3 easy Italian recipes that you can do at home

1. Classic Spaghetti Carbonara

This Roman classic is known for its creamy texture without using actual cream, relying instead on eggs and cheese. 

• Ingredients:

  • 8 oz (225g) spaghetti

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (plus extra for garnish)

  • 3-4 oz (85-113g) guanciale or pancetta (diced)

  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

• Instructions:

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water until al dente (firm to the bite).

  2. Cook the meat: While the pasta cooks, cook the diced guanciale or pancetta in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the meat but keep the rendered fat in the pan.

  3. Prepare the egg mixture: In a bowl, whisk the eggs and mix in the Pecorino Romano cheese and a generous amount of black pepper.

  4. Combine: Drain the pasta (reserving a little pasta water), then add the hot pasta directly to the skillet with the fat. Stir to coat.

  5. Temper the eggs: Remove the skillet from the heat. Quickly pour in the egg and cheese mixture, stirring continuously. The residual heat from the pasta will cook the eggs and melt the cheese into a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

  6. Serve: Garnish with more cheese and black pepper. 

     
     

2. Quick Bruschetta al Pomodoro

This simple, fresh appetizer highlights quality ingredients and is perfect for a light start to any meal. 

• Ingredients:

  • 1 baguette or rustic Italian bread loaf, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds

  • 2 large, ripe tomatoes (or a pint of cherry tomatoes), diced

  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or one whole clove for rubbing)

  • A handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Instructions:

  1. Toast the bread: Toast the bread slices in the oven or a toaster until golden and crispy.

  2. Prepare the topping: In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, and 2 tbsp of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

  3. Assemble: Rub each toasted bread slice with a garlic clove (optional, for more flavor), then spoon the tomato mixture generously onto each slice.

  4. Serve: Drizzle with a little more olive oil and serve immediately.

      

3. "Lazy Girl" Creamy Tomato Pasta

This simple, 5-ingredient recipe uses store-bought sauce and cream cheese for a fast and delicious weeknight dinner. 

• Ingredients:

  • 8 oz (225g) pasta of choice (e.g., penne, fusilli)

  • 1 jar (about 24 oz) of your favorite pasta sauce

  • 4 oz (113g) whipped or regular cream cheese, softened

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)

  • Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

• Instructions:

  1. Boil the pasta: Cook the pasta in a pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente.

  2. Make the sauce: In a separate large skillet or pot, combine the pasta sauce and cream cheese over medium heat. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Add Italian seasoning if desired.

  3. Combine: Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the creamy sauce. Toss to coat evenly.

  4. Serve: Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving