As we continue to celebrate 15 years of Goodtaste this July, we continue to bring all our loyal viewers and readers special roundups that highlight the best of the best! And this particular collection of our favorite Italian recipes over the years is particularly special because the whole idea for Goodtaste with Tanji was born on Italian soil, during a trip there that awed and amazed Tanji and her husband, Mike, with its regional specialties, iconic architecture, passionate people, and breathtaking landscapes. (And the wine—let’s never forget the wine!) Italy has been a huge inspiration to our show, and now we want to share with you 15 exceptional Italian recipes that will inspire you in the kitchen and transport you across oceans with every bite. Buon appetito!
Slow-Cooker Meatballs with Buttery Tomato Sauce
Prep this meal in under 30 minutes, then let the slow cooker do the rest of the work for you! Butter delivers a lush finish to the tomato sauce, and the fennel-spiked meatballs bring all the bold flavors together into one hearty pasta dish.
Grilled Eggplant Parm Boats
Eggplant develops a silken texture when cooked—or, in this case, grilled—and the rest of preparing this delicious meal is as easy as one, two, three: pour over tomato sauce, layer mozzarella, and sprinkle breadcrumbs. No frying required—it’s just a quick trip into the oven to finish this smoky, lightened-up twist on eggplant parm!
Individual Pumpkin Chai Tiramisu
Canned pumpkin accented with warm chai spices brings a new spin to this egg-free version of this classic Italian dessert. Originating in Northeast Italy in the region of Veneto, tiramisu is literally translated as “pick me up” or “cheer me up”— such an elegant finish to dinner!
Kale and Butternut Squash Lasagna with Herbed Ricotta
Italians love their kale, and this recipe features plenty of it, plus thick slices of roasted squash layered with creamy ricotta and seasoned with generous amounts of fresh herbs. Serve with a lemon and olive oil dressing over spicy arugula.
Creamy Tortellini and Fagioli
Pasta and beans appear frequently in the Italian family meal, and this hearty stew with savory sausage and healthy kale is a colorful one-pot wonder. Swiss chard or collard greens can sub for the kale. Make it ahead of time, as the flavors develop with age!
Spinach and Sweet Potato Stuffed Shells
Vegan herbed cashew cheese mixed with iron-rich spinach and fleshy sweet potato is stuffed into fancy shells to satisfy both your pasta and veggie cravings. This dish can be made whenever you have time, then freeze for later use, accompanied by simple gem lettuce wedges.
Roma’s Classic Bolognese Sauce
Prepared in the style of Bologna, Italy, this classic meat sauce from Roma in Houston is creamier and richer than a tomato ragu. The secret is low and slow cooking to extract the meat juices and concentrate the wines into a thick and blissful consistency. Leftovers of this high-yield recipe will freeze beautifully.
Neighbor’s Kitchen & Yard’s Hot Li’l Honey Pizzas
Peperoncini figure prominently in some Italian fare, and we love the injection of heat the habanero-infused honey brings to this irresistible pizza from Neighbor’s Kitchen & Yard. Simple to make with few ingredients, the peppers speak for themselves in this starter or main course that will surprise your guests with its cheesy belly and salty salami topping. Cut the heat with a crunchy green salad on the side.
1860 Italia’s Lobster Carbonara
Oh so indulgent! Rich, fleshy lobster is cooked in a truffled cream sauce and speckled with peas for a decadent carbonara from 1860 Italia. Serve with a Chardonnay, a crisp romaine salad, and hunks of crusty bread to sop up the sauce.
Venetian Hot Plate’s Misto Mare
Put this aromatic seafood specialty from Venetian Hot Plate on your dinner menu and be transported to Venice’s canals and quaint trattorias. Succulent shrimp and mussels linger over white wine and parsley to bring a taste of Italy to your table. Serve over pasta or spoon into bowls and eat with ciabatta.
Mario’s Seawall’s Chicken Française
This Italian-American dish from Mario’s Seawall in Galveston takes chicken breast cutlets and brings them to life with zesty lemon and white wine. Easy to make, it’s a delight for company when served with a side of pasta the oh-so-Italian way!
Pignetti’s Salmon Alejandro
This elegant salmon dish from Pignetti’s is light but flavor-forward, with fragrant garlic-sautéed veggies as its accompaniment. Buttery mushrooms add a sophisticated touch on top and make it company-worthy or just plain impressive!
Italian-Style Braised Short Ribs with Rosemary Polenta
New York Dame Michele Scicolone sure knew what she was doing when she created this recipe for the Cooking with Les Dames d’Escoffier cookbook. The slow cooking coaxes the tender beef off the bones, and when paired with the smooth rosemary-infused polenta, an unparalleled match is produced.
Hill & Vine’s Cilantro Pesto Pasta
This Texas-style pasta recipe from Hill & Vine starts with a cilantro-pepita pesto and finishes with a truffle oil whipped burrata spread. Plenty of fresh veggies cling to the penne, making it a delightful vegetarian Southwest treat.
Spring Salad Pizza
Pizza is as Italian as it gets, and this Goodtaste original shines with the simplicity of pecorino, mozzarella, fresh herbs, and arugula. Marinated artichokes add texture and oily goodness!
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