Pastina, a word Italians use to describe any tine pasta shape, typically refers more specifically to star-shaped pasta here in the U.S. There are a few main styles of preparing pastina, which I talk about in my other 2 pastina recipes on this site, Pastina with Egg and Cheese, and Pastina Soup. The third way...
Side Dishes
Pastina Soup Recipe
This simple Pastina Soup Recipe comes together in no time and is often referred to as "Italian Penicillin." It's the ultimate comfort food Italian parents and grandparents have been making for their kids for decades. Nothing cures the common cold quite like a bowl of tiny pasta stars, celery, and onion, swimming in a gentle...
Pastina with Egg
Pastina with Egg and Cheese is the definition of comfort food. In fact, some people even refer to it as "Italian Penicillin." It's a soft food, but it's not boring. The egg gives it protein, the parmesan gives it real flavor, and a little butter gives it its silky smooth texture. It's very similar to...
Tomato and Mascarpone Risotto
This luscious Tomato and Mascarpone Risotto is easy to make and absolutely to die for. It relies on high quality ingredients and good technique to achieve the most flavor out of only 7 ingredients. Hot salted water is the best cooking liquid for this risotto, as it allows the fresh tomatoes and mascarpone to really...
Pink Sauce Pasta (Italian Pink Sauce)
Pink Sauce Pasta is a very popular Italian-American dish consisting of pasta (usually penne) and a simple pink tomato cream sauce. With just 7 ingredients, the tomato and garlic flavors really shine. Plus it's a quick sauce that only simmers for about 30 minutes. The flavors have just enough time to mingle while remaining bright...
Vodka Pizza
Pizza with Vodka Sauce is becoming insanely popular at many pizzerias here in New York City. So many people, myself included, just love the creaminess of vodka sauce. It's less acidic and even a little sweeter than regular tomato sauce. So it makes perfect sense to put it on pizza. The best vodka pizza in...
Rosé Pasta
This simple, 6-ingredient Creamy Rosé Pasta is unlike any other Rosé Pasta Recipe you'll find on google. For starters, it is a one-pot pasta dish. And it's entirely unique in that it calls for cooking spaghetti directly in rosé wine. Though this Rosé Pasta Sauce doesn't call for any tomato, it does have a delicious...
Eggplant Milanese; Italian-Style Fried Aubergine
Eggplant Milanese, Eggplant Cutlets, Aubergine Milanese, or simply fried eggplant is an Italian staple. In fact, it's arguably the most perfect way to eat eggplant... Delightfully tasty and crispy on the outside and perfectly tender and juicy on the inside, Eggplant Milanese is an absolute treat. And it's actually quite easy to make. This Eggplant...
Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad
This delightful Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad is filled with incredible flavors and textures that come together to create a truly delicious and beautiful dish. The finely chopped walnuts and parmesan mesh and mingle so wonderfully with the pasta and arugula, creating the perfect texture throughout. You can enjoy this lemon arugula pasta salad all year...
Glazed Rainbow Carrots (recipe)
These Harissa and Honey Glazed Rainbow Carrots are probably the most comforting carrots you'll ever eat. They oven roast for about an hour in olive oil, which allows them to soften and caramelize beautifully. They then soak in a perfectly balanced sweet and spicy agrodolce glaze. That flavor profile is really magical. Finally, topping them with fresh...