17 Little Italy Pasta Recipe Dive Into Deliciousness!
Published on: Mar 15, 2024
Pasta is a staple dish in Italian cuisine, and one of the most well-known variations is the Little Italy pasta recipe. This classic recipe is a delicious combination of simple ingredients that come together to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a touch of Italian flair to their dinner table. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Little Italy pasta recipe and discover the secrets to making it just like the professionals do.
Cooking Italy - Pasta all’ Amatriciana, Not Just...
Main Ingredients: Onion, Butter, Vegetable Oil, Pancetta, Italian
This traditional Italian dish is a must-try for any pasta lover. It hails from the small town of Amatrice in central Italy, and it’s no surprise that it’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The combination of tangy tomatoes, salty pancetta, and spicy red pepper flakes creates a mouthwatering sauce that perfectly coats al dente pasta. Serve it with a sprinkle of pecorino Romano for an authentic taste of Italy.
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Italy - Pasta Alla Norma (Pasta in Spicy Eggplant &...
Main Ingredients: Spaghetti, Eggplant, Dried Red Chili, Tomatoes, Garlic
This Sicilian dish is named after the famous opera “Norma” by Vincenzo Bellini. Legend has it that it was a favorite of the opera composer himself. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish made with eggplant, tomatoes, and ricotta salata, a type of dried and salted cheese. The eggplant is fried until golden and then simmered in a spicy tomato sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors. It’s a must-try for any eggplant lover.
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Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Chicken Breasts, Olive Oil, Garlic Powder
This hearty pasta dish is a staple in Tuscany, known for its rich flavors and simple ingredients. It’s made with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, all combined in a creamy sauce. The addition of white wine adds a subtle tang to the dish, making it a perfect pairing for a glass of Chianti. Top it off with some fresh basil for a touch of freshness and color.
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Cacio e Pepe
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Unsalted Butter, Parmesan Cheese, Ground Black
This classic Roman dish translates to “cheese and pepper” in English, and it’s just that simple. It’s made with only three ingredients: pecorino Romano, black pepper, and spaghetti. The cheese is melted into a creamy sauce with the help of some pasta water, and the black pepper adds a spicy kick. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s full of flavor and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
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Beef Cacciatore (Italy)
Main Ingredients: Beef, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Onion, Red Bell Peppers
This rustic Italian dish is perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly night. Tender chunks of beef are slow-cooked with tomatoes, red wine, and herbs until they’re fall-apart tender. The result is a rich and flavorful sauce that perfectly coats your pasta of choice. Top it off with some fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
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Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Ground Beef, Pepper
If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner that’s also kid-friendly, this skillet pasta dish is the answer. Ground beef is cooked with garlic, onion, and tomatoes, and then simmered with elbow macaroni and cheese. It’s a one-pot wonder that will please the whole family. Feel free to add some chili flakes for a spicy kick.
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Healthy Shrimp Pasta
Main Ingredients: Shrimp, Pasta, Fresh Spinach, Light Cream Cheese, Wine
For a lighter and healthier option, try this shrimp pasta dish. It’s packed with veggies like zucchini, bell pepper, and mushrooms, which add flavor and nutrition to the dish. The shrimp is cooked with garlic and lemon for a burst of freshness, while whole wheat pasta adds texture and heartiness. It’s a delicious and guilt-free option for any pasta lover.
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Main Ingredients: Shrimp, Butter, Garlic, Minced Shallots, White Wine
Garlic lovers, rejoice – this pasta dish is for you. Succulent shrimp is cooked in a garlic butter sauce and then tossed with spaghetti for a simple yet flavorful meal. The addition of white wine and lemon juice adds a tangy note to balance out the richness of the butter. Top it off with some fresh parsley for a touch of freshness.
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Chicken Carbonara
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Bacon, Onion, Minced Garlic, Eggs
This Roman classic is a favorite among pasta lovers. Tender chicken is cooked with pancetta and eggs to create a rich and creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. The addition of pecorino Romano adds a salty tang, while black pepper adds a spicy kick. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
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Homemade Minestrone Soup
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Olive Oil, Onion, Minced Garlic, Celery, Medium
If you’re in the mood for soup rather than pasta, this homemade minestrone is a must-try. It’s packed with veggies like carrots, celery, and zucchini, as well as cannellini beans for protein and pasta for heartiness. It’s a perfect meal for a cold day and can be customized with your favorite veggies and herbs.
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Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Butter, Large Garlic Cloves, Flour, Whole Milk
This creamy pasta dish is perfect for garlic lovers. Tender chicken is cooked with garlic butter and then tossed with penne pasta for a simple yet flavorful meal. The addition of heavy cream adds a rich and velvety texture to the dish, while grated Parmesan adds a salty tang. Top it off with some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
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Bang Bang Chicken Pasta
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Boneless Chicken Breast, Garlic, Chopped
If you’re a fan of spicy food, this pasta dish will be right up your alley. Tender chicken is cooked with garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes for a flavorful base, while the addition of Thai sweet chili sauce adds a tangy and spicy note. Toss it all together with spaghetti and top it off with some chopped peanuts for added crunch.
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Bolognese Sauce Antica A True Taste of Italy
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Butter, Pasta, Chopped Onion, Chopped
This traditional Bolognese sauce is a labor of love, but the end result is worth it. Slowly simmered with ground beef, pancetta, and red wine, this sauce is rich and flavorful. The addition of milk may seem unusual, but it helps to create a creamy and velvety texture. Serve it with your favorite pasta for a taste of Italy in your own kitchen.
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Creamy Mushroom Pasta
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Butter, Olive Oil, Mushrooms, Garlic, Dry White
If you’re a fan of mushrooms, this pasta dish is a must-try. Earthy mushrooms are cooked with garlic, thyme, and cream to create a rich and flavorful sauce. Toss it all together with your favorite pasta and top it off with some fresh parsley for a touch of freshness. It’s a perfect dish for a cozy night in.
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Creamy Pesto Pasta
Main Ingredients: Basil Pesto, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Heavy Cream, Salt
This pasta dish is a perfect way to use up that jar of pesto sitting in your pantry. The sauce is made with basil pesto, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, creating a creamy and flavorful coating for your pasta of choice. Top it off with some cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and freshness.
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Maggiano's Little Italy Taylor Street Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Olive Oil, Ground Italian Sausage, Minced
This classic Italian-American dish is a favorite at Maggiano’s Little Italy, and for good reason. Tender ziti pasta is baked with a delicious tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella until bubbly and golden. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh basil for a taste of Little Italy in your own kitchen.
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Creamy Garlic Pasta
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Butter, Flour, Garlic, Chicken Broth, Whipping
If you’re a garlic lover, this pasta dish is for you. Tender chicken is cooked with garlic and then tossed with a creamy sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. The result is a rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
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Pasta Carbonara
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Pancetta, Small Yellow Onion, Garlic Cloves
This classic Roman dish is perfect for bacon lovers. Pancetta is cooked until crispy and then tossed with spaghetti, eggs, and pecorino Romano to create a creamy and flavorful sauce. The addition of black pepper adds a spicy kick to balance out the richness of the dish.
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Cajun Chicken Pasta
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Chicken Breasts Halved, Pasta, Chili Powder
If you’re in the mood for something spicy, this Cajun chicken pasta is the answer. Tender chicken is cooked with onion, bell pepper, and Cajun seasoning to create a flavorful base. Toss it all together with penne pasta and heavy cream for a rich and creamy dish that’s full of flavor.
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Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Pasta, Butter, Small Onion, Garlic Cloves
This casserole is a Paula Deen favorite, and for good reason. Tender chicken is cooked with garlic and onion and then combined with cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth. Toss it all together with your favorite pasta and top it off with cheddar cheese for a delicious and comforting meal.
Ingredients
What you will need:
1 pound of dried pasta (spaghetti or linguine work best)
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente (firm to the bite). Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
Step 2: Prepare the sauce
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Add the pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic and red pepper flakes. Toss the pasta to coat it evenly with the sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to moisten it.
Step 4: Finish the dish
Remove the skillet from the heat and add the chopped parsley, grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until the cheese is melted and the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
Enjoy!
Serve the Little Italy pasta hot and garnish with additional Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and parsley, if desired. This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad and a glass of your favorite Italian wine.
Now that you know the secrets to making the perfect Little Italy pasta, it's time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! This recipe is a great way to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills and bring a taste of Italy to your dinner table. So go ahead and give it a try, you won't be disappointed!