisp base by trimming potato bottoms avoids wobble in oven. Look for bubbling cheese and slight browning to know done. Serves 4 hungry eaters.
Butternut Gnocchi with Chanterelles
Gnocchi made from roasted butternut squash blended with pecorino and spiced lightly with nutmeg. Pancetta crisps up in butter, mingles with chanterelles and shallots, deglazed with prosecco. Zucchini ribbons add freshness, toasted smoked almonds bring crunch and depth. Four yolks spooned atop, Parmesan shavings finish the dish. Texture contrast, earthy aroma, and balance between sweet, savory, smoky layers.
Salted Chocolate Panforte
Dense nut and fruit cake, rich with dark chocolate, cocoa, and warm spices. Combines roasted nuts and dried fruits, bound by a honey-sugar syrup with amaretto and citrus zest. Baked until caramel edges appear with a slightly firm center. Finished with a fleur de sel dark chocolate ganache layer. Stores well, flavors deepen over weeks.
Caramelized Cauliflower Gnocchi
A twist on gnocchi with caramelized cauliflower sliced thick to crisp edges in browned butter. Garlic hits sharply, vegetable broth reduces until syrupy, coating soft gnocchi tossed last with fresh herbs and sharp pecorino. Swappable ingredients with time-saving tips. A rustic, no-fuss dish that fills the plate and the belly.
Crispy Gnocchi Carbonara Twist
Gnocchi roasted until golden-crisp mingled with smoky guanciale and sweet shallots. Tossed with sautéed asparagus tips replacing peas, Parmesan swapped for aged Grana Padano. Finished bubbling in oven, topped with an egg yolk nest. Mouthfeel shifts: crunchy edges, soft centers, creamy rich pockets of yolk merging heat and fat. Aromas punch smoky pork, caramelized onion, sharp cheese. Technique focuses on texture contrast, flavor layering, timing to avoid rubbery gnocchi. Essential swaps and timing adjustments keep it flexible in everyday kitchens. No salt added late; rely on cured meat and cheese saltiness. Visual cues over timing emphasized; a classic carbonara feel with a fresh green twist.
Drunken Panettone Twist
Reimagined Italian treat soaking day-old panettone slices in a quick limoncello and maple syrup bath. Fresh mango replaces pineapple for a vibrant tang, topped with airy coconut cream instead of vanilla ice cream. Quick boil infuses aroma; soak till visibly plumped, not soggy. Emphasis on texture contrast and layering flavors. Simple but precise. Uses familiar pantry swaps. Perfect for last-minute desserts with a boozy edge and tropical brightness.
Gluten-Free Gnocchi Sage Butter
Gnocchi with a twist: sweet potato replaces Russet for subtle earthiness. Tapioca starch substitutes for fécule de pomme de terre; can’t always get that here. Reworked steps for flow and texture control. Sage butter enriched with browned garlic and toasted pine nuts adds crunch and aroma. Cook gnocchi in small batches—feel the pillowy bounce when done. Crisp sage leaves separately for sharp texture contrast. Simple, clean, foolproof gluten-free gnocchi with layers of flavor and crunch.
Cherry Tomato Focaccia
Focaccia with two types of cherry tomatoes, infused with fresh herbs and garlic. Olive oil-rich dough spread thin, dotted with dimples, baked golden crisp. Aroma of rosemary and thyme lifts the kitchen. A rustic loaf with a tender crumb inside, crust crisping just right. Uses yellow and red tomatoes, switched to kalamata olives and caramelized onion for twist. Perfect for vegan diets, free of nuts and dairy. Timing shifts slightly. Watch dough rise and colour, not just clock.
Cherry Tomato Pasta Gremolata
Slow-roast cherry tomatoes in olive oil with garlic, thyme, and a pinch of chili flakes until caramelized and bursting. Toss with pasta cooked al dente, adding a gremolata of lemon zest, parsley, and toasted sunflower seeds instead of traditional pine nuts. Swap standard spaghetti for bucatini for a chewier bite. A drizzle of browned butter adds a nutty depth. Timing hinges on soft-skin tomatoes collapsing, pastas offering toothy resistance, gremolata fresh with zing. Involve textures — juicy bursts against herbaceous crunch. Flexible substitutions for herbs, nuts, pasta shapes. Advice for rescuing excess sauce or overcooked noodles.
Spicy Shrimp Pizza Twist
A fiery shrimp pizza featuring thick crust, a punchy tomato sauce with chili flakes and fresh herbs, topped with sautéed shrimp infused with garlic and white wine. Uses mozzarella and a blend of parmesan for a sharper finish. The dough is portioned for medium pizzas with a cornmeal dusted crust baked on a hot pizza stone. Step-by-step guide prioritizes look, smell, and texture cues for doneness. Substitute shrimp with scallops or firm fish for variation. Slightly adjusted timing and ingredient proportions create balance without losing bite.
Chicken Pesto Macaroni
Macaroni tossed with basil pesto, pan-seared chicken strips, and juicy grape tomatoes paired with soft burrata chunks. A spin on classic Italian flavors, swapping bocconcini for rich burrata and standard tomatoes for grape tomatoes to boost sweetness. Olive oil and lemon juice offer brightness, balancing the creamy pesto. Cooking macs al dente keeps firm bite, avoiding mush. Chicken gets a golden crust from proper preheating and oil use. Assembly cold and hot provides contrasting textures.
Rustic Homemade Pici
Handmade Tuscan-style pasta made from a blend of fine semolina and unbleached all-purpose flour, lightly salted and bound with hot water to jumpstart gluten formation. Rolled and shaped by hand into thick rustic noodles, ideal for holding chunky sauces. Simple ingredients, no eggs or dairy. Dough texture key, sticky but firm. Precise handling avoids overworking. Cook in salted water until tender but still offering bite. Can freeze before cooking. A straightforward base for spicy garlic tomato or hearty ragù sauces. Substitutions and timing tips included.
Rustic Tomato Basil Pici
A hand-rolled pasta merging fine semolina and spelt flour for robustness. Replaces water with hot vegetable broth for depth. Rolled into rough strands, then tossed with quick sautéed cherry tomatoes and fresh basil. Keeps firm bite with brief 7-minute cook. Finished with oil infusion and reserved pasta water for silkiness. Vegan, dairy-free, and nut-free.
White pizza zucchini trout shrimp
A white pizza with zucchini, trout, shrimp, mascarpone and parmesan. Uses 3 zucchinis, olive oil, ricotta instead of mascarpone, and smoked trout instead of fresh. Sprinkled with thyme and lemon zest. Bakes at 220 C on upside-down baking sheet 12-14 minutes until crust is golden crisp with bubbly cheese. Bright fresh herbs finish it off. Tips for dough handling and alternative topping swaps included.
Homemade Rustic Pizza Dough
Yeast dough for two 22 cm (9 in) pizzas with a chewy crust. Uses warm water, active dry yeast switched from instant, and whole wheat flour replaces half all-purpose for earthy notes. Sugar swapped for honey to feed yeast naturally. Salt reduced to balance yeast activity. Doubles hydration slightly for softer crumb. Requires a longer proof, but yields better texture and aroma. Refrigerate or freeze dough for convenience. Dough manipulations and final shaping tips included to avoid tough crust. Suitable for vegan, dairy-free diets. Adaptable with all-purpose flour. Ideal timing cues stressed over timers.
Pasta-Free Vegetarian Lasagna
Layered veggies and cheeses replace pasta in this slow-cooked, hearty lasagna variant. Tomatoes roasted until their skin slips off effortlessly. Tofu browned with shallots for texture and flavor. Artichokes chopped fine, a creamy ricotta blend with a spinach substitution. Romaine leaves hold layers instead of noodles. Asparagus blanched crisp-tender for bite. Mozzarella tops it all, browned golden in the oven. A balanced harmony of textures, freshness, and rich fattiness without traditional pasta.
Ricotta Chocolate Sicilian Turnovers
Sicilian style ricotta filled turnovers. Fresh ricotta drained overnight, folded with sugar and dark chocolate chunks. A pliable dough with white wine and olive oil, rolled thin and cut into rounds. Fried crisply to golden. Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Keep an eye on dough moisture and frying temperature for ideal texture. Holds a day but best fresh. A slight twist with orange zest and a hint of cinnamon in filling. Almond flour replaces part of the all-purpose for subtle nuttiness and tender bite. Practical tips on draining ricotta and dough handling included.
Stuffed Shells with Spinach Ricotta
Large pasta shells filled with a creamy blend of ricotta and sautéed spinach, baked in a smoky roasted red pepper and tomato sauce. Uses different cheeses for depth and a hint of oregano for earthiness. Roasting peppers adds caramelization and smoky notes. Sauce smooth and rich, vibrant red and fragrant. Pasta al dente to hold filling without falling apart. Slow sauté of onions mellows sharpness, garlic softens. Finishes under broiler for golden cheesy crust. Vegetables well drained to avoid watery mess. Balanced savory, fresh herbs with subtle warmth from nutmeg and oregano.
Italian Sausage Patties
Homemade pork patties infused with vermouth and spices. Slightly altered quantities and two ingredient swaps create a deeper profile. Dry white wine replaces vermouth; smoked paprika replaces regular. Mix and chill the meat mixture longer to deepen flavors. Shape six patties or crumble directly in the skillet. Cook over medium heat until juices run clear and edges caramelize. The crackle of olive oil signals the right heat with a browned crust forming. Easy substitutions and timing based on sight and smell. No eggs or dairy used.
Stuffed Chicken Rolls with Sun-Dried Ricotta
Chicken breasts opened flat, filled with ricotta mixed with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. Wrapped in smoked pancetta instead of prosciutto for a different smoky note. White wine replaces chicken broth for richer pasta flavor. Tagliatelle tossed with diced vine-ripened tomatoes, parsley, and olive oil, using reserved pasta water to tie it all. Chicken seared and finished in oven. Timing adjusted slightly, cooking times tweaked for texture. Streamlined cooking order to get pasta and chicken hot and ready together. The fresh herbs and wine in the pasta provide a bright contrast to creamy, savory filling. No eggs or nuts, balanced, straightforward.
Chunky Tomato Sauce Twist
Sauce like base from canned tomatoes altered. More garlic but less oil than usual. Added roasted red pepper chunks for color and flavor depth. Cooking short-ish to keep some bite, about 40 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste, with pinch of smoked paprika for subtle heat. Dense enough paste to grab pasta well.
Basic Vegan Pizza Dough
A simple unbleached all-purpose flour dough, lightly sweetened, yeast-raised for airy texture. Uses water and basic pantry staples, no dairy, eggs, nuts. Yeast and salt balanced for rising and taste, straightforward kneading and proofing. Four dough balls make medium pizzas around 31 cm (12¼ inches). Refrigeration option extends fermentation and flavor. Soft, easy to handle, suitable for hand-stretching or rolling.
Spicy Shrimp Penne
Penne pasta tossed with a spicy tomato sauce and seared shrimp, featuring garlic, crushed red pepper, and fresh herbs. A splash of white wine added for depth. Parmesan grated on top optionally. Cook time about half an hour.
Italian-style subs
Cold sandwich with mixed deli meats, provolone, and tangy marinated vegetable salad tossed with romaine and zesty dressing. Quick to assemble, with flavored oil, lemon juice, oregano, and ground fennel seeds adding a punch to the creamy dressing. Perfect size submarine rolls filled with layers of ingredients. No nuts. A bite loaded with acidic, salty, and herb notes. 4 servings, easy prep, no cooking needed.