Pasta e Piselli rosso

Pasta e Piselli rosso  is a classic Italian pasta dish that is quick and easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, this comforting vegetarian pasta can be ready in about 30 minutes.

Small pasta, cherry tomatoes, onion, garlic and fresh or frozen peas are the main ingredients and although simple the results are delicious!!!

Just like pasta e piselli in white sauce this pasta e piselli rosso is easy to make and since it uses simple ingredients you probably have on hand it’s a recipe you can pretty much make anytime.

A few tips when making pasta e piselli rosso

As with all produce, it is a special treat to use  farm fresh shelling peas in this recipe. However, frozen peas work great if you can’t find fresh peas, especially during the colder months. I often freeze my own if I have left overs from he market or my garden.

Add fresh basil to give the pasta a burst of fresh fragrant flavor and a good quality parmigiana reggiano

Ingredients

• 1/2 Lb. medium size shells
• 4 Tbsp. olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. minced garlic
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped Italian parsley
• 4 cups cherry tomatoes
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 cup pasta water
• 3 cups of peas
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1.  Cook your pasta al dente in boiling salted water according to package directions.
2. In a pan in the olive oil sauté the onion and garlic over medium high heat until soft and translucent.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes, tomato sauce and the pasta water, Simmer until the tomatoes soften, then use a potato masher to smash the tomatoes. Simmer until sauce thickens about fifteen minutes.
4. Add the peas the parmesan cheese and simmer five minutes longer.
5. Add the drained shells to the sauce, adjust your seasonings and ENJOY!!!

Arrabbiate Spicy shrimp Linguine

You need dinner easy and quick?  Here you go, easy Italian dinner on your table  in 30 minutes.  This linguine arrabbiate with shrimp is spicy and delicious.

Arrabbiate means angry in Italian, although am not sure why, because there’s nothing angry about this classic Italian pasta dish, in fact it will make you and your family happy.

It’s a delicious versatile pasta recipe you can customize to fit your lifestyle and taste.

A few ideas on this Arrabbiate shrimp pasta dish

This restaurant inspired spicy  shrimp linguine recipe works well with chicken if you don’t like shrimp, or tofu if you want to go the vegetarian route.

Also in this easy pasta dish the size of the pasta or shape doesn’t matter. If your gluten free use gluten free pasta.

If your family doesn’t like spicy no problem, add less hot pepper flakes or more if you want extra heat.

One thing, be sure to use a deep enough stock pot to allow the pasta to move freely when cooking, and a deep enough saute pan for the sauce.

A like this covered  6 quart stock pot and this covered saute pan

I used my homemade real easy marinara sauce, you can use store bought if you want.

If you make this recipe please  leave me a comment and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram….That’s my favorite part!!!!

Ingredients

• 1 Lb.  linguine
• 1 Lb. large  cleaned shrimp
• 4 cups store bought or homemade marinara sauce
• 2 cups chopped spinach
• 1 cup chicken stock or white white
• 1 cup reserved pasta water
• 2 Tablespoon crushed hot pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
• 2 Tbs. each chopped Italian parsley  and  basil
• 2 Tbs. each olive oil and butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Instruction
• Cook pasta according to package directions reserving 1 cup of the pasta water
• Mean while salt, pepper the shrimp
• Heat oil and butter to medium heatSaute shrimp until golden about 3 minutes per side
• Remove shrimp set aside
• Saute onion and garlic until tender and just beginning to brown, in same pan adding more oil if needed
• Add hot pepper flakes to pan saute 5 minutes to release the flavor
• De glaze pan with chicken stock or white wine
• Add marinara sauce and reserved pasta water
• Simmer until sauce thickens about 15 minutes add the spinach last 5 minutes
• Return shrimp to saute pan add the fresh basil simmer only to heat the shrimp
• Drain pasta toss in sauce
• Top with  parmesan and chopped Italian parsley…….ENJOY!!!!

Italian Pesto Fusilli Salad

Just in time for Summer barbeques this Italian pesto Fusilli pasta salads is one of my old time favorites.

The first time I had this cold pasta salad was at one of my brothers outdoor gettogethers. He and his wife Josie were great chefs, who entertained often  in their home and the many different restaurants they owned and my leader in our own restaurant career and an inspiration in my recipes.

Back to this Italian rooted pesto fusilli it needs to be one of your go to pasta Summer pasta salads. Spiral shaped pasta coated with your favorite pesto sauce  loaded with ingredients full of Italian flavors!!!

Three Tips when you make this Italian pesto fusilli salad

The first tip when you make this Italian pesto fusilli pasta salad in this recipe the shape of the pasta as well as the quality is important. I use DeCecco fusilli the spirally shape  as nooks and crannies for the pesto sauce.

Second you can use store bought or homemade sauce. If your going to use store bought go with a good quality. I use homemade whenever I can it’s one of the staples I try to keep in my freezer year. If you want to go the store bought route this is a good alternative. https://amzn.to/3a0ECZa

Lastly run the fusilli under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool of the pasta before adding the rest of the cold ingredients.

One more thing this salad can be served cold or at room temperature.

Oh and please don.t forget to leave me a comment and tag me on Instagram. I love hearing from you it’s my favorite part!!!

Ingredients

• 1/2 Lbs. fusilli pasta
• 1 cup prepared pesto sauce
• 1 cup sliced kalamite olives
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup sliced English cucumber
• 2 cups fresh mozzarella balls
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
•  1 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
•  Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions running it under cold water
2. In a bowl add the fusilli and pesto sauce mixing well
3. Add rest of ingredients up to the oil, vinegar and parmesan cheese
4. Now add the oil, vinegar and half the grated parmesan
5. Toss well top with remaining parmesan Enjoy!!!

Marry me shrimp with orzo

Marry me shrimp with orzo is a delicious dish featuring succulent shrimp with creamy orzo. The shrimp are seasoned than sauteed to perfection with rich flavor.

Orzo a small rice – shaped pasta is cooked until tender with sundried tomatoes and spinach. Then the shrimp is mixed in creating a delicious meal . It’s a satisfying and comforting meal that’s both elegant and easy to prepare!!!

A FEW TIPS FOR Success when making Marry me shrimp with orzo

Use large shrimp they are labeled 16 -20 shrimp meaning there are 16 to 20 shrimp per pound  season the shrimp generously with the seasonings. Most fish cook quickly shrimp is one of them.

Don’t over cook the shrimp leave them a little under cooked to finish when they are return to the pan to heat through. T

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. large shrimp
• 2  tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 Tablespoon powder garlic
• 1 Tablespoon paprika
• 2 tablespoon butter
• 1/3 cup minced shallots
• 2 tablespoon minced garlic
• 3 cups orzo
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup chopped sundried tomatoes
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 3 cups chopped spinach

Instructions

1. Clean your shrimp
2. In a bowl season your shrimp with the olive oil. garlic and paprika. salt and pepper to taste.
3. In a saute pan over medium high heat saute the shrimp until  almost cooked through about 5 minutes, remove
4. In the same pan add the butter, add the shallots and garlic. Sautee until soft and fragrant. Add the orzo, sundried tomatoes,  chicken stock, and the cream.
5. Simmer until orzo is el dente Add the graded parmesan and spinach and simmer 2 to 3 minutes longer. Return the shrimp back to the pan , just to heat through. ENJOY!!!

creamy mushroom penne pasta recipe

Satisfy your  Italian food craving with this creamy mushroom penne pasta recipe.

This classic Italian pasta dish is a simple yet luxurious recipe that combines the earthy goodness of mushrooms with the velvety richness of a creamy sauce.

Three tips when making this  creamy mushroom penne pasta recipe

First start by sauteing the mushroom in the olive oil and butter mixture until golden  brown when you make this creamy mushroom penne pasta recipe, this adds depth of flavor to your mushroom sauce.

Second, build flavors gradually by adding the garlic and shallots letting them saute until soft, before deglazing the the pan with either white wine or chicken stock.

Lastly finish  with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Season with fresh chopped Italian parsley. Salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!!

Please email or comment with questions. And please don’t forget to tag me on Instagram if you make this easy creamy mushroom penne pasta recipe. I love hearing from you. It’s my favorite part!!!!

Many of you asked about my preferred saute pan.I have linked my favorite .

Ingredients

• 1/2  lb. penne pasta
• 1/2 stick of butter
• 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoon minced garlic
• 3 tablespoon minced shallots
• 1/2 pound sliced cremini mushrooms
• 2 cups white wine or chicken stock
• 2 cups cream
• 1 cup pasta water
• 1 cup grated parmesan
• 1/2 cup chopped Italian parsley

Instructions

1. In the  1/2 stick of butter and the one tablespoon of olive oil saute the shallots and garlic until soft and fragrant
2. Add the mushrooms and saute until brown salt and pepper the mushrooms
3. Deglaze the pan with the white wine or chicken stock simmer until the liquid evaporates. before adding the cream and pasta water.
4. Simmer until sauce thickens about 15 minutes.
5. Add in the parsley, toss in the el dente penne, grate more parmesan cheese over the top. Enjoy!!!

seared scallop creamy orzo

Just in time for valentine day this restaurant quality seared scallop and creamy orzo is sure to impress your loved ones!!!

This recipe combines the succulence of large perfectly seared scallops with the comforting texture of orzo, creating a taste that  elevates this seared scallop creamy orzo to the next level!!!

Three tips for success when making seared scallop creamy orzo

To a achieve a prefect sear on the scallops when making this seared scallop creamy orzo be sure to pat the scallops dry with paper towels. And don’t crowd the pan, the scallops should not be touching each other. I used a mixture of butter and extra virgin olive oil. I find this combination for seared the scallops works best it produces a beautiful golden  sear without the burn. Also I prefer to use a stainless saute pan. In my experience in produces a better sear on the scallops than a non stick pan,

Elevate the orzo by cooking it in a mixture of cream and broth infusing it with rich flavor and  a velvety, creamy texture.

Complement the sweetness of scallops with a hint of lemon in the orzo and finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped Italian parsley.

Lastly be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make this. I love hearing from you. It’s my favorite part!!!

Ingredients

• 16 to 20 scallops
• 1/2 stick of butter
• 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 4 tablespoon chopped onion
• 2 cups orzo
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 3 cups chopped spinach
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• salt, pepper and paprika

Instructions

1. Start by pulling the mussel off the side of the scallops. Pat dry with paper towels. then seasoning the scallops with salt. pepper and the paprika.
2. In a pan over medium high heat add the butter and the olive oil be sure the pan is hot before adding the scallops
3. Sear the scallops three minutes per side . basting the scallops with the butter while cooking.  remove and set aside
4. In the same pan add the garlic and onion saute until soft  and fragrant.
5. Add the chicken stock, water, cream and the orzo. simmer covered for 10 minutes. Add the spinach and simmer 2 to 3 minutes longer
6. Add the grated parmesan cheese.
7. Plate the orzo add the scallops on top and enjoy!!!!

A hearty pasta fagioli recipe

A Hearty pasta  fagioli recipe is Italian peasant comfort food.

Indulge in the warmth and richness of a classic Italian pasta dish with my pasta e fagioli recipe with pancetta. This heartwarming soup  combines the  flavors of pancetta,  pasta and beans in a savory tomato broth. I grew up eating this pasta and fagioli. It’s a classic delicious Italian recipe that uses few ingredients and comes together quickly , less than 30 minutes!!!

A few Alternatives for this Hearty  pasta and fagioli recipe

First in this hearty pasta and fagioli recipe, I added pancetta, I love the add flavors. If you want to keep this soup /pasta dish vegetarian omit the pancetta. but if you want to keep the smokey flavor of pancetta and having a difficult time finding pancetta you can use bacon.

Second am using one of me favorite pasta shapes in this recipe ditalini, a small Italian tubular shaped pasta. In this recipe you can use any small shaped pasta that you like.

Third I used canned cannellini beans you can use dry beans. if you use dry soak them in water for a few hours or overnight. Drain the beans and add them to the past fagioli at the same time as when you add the marinara and chicken stock.

This hearty pasta fagioli recipe is delicious, uses a few ingredients and is make in one pan. I used my white Dutch oven to make this all in one pot.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup chopped pancetta
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1/2 cup chopped yellow onions
• 1 cup each chopped celery and carrots
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups tubular pasta
• 3 cups cannellini beans
• 2 cups chopped spinach
• salt and pepper to taste
• grated parmesan

Instructions

1. Saute the pancetta in the one tablespoon of olive oil over medium high heat until crispy
2. Add the onion and garlic saute until soft and translucent
3. Add the celery and carrots saute until soft about ten minutes.
4. Add the marinara sauce , the chicken stock and the water. cover and simmer for ten minutes. add the beans, spinach  and the pasta and simmer five minutes longer
5. ladle into soup bowls grate parmesan cheese over the top. ENJOY!!!

Chicken Meatball Soup recipe

This Chicken Meatball Soup recipe is a hearty soup filled with nutritious and delicious ingredients. Each slurp is filled with bold Italian flavors, everyone likes.

Tasty  and healthy ground chicken meatballs, good for you vegetables, and pasta in a light tomato broth makes this soup is a family favorite.Sometimes it’s hard to find a meal everyone likes, this is one of those soup recipes that everyone likes. And you will feel good about serving your family a good for you meal.

Here’s 3 Prep Plan Tips When Making This Chicken Meatball Soup Recipe

Don’t let the looks of this Chicken Meatball Soup recipe intimidate you. If you have a prep plan this soup recipe can be on your table in 30 minutes.

Start by making the meatballs, you can make them one  day ahead of time, or weeks ahead of time and keep them frozen after baking, in freezer friendly containers.

Second  I bake the meatballs in my Toaster oven/air fryer for a quicker and more affordable bake, than turning on my large wall ovens.

And third you can make the whole recipe ahead of time and freeze it for ready made meals. In fact purposely double the recipe for during the week lunch reheats.

Just one more thing, please leave me a comment if you make this recipe and please don’t forget to tag me on Instagram. I love hearing from you!!!!

Ingredients For The Meatballs

• • 1 lbs. ground chicken breast
  • 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons each chopped garlic and Italian parsley
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • For the Soup
  • 1 chopped yellow onion
  • 2 Tbs. chopped garlic
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • 2 cups chopped spinach
  • 1 14.5 can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups dry small tube pasta
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

  Instructions

  1. Turn oven to 375 degrees
  2. Mix all ingredients except the ground chicken well
  3. Add the ground chicken mixing until well blended don’t over mix
  4. With damp hands roll into small size balls
  5. Bake in a preheated oven 10 minutes set aside
  6. Meanwhile in a medium stock pot saute the onion and garlic until tender and just beginning to brown
  7. Add the carrots and celery saute until tender
  8. Add the tomatoes, chicken broth and water
  9. Simmer covered 30 minutes
  10.  Return the meatballs to the soup add the pasta and spinach simmer 5 minutes longer
  11. Adjust seasonings sprinkle with parmesan
  12. ENJOY!!!!

Spicy Rigatoni Amatriciana

This classic spicy rigatoni Amatriciana sauce gets its spiciness from freshly ground black pepper and dried red pepper flakes. This Roman pasta dish is full of Italian flavor that traditionally comes from guanciale, Italian  salt cured pork jowl. If you can’t find guanciale  use pancetta which is more readily available.

Amatriciana sauce is one of the four classic Roman pasta sauce. If you love  hearty, flavorful, and spicy pasta sauce you will love this recipe. This tomato and pancetta based spicy rigatoni pasta dish taste like something you would order at your favorite Italian restaurant. And the best part it uses few ingredients and comes together pretty quickly.

Tips for success for this Spicy Rigatoni Amatriciana

The first tip when you make this spicy rigatoni Amatriciana pasta dish is to saute the pancetta until crispy and all fat rendered.

Second by toasting the red pepper flakes and using freshly ground black pepper you add a restaurant quality element to this simple pasta sauce.

And third to insure a silky creamy sauce add the grated  pecorino  cheese with the sauce off the fire and cooled ever so slightly to prevent a lumpy sauce.

Lastly I used rigatoni shaped pasta in this Amatriciana sauce you can use any shape you prefer.

If  you make this  delicious pasta sauce please leave me a comment. I love hearing from you its my favorite part!!!

Ingredients

• 1 Lb. rigatoni
• 4 oz. pancetta
• 1 Tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 Teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup white wine or chicken stock
• 1 28 0z. peeled crushed  tomatoes with juices
• 2 cups reserved pasta water
• 1 cup grated pecorino cheese
• 1 Tablespoon chopped Italian parsley
• Salt to taste
• Instructions

1. Sauté the pancetta until crispy
2. Add the red pepper flakes and freshly ground black pepper toast until fragrant
3. Then add the garlic and onion saute until just beginning to brown
4. Deglaze the pan with the white wine or chicken stock
5. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste and reserved pasta water bring  simmer until sauce thickens 45 minutes
6. Remove from heat add the pecorino cheese stir until well mixed
7. Toss the rigatoni with the all Amatriciana sauce grate more pecorino cheese over the top, sprinkle with Italian parsley. ENJOY!!!

Cacio e Pepe Pasta Recipe

This cacio e pepe pasta recipe  is a pasta dish from the city of Roma. This Roman pasta dish of spaghetti with Pecorino Roman cheese and black  pepper uses just a few ingredients and comes together in less than 30 minutes.

Cacio e pepe translates to cheese and pepper in English. In keeping with its name, the dish contains grated Pecorino cheese and black pepper, I added grated parmesan too. The goal is to created a creamy sauce using the grated cheese, black pepper and pasta water. When the sauce is done right the results are creamy deliciousness!!!

Tips when making this Cacio e pepe pasta recipe

The first and most important tip to insure a creamy sauce when you make this cacio e pepe pasta recipe is not to overheat the cheese.

When this happens instead of a creamy smooth silky pasta sauce the cheese ends up in clumps, not smooth. To prevent this from happening keep the sauce off the heat when you add the pasta water and the cheese stirring continually.

Number two this Cacio e pepe pasta recipe uses just a few ingredients be sure to use good quality cheeses

And third by using whole peppercorns and toasting them this simple pasta recipe becomes a restaurant quality pasta dish. Fancy enough for Saturday night dinner with friends and enough enough for busy family weeknight meals.

Lastly please leave me a comment when you made this Classic Roman pasta dish!!!

Ingredients

• 1 Lbs. spaghetti or bucatini
• 1/2 cup black peppercorns
• Salt to taste
• 2 Tablespoon butter
• 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive
• 1 cup grated pecorino cheese
• 1 cup grated parmesan
• 2 cups pasta water

Instructions

1. Cook your pasta el Dente reserving 2 cups of the pasta water
2. Meanwhile in a saute pan over medium heat toast the peppercorns until fragrant. Removed from pan with a mallet between paper towels crush the peppercorns and return to pan.
3. Add the butter and olive oil cook just until the butter is melted. Turn off the fire add the pasta water and cheeses stirring continuously.
4.  Toss the spaghetti or bucatini with the Cacio e pepe sauce. Sprinkle with more grated pecorino and Italian parsley. ENJOY!!!!