Italian flavored chicken spiedini

Full of Italian flavors, this chicken spiedini recipe is such an easy and delicious chicken dish. Marinated chicken strips are skewered and grilled to a crispy goodness, Severed with a simple yogurt sauce, this tasty dish is a good for you meal your family and friends will love.

It’s such a great chicken dish for weeknight family meals and perfect for weekend BBQs with friends.

What’s so good about this Italian flavored chicken spiedini

The first thing that’s good about this chicken recipe is that it is delicious. It’s a super easy recipe to make.

And this recipe can be made ahead of time and grilled when your ready to serve. I used my cast iron grill pan to grill the chicken spiedini indoors, but the are perfect for your outdoor grill. Also I use metal skewers.  If you are using wood skewers be sure to soak them in water before using.

I made a simple dipping sauce with yogurt, minced garlic, onion and lemon juice. You can use any sauce that fits your taste, or don’t use any. These chicken skewers are delicious on they’re own!!!

One more thing I used chicken tenders. You can use regular boneless chicken breast or chicken thighs.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. chicken tenders
• 1 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
• 4 Tbls. minced garlic
• 1 Tbsp. each oregano, thyme, paprika and rosemary
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Start by cleaning the chicken and removing the tough white membra
2. mix all of the rest of the ingredients in a bowl. Add the chicken tenders to the marinade and let sit in the marinade for at least thirty minutes.
3. Heat the grill to medium high heat. meanwhile tread the marinaded chicken onto metal skewers or prepared wooden skewers.
4. Grill the chicken spiedini until golden brown about 5 minutes pre side.

Mama’s best Italian meatballs

Mama’s best Italian meatballs are a delicious blend of rich savory flavors that bring back Italy and childhood memories. Made with a mix of ground  beef, veal and pork, these meatballs are seasoned with a blend of garlic, fresh Italian parsley and parmesan cheese. Bread crumbs and eggs add the tender and juicy texture.

Simmered in my easy marinara sauce, Mama’s meatballs are prefect for serving over  pasta in a sub or as an appetizer.

Here are some tips for making Mama’s meatballs

1. Choose the right meat: A mix of ground beef, and  pork for a good balance of flavor and moisture.
2. Don’t over mix: Mix the ingredients just until combined. Over mixing can make the meatballs dense and tough.
3. Soak the bread: soak the breadcrumbs in milk before adding to the meat mixture. This helps to keep the meatballs soft.
4. Use a light touch:  when forming the meatballs , handle them gently and don’t pack them too tightly.

5. When prebaking meatballs, less is more. Bake them just until they begin to turn golden brown—this helps them hold their shape while staying tender and juicy once they simmer in sauce. Use a rimmed cookie sheet lined with parchment paper for even browning and easy cleanup.

   Storage Options

   • Refrigerator: Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in marinara sauce on the stovetop.

   • Freezer: Place cooked or parbaked meatballs on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last up to 3 months. Reheat straight from frozen in sauce until warmed through.

   • 👉 Love a hearty pasta night? Try my Meatball Sunday Sauce or pair these with Classic Italian Wedding Soup.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. lean ground beef ( 85-15)
• 1/2 lb. ground pork
• 2 large eggs slightly beaten
• 3/4  cup milk
• 1 cup day-old bread, crust removed (or 1 cup plain breadcrumbs)
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 Tbsp. minced garlic
• 1 Tbsp. onion powder
• 1/2 cup Italian parsley
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a bowl add the milk and  bread let it sit for 10 minutes or until the milk is fully absorbed. Then add the rest of the ingredients up to the meat. Mix until well combined. Then add  the meats and mix just until combined.
2. With wet hands roll the meatball mixture into golf size balls.
3. Place the meatballs on a lightly greased cookie sheet and bake in a preheated 375-degree oven for 10 minutes.
4. Simmer the meatballs in  my easy marinara sauce for 1 hour.

Melanzane polpette eggplant meatballs

Melanzane polpette eggplant meatballs are a delicious meatless alternative to the traditional meatball recipe. Moist and flavorful with the fresh taste, light taste of ricotta cheese and the sharp taste of a good freshly grated parmesan.

No flavor is lost in this flavor and hearty  Italian eggplant meatballs. It’s a delicious alternative when your craving Italian flavors and want vegetarian too.

Your whole family will enjoy these tender melanzane polpette that pair perfectly with your favorite pasta. vegetable side or by themselves with crusty bread.

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Ingredients for melanzane polpette eggplant meatballs

Eggplant: Eggplant is the “meat” in this eggplant meatball and with good reason. It’s rich , meaty and spongy texture holds up well and complements the other ingredients.

Almost any variety of eggplant can be used  in this recipe. I prefer to use  the large globe eggplant because it has the most meaty pulp. When select an eggplant, look for a slightly firm, but not hard, texture and choose an eggplant that’s heavy for it’s size.

Breadcrumbs: breadcrumbs act as a binder for the eggplant mixture and also absorbs the juices from the meatballs as they cook.

Oil: I use a 50/50 blend of canola and extra virgin olive oil for frying. It has a high smoke point and the olive oil adds flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 medium eggplant
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 2 eggs
• 2 Tbsp. chopped Italian parsley
• 1 minced garlic
• 1/3 cup chopped onions
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups oil for frying
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 Tbsp. chopped basil

Instructions

1. cut the unpeeled eggplant into small dice. Drizzle with the olive oil, salt and roast in a 375-dregree oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Mash the eggplant using a fork
2. Meanwhile in a bowl add the eggs and wisk to combine mix in  the rest of the ingredients, mix well. add in the mashed eggplant and mix just until well mixed.   Refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes . Then form into golf size balls
3. Bake in a 375- degree oven for 20 minutes. Heat your favorite marinara add the eggplant meatballs o the sauce. add the basil add dollops of ricotta in between the meatballs. ENJOY!!!

Zucchini ricotta penne pasta

I love making easy pasta recipes in the summer that highlight the fresh ingredients of the season. This zucchini ricotta penne pasta recipe uses one of the most abundant Summer vegetables, zucchini.

The best part about this recipe is that the sauce and pasta are ready at the same time.

It may be easy and quick to make , but penne pasta with zucchini and ricotta is as delicious as any fancy restaurant dish.

This is Italian cooking at it’s best easy unpretentious but really, really good.

Customize this zucchini ricotta penne pasta recipe

There is so many reasons to love this zucchini ricotta penne pasta recipe easy, quick . delicious and customizable to fit your life style and taste.

First you can customize this recipe by  using any shape pasta you like. I recently made this recipe using ditalini small tubular shaped pasta.

And you can experiment with ingredients too, You can saute pancetta or Italian sausage along with the zucchini. Fish lovers might like another variation where shrimp are saute with the zucchini.

Ingredient

1/2 Lb. penne pasta

2 medium zucchini

2 Tbsp. olive oil

2 Tbsp. butter

2 Tbsp. minced garlic

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 cups ricotta cheese

Juice from one lemon

2 ladles pasta water

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/2 cup chopped Italian parsley

Instructions

1. Cook your pasta el dente. meanwhile make the sauce. Start by washing and slicing the zucchini into half moons.
2.  Then in the olive oil and butter saute the onion and garlic until soft and just beginning to brown.
3. Add the sliced zucchini and saute until zucchini is beginning to brown. Add the pasta water and lemon juice simmer until sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
4. Mix the grated parmesan with the ricotta and add to the zucchini simmer just to heat through. Toss the penne in this vegetarian sauce. Add the parsley grate more cheese over the top. ENJOY!!!

Easy Sicilian Pasta alla Norma

Pasta alla Norma also called pasta con le melanzane pasta with eggplant in English is a classic Sicilian pasta dish. It is an easy recipe that uses few ingredients and comes together in less than an hour.

It is made of pasta with tomato sauce fried eggplant and served with grated ricotta sala da grated cheese and basil.

This traditional Italian pasta is a satisfying vegetarian dinner, and it can be ready in under an hour.

Things to know about this Easy Sicilian pasta all Norma recipe

The first thing is to  choose dense, heavy eggplants and slowly frying them until caramelized results in a tender, meaty eggplant texture.

Second if aged ricotta salata is unavailable, a combination of different cheeses can replicate it’s salty, sharp taste. You could use Pecorino Romano or feta.

If you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment. Above all, I love to hear how the recipe turns out in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1/2 Lb. rigatoni
• 1 medium eggplant
• 4 Tbsp. olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. minced garlic
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 2 cups crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 cup pasta water
•  1/2 cup grated ricotta salada or parmesan
• a few basil leaves
• 3 cups olive oil canola blend for frying

Instructions

1. Start by washing and drying the eggplant cut into medium size
2. Bring the frying oil to medium high heat. fry the eggplant until golden brown. remove and drain on paper towels.
3. Meanwhile cook the pasta el dente and start on the sauce
4. In a saute pan  add the 4 Tbsp. of olive oil. Then   over medium high heat add the onion and garlic and saute until soft and just beginning to brown.
5. Add the tomatoes, pasta water and red wine. simmer until sauce thickens about 20 minutes. Add the fried eggplant and simmer 10 minutes longer. Toss the pasta in the eggplant sauce add the basil.
6. Plate grate the cheese over the top. ENJOY!!!!

Italian Potatoes, tomatoes and green beans

Fresh green beans and potatoes simmered together in a light tomato sauce until deliciously tender. This recipe brings me back to my childhood. My mother would prepare this for dinner when the tomatoes and green beans were in season. She would instill my sisters and I in picking and trimming the green beans, and we would sit under the olive trees in the hills of Tuscany trimming green beans, telling stories and making priceless memories.

Fresh, vibrant and full of delicious flavor this Italian potatoes, tomatoes and green beans is full of good for you ingredients.

Made with a savory combination of onions, garlic, potatoes and green beans all simmered in a delicious Italian flavored tomato sauce makes for a delicious vegetarian dish that’s easy to make.

Things to know about this Italian potatoes, tomatoes and green bean recipe

Freshly picked green beans have such a distinct texture and flavor over any frozen or canned product. If you don’t have excess to fresh green beans the best alternative  would be to use frozen green beans.

When Summer rolls around though , beans are one garden staple I almost always plant. If you don’t have a green thumb the use fresh store-bought.

I use cherry tomatoes in this recipe but any tomato works. If you are going to use large tomatoes cut them into dice.

One more thing always use Italian parsley when you make this Italian potato tomato and green bean recipe. The curly parsley is flavorless and should not be used in Italian cooking.  I hope you make this. I think you will love it!!!!

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Ingredients

• 1 lb. trimmed green beans
• 3 russet potatoes
• 4 cups cherry tomatoes
• 4 Tbsp. olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. minced garlic
• 1 medium chopped onion
• 2 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup potato water
• 1/2 cup chopped Italian parsley

Instructions

1. Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting into large dice. Clean and trim the green beans
2. In salted boiling water cook the the potatoes until almost cooked about 10 minutes. Add the green beans and cook 10 minutes longer or until the potatoes are fort tender and the green beans cooked but still crisp.
3. meanwhile in a saute pan over medium high heat in the olive oil sate the garlic and onion until soft and just beginning to brown.
4. Then add in the tomatoes, marinara and the cooking water from the potatoes. Simmer until sauce thickens. About 10 minutes. Add the drained cooked potatoes and green beans to the tomato sauce. Add in the Italian parsley. ENJOY!!!

Italian green beans and tomatoes

I grew up eating this  classic Italian green bean and tomato  side dish. Its a simple Italian dish that is bursting with summer flavors. Garlic, onions, cherry tomatoes and green beans are gently stewed  together in this delicious Italian side dish that is perfect to serve with almost any summer meal.

This classic Italian green beans and tomato recipe  has withstood the test of time, since now I make it for my family.

Fresh, frozen or canned green beans?

Honestly I always choose fresh over anything. And growing up in Italy  the tomatoes and green beans came from the garden.

But if you have to choose between frozen or canned use frozen green beans. The canned ones don’t work in this recipe, they are mushy and tasteless.

As far as the marinara sauce I always have my easy marinara sauce on hand. You can use your favorite store-bought marinara in this recipe.

About the tomatoes, I use cherry tomatoes. Any fresh tomato works in this Classic Italian green bean and tomato recipe. If you use large tomatoes cut them into dice before adding them to the onion and garlic.

Now about the parsley I only use Italian parsley. The curly parsley is flavorless. There is a noticeable difference in taste.

I hope you make this easy and delicious Italian classic, when you do please leave me a comment. I love hearing from you. It’s my favorite part!!!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. green beans
• 4 cups cherry tomatoes
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 4 Tbsp. olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. minced garlic
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 Tbsp. chopped Italian parsley

Instructions

1. Start by trimming and washing the string beans. Then par boil until fork tender.
2.  In a saute pan over medium high heat in the olive oil saute the garlic and onion until soft and just beginning to brown.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes, marinara sauce and the water. Simmer until the tomatoes burst and the sauce thickens, about fifteen minutes.
4. Drain the string beans add to the tomato sauce. Adjust your seasonings.
5. Add in the parsley . ENJOY!!!

 Italian  pan chicken dinner

It’s no secret that I’m  a big fan of easy meals, especially the ones that come together in less than 30 minutes.

This  Italian easy pan chicken dinner with zucchini  combines chicken breast, zucchini, and tomatoes with classic Italian flavors.

The tomatoes, zucchini, and herbs combine to create a delicious pan sauce for the chicken breast the whole family will love, and you will feel good serving your family a delicious healthy meal.

Made with just a few simple easy to find ingredients, this recipe works well with chicken thighs too!

Why  You will  love this Italian pan chicken dinner

It’s fast: it takes less about 20 minutes to cook and a few minutes to chop everything up.

It’s healthy and nutrient: packed  with protein and good for you vegetables. Ingredients your whole family will love

Easy to make: Sauté the chicken  saute the vegetables combine everything together and dinner is  ready.

I’m using a 12 inch no-stick saute pan in this recipe.

Ingredients

• 3  skinless boneless chicken breast
•  1 cup flour
• Salt and pepper
• 4 Tbsp. olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. minced garlic
• 1/2 cup chopped shallots
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup white wine or vegetable stock
• Juice  from one lemon
• 2 cups sliced cherry tomatoes
• 2 medium diced zucchini
• 2 cups chopped spinach
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives
• 1 Tbsp. each oregano and Italian parsley
• 1/2 cup feta cheese

Instructions

1. Start by slicing your chicken breast in half and pounding thin. Salt and pepper to taste
2. Add salt and pepper to  the flour dip the chicken breast in the flour mixture shaking off excess.
3. Over medium high heat in the olive oil saute the chicken breast until golden brown on both sides. About 3 minutes per side. remove and set aside
4. In the same pan add the garlic and shallots saute until soft and just beginning to brown. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until soft. deglaze the pan with either the white wine or chicken stock and lemon juice, then add the zucchini and oregano simmer for 10 minutes or until the zucchini is fork tender.
5. Add the spinach, olives and return the chicken back to the pan and simmer 5 minutes longer.
6. Plate the zucchini sauce top with the chicken breast, sprinkle with the feata cheese and Italian parsley and ENJOY!!!!

 Tomato and Spinach Fettuccine – Easy Vegetarian Pasta Recipe

This Tomato and Spinach Fettuccine is a quick and delicious vegetarian pasta recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Made with colorful heirloom cherry tomatoes, fresh baby spinach, and fettuccine noodles, it comes together in under 30 minutes.

Burst tomatoes create a naturally sweet and vibrant sauce, finished with a touch of cream for richness. Tossed with wilted spinach and al dente pasta, this simple yet elegant dish brings out the best of fresh summer ingredients.

If you’re looking for an easy creamy tomato pasta that’s full of flavor and ready fast, this Italian-inspired recipe is the perfect choice!

Variations for this Tomato and Spinach Fettucine recipe
One of the easiest ways to change up this tomato and  spinach fettuccine is by swapping the pasta shape. While fettuccine or other long noodles like linguine or spaghetti work beautifully, short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle are great options too.

If you’re looking to add protein, this vegetarian pasta recipe pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp. Both are healthy and flavorful additions that keep the dish light and satisfying.

Finally, if you’re not a fan of spinach, you can easily substitute it with broccoli, kale, or even zucchini.

Lastly, I love hearing from you it’s my favorite part, so when you make this  Tomato and Spinach Fettuccine please leave me a comment. Let me know your experience with the recipe, and please don’t forget to tag me on Instagram with your creations!!! If your looking for more easy vegetarian summer pasta recipes try my  Vegetarian zucchini and tomato pasta,  or my vegetarian orzo with asparagus and peas they are  so good and easy to make. ENJOY!!!

Ingredients

• 1 Lb. Fettuccine
• 1 pint heirloom cherry tomatoes
• 2 cups chopped spinach
• 1cup reserved pasta water (Always reserve more than the recipe calls for.)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup vegetable stock
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 Tbls. each butter and olive oil
• 1 Tbls. chopped garlic
• 1/2 chopped yellow onion
• 1/4 cup each chopped Italian parsley and basil
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions reserving 2 cups of the pasta water before draining
2. Meanwhile in a large saute pan over medium heat bring to butter and oil to medium heat
3. Add the garlic and onion saute until tender and just beginning to brown
4. Add the tomatoes sautéing until blistered smashing down with the back of a wooden spoon  salt and pepper
5. Deglaze the pan with the vegetable stock scraping up the brown bits at the bottom of the pan.
6. Then add the nutmeg, cream and reserved pasta water.
7. Simmer covered for 15 minutes or until sauce thickens.
8. Add the chopped spinach, parmesan cheese, and basil simmer 5 minutes longer.
9. Toss  the fettuccine with creamy sauce, sprinkle with Italian parsley and additional parmesan.
10. ENJOY!!!!

Vegetable Zucchini fritters

It’s that time of year  when we have more zucchini then recipes. So I am always looking for different recipes to use them in.

Zucchini fritters are savory vegetable patties made from grated zucchini mixed with flour, egg and seasonings. Once combined, the batter is shaped into patties and pan- fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

They make a great summer side dish, appetizer or light main course.

Tips for success when making vegetable zucchini fritters

1. Grate the zucchini and onion and place either in a tea towel or colander. Sprinkle with a bit of salt and let sit for 10 minutes. this helps draw out the excess liquid. dry zucchini is key to crispy fritters.
2. The zucchini mixture should be slightly thick but not too dry.
3. Heat a generous amount of oil( I use a combination of extra virgin olive and canola oil for frying.) over medium high heat. Drop spoonful’s of the batter into the pan and flatten slightly using the back of the spoon. cook until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels serve with marinara sauce . ENJOY!!!

Ingredients

• 2 medium size zucchini
• 1 small onion
• 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
• 1 egg
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 2 Tbsp. chopped Italian parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups oil for frying

Instructions

1. Start by washing the zucchini and drying
2. In a bowl lined with a clean tea towel grate the zucchini and the onion . wring the towel to squeeze out as much of the liquid as possible. Discard the liquid.
3. remove the zucchini from the towel. Mix the baking powder with the flour. Slightly beat the egg.
4. Mix all the of the ingredients together
5. Form into patties and fry over medium low heat until golden brown, about 5 minutes per  side, Serve with marinara and ENJOY!!!!