Need Italian Lent Recipes? Here are 33 meatless dinner ideas from Cooking with Mamma C that are perfect for Lenten Fridays, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday! You’ll find recipes for fish, shellfish, pasta, sauces, soups, pizza, frittatas and vegetable entrées.
Main Dishes
Pasta al Forno with Smoked Mozzarella
You’ll love Pasta al Forno with Smoked Mozzarella! Make this baked rigatoni recipe when you want a special meal but don’t have time for lasagna. This family favorite can be ready in 45 minutes and happens to be vegetarian! A quick Italian lesson: Forno is pronounced “forrno,” and simply means “oven.” So, this is a…
Alfredo Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
Alfredo Pumpkin Pasta Sauce features a delicious combination of pumpkin puree, cream, Parmesan, Romano, garlic and sage! You’ll love this easy pumpkin Alfredo recipe that’s ready in 15 minutes or less! Serve it over pasta or zoodles. My pumpkin-hating hubby LOVES this creamy pasta sauce. Because anyone who loves my Alfredo sauce can’t resist this…
Italian Meatloaf with Chicken or Turkey
You’ll love this Italian Meatloaf with cheese and spinach topped with marinara! Use this recipe for chicken meatloaf, turkey meatloaf or any ground meat! It’s easy to make this gluten free or keto friendly too. Would you be mad if I told you I’ve been making this delicious Italian meatloaf recipe for months and never…
Beer-Steamed Littleneck Clams
Beer-Steamed Littleneck Clams are so good dipped in melted butter! Plus, I’m sharing tips for cleaning clams. It’s fun to have a mini clambake at home! Are clambakes a big deal where you live? They are here in Northeast Ohio. More clams are sold in the Cleveland area than anywhere in the U.S., outside of…
How to Cook Cod
Wondering how to cook cod? Here’s the information and recipes you need to buy cod and cook it in the oven or on the stove! I once thought I’d never like cod, but now it’s my favorite white fish. It’s meaty, mild and oh-so flaky…in a good way, of course. It’s so delicious, it could…
Baked Pork Tenderloin with Glaze
This Baked Pork Tenderloin is always a hit! It’s got a sweet-and-spicy glaze made with brown sugar, but you can substitute monk fruit sweetener for a keto option. This is one of the best pork tenderloin recipes! Sometimes, I think I’ve already shared all the recipes I’ve been making for years. Then, I realize there’s…
Pasta with Broccoli
Pasta with Broccoli is a one-pot meal ready in about 45 minutes! The broccoli is cooked down until it envelopes the pasta in a garlicky sauce. You’ll love this authentic Italian recipe from Naples! For the love of broccoli, you need to make this. Pasta with broccoli is one of my favorite vegetarian meals, one…
Lemon-Infused Olive Oil
Lemon-Infused Olive Oil makes food taste fabulous! Don’t miss this easy recipe that will bring a “wow” factor to salads, vegetables, fish, seafood and chicken. Make some for yourself plus some to give as gifts!
Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats
Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats are the answer to your low-carb dreams! With Italian sausage, ricotta, mozzarella and Parmesan. Make these for a delicious keto meal or omit the meat for a vegetarian dinner! Behold, spaghetti squash lasagna boats, my family’s favorite low-carb meal. They’re ridiculously good! You take roasted spaghetti squash and stuff each half…
10-Minute Maple-Glazed Salmon
Make 10-Minute Maple-Glazed Salmon on the stove for an easy dinner! Pure maple syrup, butter, lemon and seasonings come together in a magical way in this dish. I had to give this Maple-Glazed Salmon a facelift. Because this 10-minute recipe is fabulous, but the photos were atrocious. Do you know what happens to posts like…
Pasta e Piselli (Pasta with Peas)
Pasta e Piselli (Pasta with Peas) is my favorite one-pot meal from Naples! It’s ready in less than 30 minutes! Add bacon if you wish, and don’t miss the video! Pasta is my life. I publish other recipes to keep everyone interested, but I secretly wonder, “Can I post another pasta dish now?” I vote…
Top 10 Recipes from 2018
Don’t miss Cooking with Mamma C’s Top 10 Recipes from 2018! I’m so busy, I wasn’t going to do a 2018 highlights post. “I’ll just look to see which new recipes were the most popular,” I told myself, as I gleefully gathered my notebook and dove into my blog stats. But, who am I kidding?…
Fried Baccala (Salted Cod Fish)
(This post is sponsored by the Norwegian Seafood Council. All opinions are my own.) Have you heard of baccalà? In many Italian families, Christmas Eve isn’t complete without this special cod fish. It’s a tradition so old, it dates back to the days of no refrigeration. A time when salt was used to preserve food.
Instant Pot Braciole (Or Stovetop )
Instant Pot Braciole with sauce tastes like it’s been cooking all day! I’ve included stovetop directions for these Italian beef rolls too. Don’t miss the video! If I had to use my Instant Pot pressure cooker for one thing only, it’d be braciole. No contest. The braciole emerges tender and delicious. But the tomato sauce…
Baked Cod with Parmesan and Garlic Butter
Baked Cod with Parmesan and Garlic Butter is the most popular dish on Cooking with Mamma C and one of the best cod recipes! It’s even loved by toddlers and people who don’t like fish! Gluten free, low carb and keto. Several years ago, if anyone would’ve told me I’d be head over heels for…
Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas
Need some Thanksgiving recipe ideas? Check out these Thanksgiving appetizers, side dishes, desserts and drinks from Cooking with Mamma C! There’s turkey too! Howdy, Turkeys! Are you freaking out about your Thanksgiving menu yet? No worries! I’ve got you covered with my best Thanksgiving recipe ideas. Scroll down to find something you love.
Italian Stuffed Peppers
My Italian Stuffed Peppers feature ground beef, rice and onions with marinara, Pecorino Romano, mozzarella and basil! Forget boring and bland — these are incredible! Let’s cut to the chase. I mean the cheese. You guys, these Italian Stuffed Peppers exceeded my wildest expectations. I kept working on the recipe, taking it from “not bad”…
Broccoli-Cheddar Soup with Parmesan
Broccoli-Cheddar Soup with Parmesan is so delicious! Made with 2% milk plus half and half for a perfectly creamy soup that’s not heavy. I started making this broccoli-cheddar soup with Parmesan five years ago, when I became jealous that my daughter was frequently ordering a heavier version at Panera. I mean, what the heck?!! I…
Hungarian Chicken Paprikash with Dumplings
You must try my Hungarian Chicken Paprikash with Dumplings! I’m half Hungarian and worked to get the recipe just right! Chicken Paprikash with Dumplings holds a special place in my heart, because it reminds me of my Hungarian grandparents, as well as Nonna. (If you haven’t read my About section, you probably didn’t realize that…
Mom’s Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
Mom’s Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe is the only one I make! It’s stuffed with citrus, onions and garlic, basted with a butter and wine sauce and topped with gravy! Thanksgiving came early to my house! Because, there’s no way I could pull off taking blog photos on a holiday. So, I got my giblets together last…
Spinach Salad with Mandarin Oranges and Pancetta
Make this refreshing Spinach Salad with Mandarin Oranges and Pancetta for the holidays! With red onions, toasted walnuts and a delicious orange vinaigrette. Meet the number-two salad in my life. It’s the understudy to the OG Best Italian Green Salad with Homemade Dressing. Which means…if company’s coming over for dinner, this spinach salad with mandarin…
Tender Beef Stroganoff
Looking for a Tender Beef Stroganoff recipe? This is it! And…it’s got the best flavor from beef stock, wine and a delicious blend of seasonings. I tested this over and over! Beef Stroganoff holds a special place in my heart. It’s one of the dishes Mom would make on Sundays when my Hungarian Grandpa was…
Pasta with Zucchini
A cross between soup and a pasta dish, Pasta with Zucchini is Italian comfort food at its best! A one-pot meal ready in 35 minutes! Based on a family recipe from Naples. Pasta is my ultimate comfort food. This dish is one of my favorites! If you know me and have ever asked me what…
Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Cream Cheese and Jalapeños
Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Cream Cheese and Jalapeños is fantastic! An easy but impressive dinner that’s low carb & keto friendly. One of my most popular recipes! Don’t miss the video & nutrition info! If you think you’ve seen this recipe before, it’s because you probably saw it here. This stuffed pork tenderloin with cream…
Pesto Salmon
You won’t believe how delicious this Pesto Salmon tastes! Try it with my Mom’s pesto! Leave it to Costco to inspire me to make Pesto Salmon. It’s become our routine to pick up a foil pan of raw salmon topped with pesto butter (to bake later) during our bimonthly trips for paper products and other…
Sautéed Cod with Tomatoes
My Nonna’s Sautéed Cod with Tomatoes is a treasured family recipe! Enjoy this easy fish dinner! Every time I make this cod, it smells like Nonna’s been cooking in my kitchen. And that makes me smile. Nonna wasn’t the typical grandmother. She had movie-star good looks, perfectly coiffed blonde hair, and nails painted red. She…
Slow Cooker Carolina Pulled Pork
Got 15 minutes? You can prep Slow Cooker Carolina Pulled Pork in the morning and let it cook all day! It’s juicy and tender with sweet heat and a vinegar kick. It’ll become your go-to pulled pork recipe! This one’s for anyone who’s gone all day at work, school or sporting events and wants to…
Leftover Spaghetti Frittata
Leftover Spaghetti Frittata is one of the best things in life! You can start with cold, cooked pasta out of your fridge or boil some just to make this authentic Italian dish! It’s great for picnics, lunches and brunches. Are there certain foods that symbolize summer for you? Maybe it’s tomatoes, blueberries, or homemade ice…
Broiled Scallops with Parmesan Bread Crumbs
You’ll love Mom’s Broiled Scallops with Parmesan Bread Crumbs! This is our favorite seafood dish! Hello from the depths of my recovering, flu-infected household! It’s been a rough few weeks. First my hubby got sick, then I caught a milder version of the virus, since I had my annual flu shot. But…then I developed bronchitis,…
Homemade Alfredo Sauce with Garlic
You’ll love this easy, Homemade Alfredo Sauce with Garlic! It’s got a creamy, velvety texture and huge flavor from Parmesan and Romano. Try this Alfredo recipe with pasta, chicken or zoodles! Gluten free. A few months ago, a reader asked if I have an Alfredo sauce recipe. I told her I didn’t but would add…
Eggplant Parmigiana Recipe
You’ll love this Eggplant Parmigiana Recipe! As in Naples, the eggplants are dipped in flour and egg, but no bread crumbs. Featuring three kinds of cheese, fresh basil and a light tomato sauce. Everybody loves eggplant Parm. Am I right? But, did you know there are different versions of Eggplant Parmigiana in Southern Italy? You’re…
Spaghetti Bolognese
I tested this Spaghetti Bolognese recipe over and over to get the best flavor! It’s made with half sausage, half beef and just enough tomato, the way authentic Bolognese sauce should be! I’m pretty sure my blood type is B for Bolognese right now. (I’m actually type A, but that’s another story.) Anyhoo, I tested…
Top 10 Recipes and Highlights of 2017
A look at Cooking with Mamma C’s Top 10 Recipes and Highlights of 2017! Hi Gang! I’m back from a trip to Connecticut to visit my in-laws. We had a great time and ate way too much. If you celebrate the holidays, I hope you had a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah or joyous Kwanzaa….
Pasta with Pecorino and Pepper (Cacio e Pepe)
Pasta with Pecorino and Pepper (Cacio e Pepe) hails from Rome and delivers big flavor in 25 minutes. A zesty, cheesy pasta dish with just five ingredients (including the cooking water used in the sauce)! This is the pasta dish you didn’t realize was missing from your life. And once you experience its delicious, brilliant…
Easy Sausage and Peppers
Roast these Easy Sausage and Peppers in the oven and you’ll never go back to making them on the stove! This is my go-to recipe that’s always a hit. A fantastic, sheet-pan dinner ready in under an hour. Are you still making Italian sausage and peppers on the stove? Because roasting them in the oven…
Shrimp Stew with Bacon
Use up your zucchini in this fabulous Shrimp Stew with Bacon served over rice! With warm chili spices, a hint of smoky sweetness and a New Orleans flair. Gluten free. This shrimp stew with bacon makes me happy. There’s just something festive about shrimp, bacon and zucchini simmering in a tomato-based stew with warm chili…
Easy Chicken Marsala
This Easy Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms will knock your socks off! A company-worthy main dish ready in 30 minutes. I’ve been eating a version of this Easy Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms my whole life. Except, I only knew it as Mom’s “chicken with wine and lemon.” As kids, my brother and I would stand on…
Roasted Pork Loin with Rosemary and Garlic
You’ll love this Roasted Pork Loin with Rosemary and Garlic! A simple but fabulous entrée that’s low carb and company worthy! I’ll say it upfront: You need to add this roasted pork loin to your dinner rotation. Trust me. I’ve been making and perfecting this recipe for a month. I’m talking five times. And, my…
Italian Mac and Cheese (Stovetop)
You’ll love this creamy Italian Mac and Cheese with cheddar, Parmesan, a hint of garlic and fresh basil! A delicious, stovetop meal ready in 25 minutes! Plus, a ridiculous story to go with it. As of this week, I’ve been married to my hubby for exactly half of my life. That’s 24 years of marriage,…
Homemade Manicotti
Every Italian food lover needs a great recipe for homemade manicotti! Make your crepes from scratch (it’s not hard!) and load them with a four-cheese and spinach filling. Top them with my marinara sauce! Guess what? This is my first post for Food Fanatic, where I’ll be a regular contributor! I’ll be the Italian Food…
Baked Cod with Coffee Butter
Looking for a unique and delicious combo for dinner? You have to try this Cod with Coffee Butter! It’s so easy to throw together and can be on your table in 20 minutes! Low carb and gluten free. Any fellow coffee lovers out there? You’re going to love this baked cod with coffee butter. But,…
Cheesy Baked BBQ Chicken Breasts with Onions
Need an easy, 30-minute meal? Make these Cheesy Baked BBQ Chicken Breasts with Onions! If you love BBQ chicken pizza, but don’t want all the carbs, this is for you! Gluten free. I feel guilty tempting you with meat on Friday during Lent. For the record, I’m not saying you should make these cheesy, baked…
Corned Beef and Italian Sauteed Cabbage
Mom’s recipe for Corned Beef and Italian Sautéed Cabbage is so delicious! Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with an Italian twist to cover St. Joseph’s Day too! Gluten free. I had to get this recipe from Mom. She’s been making corned beef with cabbage to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day for as long as I can remember….
Easy One-Pan Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
Ready in under an hour, this Easy One-Pan Roasted Chicken and Vegetables is so delicious! Make it with sweet potatoes, red onions and either broccoli or zucchini, and enjoy the caramelized results! I was torn between giving you a recipe today for Valentine’s dessert or Valentine’s dinner. But, my gut tells me everyone needs an…
Tuscan White Bean Soup with Escarole and Potatoes
This Tuscan White Bean Soup with Escarole and Potatoes is so comforting and full of flavor! It’s vegetarian and gluten free. Enjoy the leftovers for lunch! Are you a soup person? I am. I enjoy soup all year round. But when the wind is howling through the night, keeping me awake and wondering if our…
Apple-Mozzarella-Pecan Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
If you’re trying to eat healthier for your New Year’s resolution, try this Apple-Mozzarella-Pecan Salad with Maple Vinaigrette. It’s a great vegetarian lunch entrée or company-worthy side salad! Gluten free. You know I’m recovering from a Christmas and New Year’s food coma when I bust out a healthy salad entrée. But I’ve actually been enjoying…
Top 10 Recipes and Highlights of 2016
Cooking with Mamma C’s Top 10 Recipes and Highlights of 2016! Hi, Gang! I hope you’ve been enjoying the holiday season. I couldn’t resist closing the year with a look at Cooking with Mamma C’s top 10 recipes and highlights of 2016. It’s like the People’s Choice Awards, where we look at the most popular…
Linguine with Creamy Walnut Sauce
We love this easy Linguine with Creamy Walnut Sauce, based on a dish we ate near Genoa. Just throw the mascarpone and other sauce ingredients in the food processor or blender and give them a whirl! Once upon a time, my family and I ate the most heavenly linguine with creamy walnut sauce while on…
The Best Italian Green Salad with Homemade Dressing
Our family makes the best Italian green salad with homemade dressing! It’s simple, vegan, gluten free and the most requested recipe when we have friends over for dinner! I feel a bit ridiculous posting our family’s salad recipe. But so many friends rave about it, and I always say I’ll share it someday. Today is…
Baked Parmesan Shrimp with Garlic Butter
Baked Parmesan Shrimp with Garlic Butter is delicious and gluten free! It’s based off of the most popular recipe on Cooking with Mamma C! I have to thank Cooking with Mamma C readers for suggesting a shrimp version of my wildly popular Lemon Parmesan Cod with Garlic Butter. Because this Baked Parmesan Shrimp with Garlic…
Slow Cooker Cauliflower Soup with Cheddar
If you want delicious comfort food that’s not heavy, Slow Cooker Cauliflower Soup with Cheddar is perfect! Serve it with pasta shells or omit them for a low-carb, gluten-free meal! It’s soup weather! Soup-ah!!! (Any Monty Python fans out there?) I know I’m aging myself, but hey, if it works for cheddar, it works for…
Orange Pancakes with Chocolate Chips
If you love the chocolate-orange flavor combo, you need to try these Orange Pancakes with Chocolate Chips! You know I love my smoothies six mornings a week. But on that seventh day, I really crave an indulgent breakfast. I deserve it, right? And, isn’t there something special about homemade pancakes on the weekend? Especially when…
Mom’s Pesto with Pecorino Romano
Mom’s Pesto with Pecorino Romano is the best! It’ll become your go-to recipe for basil pesto sauce! My family’s been eating pesto since 1982…long before it was cool to eat pesto in America. And, while it seems every grocery store, food blog and Italian restaurant features basil pesto nowadays, I have to say I’ve never…
Salmon Caprese with Balsamic Glaze
Salmon Caprese with Balsamic Glaze is the best salmon I’ve ever made! It’s so easy, yet impressive enough for company. You need to try this! Don’t miss the video! What do you do when your doctor says to eat salmon twice a week for the omega-3s? a. Get a second opinion b. Make the same…
Homemade Turkey Lunch Meat
Homemade Turkey Lunch Meat is so easy! In just over 30 minutes, you’ll have delicious, juicy sandwich meat that’s healthier than what you can buy at the deli! Can you believe homemade turkey lunch meat takes just a minute of prep and needs only 30 minutes in the oven? I had no clue. Some of…
Breaded Italian Chicken Cutlets
Breaded Italian Chicken Cutlets are so juicy and tender! My recipe is based on my family’s version with homemade Italian bread crumbs that include Romano and Parmesan cheeses! I’ve been meaning to post this family recipe for two years. I’ve no good excuse for the delay. But, I trust that once you make these breaded…
Pasta Carbonara with Shallots
Pasta Carbonara with Shallots can be on your table in under 25 minutes! Eggs, bacon, Parmesan, Romano and shallots combine to make a delicious, creamy sauce for linguine, spaghetti or fettuccine. Ahhh, all is right again on my blog, because…pasta! I’ve finally figured out how to make carbonara that isn’t dry nor full of bacon…
Plan Your 4th of July Menu!
Plan your 4th of July menu with this roundup of Cooking with Mamma C recipes! Choose from appetizer dips, entrees, salads, vegetable side dishes, fruit desserts, chocolate desserts and cakes! Is it just me, or did the 4th of July sneak up on us this year? I can’t believe it’s coming up on Monday already!…
Homemade Basil-Garlic Mayonnaise
Homemade Basil-Garlic Mayonnaise is easy, soy free, keto and delicious! There are no raw eggs. The egg yolk is cooked to a food-safe temperature in the microwave. Grab a bowl and whisk and make this! Wow, homemade basil-garlic mayonnaise is easier than I thought it’d be. And ten times more delicious than store-bought mayo. I…
Salmon with Balsamic Salsa and Lime
Salmon with Balsamic Salsa and Lime is so easy and packed with flavor! Add Tex-Mex accents to store-bought salsa for a tasty sauce. Ready in 25 minutes and gluten free! Hello from Cleveland, Ohio, home of the NBA champs! Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite salmon dishes and standing in for my friend Cheryl,…
Nonna’s 4-Ingredient BBQ Chicken
We don’t know the origin of Nonna’s 4-ingredient BBQ chicken. It’s safe to say, however, that this is an American dish, one of maybe three in her repertoire. (Otherwise, it was all Napoletana food, all the time. Lucky us!) Before I was born, Nonna used to work as a cook at a local parish. (Lucky…
Minestrone with Fire-Roasted Tomatoes
Two things: It was my birthday yesterday, and I’ve been sick. The only food I could think about in the last few days is soup. So, I made some minestrone with fire-roasted tomatoes. And by “some,” I mean an enormous pot. I don’t know if you’ve picked up on the fact that I tend to…
Steak Pinwheels with Bacon, Spinach and Parmesan
Steak Pinwheels with Bacon, Spinach and Parmesan are always a hit! They’ve been a family favorite for many years. They’re great with balsamic glaze! Note, you’ll need toothpicks or skewers to hold the pinwheels together. My guys were excited when I told them I was making steak pinwheels with bacon, spinach and Parmesan for dinner…
2015 Highlights from Cooking with Mamma C
Before we get absorbed in our plans for next year, I thought it would be fun to take a look back at the 2015 highlights from Cooking with Mamma C. What were the 10 most popular recipes posted? Which ones were my favorites? Inquiring minds want to know! First, I have to say, I’m very…
Neapolitan-Style Fried Calamari
I’m pretty sure we were eating calamari before it was trendy. It’s always been a traditional, no…mandatory, part of our seafood feast on Christmas Eve. I remember a time when any newcomer to our table would look askance at the squid on his or her plate, especially if there were squiggly tentacles involved. (Haha!) But…
Gluten-Free Crab Cakes
You’ll love these crispy Gluten-Free Crab Cakes! Crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, they’re bursting with buttery, savory flavor. No strange ingredients, needed! Oh, how I love these crispy crab cakes! Crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, they’re bursting with buttery, savory flavor from sautéed shallots that complement, rather than overwhelm,…
Our Favorite Pasta Salad
Our favorite pasta salad was love at first bite. Since we tried this a few years ago, there’s been no reason to even consider trying another version. Hello, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, black olives and more tomatoes, combined with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic and fresh basil. Yum! For the record, I’ve never been a fan…
Easy Spinach-Walnut Pesto
You just need five minutes to make this Easy Spinach-Walnut Pesto! It makes a great pasta sauce or pizza topping. Someday, I’ll have to share Mom’s basil pesto with you, and the story that goes with it. Of course, that will require lots of fresh basil, which I don’t have. (Hello, herd of deer that…
Southwest Salad with Catalina-Lime Dressing
You’ll love this Southwest Salad with Catalina-Lime Dressing! It’s easy to make your Catalina dressing, and you can customize the salad ingredients! I have a strange relationship with salads. I love ordering them when I go out for lunch. But at home, I usually don’t want to bother with them. (Lazy!) Well, apparently, my body…
Super Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs
I’ve had this one in my arsenal for years. Besides being a family favorite, it’s probably the simplest, no-brainer, almost-no-effort meal I make. These super easy, slow cooker BBQ ribs really don’t require a recipe. It’s more of a method. You can probably memorize it by the time you’re done reading this post. Are you…
Bucatini with Clams and White Wine
I’m pulling out the good dishes, folks. On this day, 25 years ago, I met the man who would become my husband. (Yes, there’s a story coming.) So, I made bucatini with clams and white wine, which works well as a delicious weeknight meal, even without the fancy china. In the time it takes to…
Grilled Romaine with Toasted Walnuts and Parmesan
Grilled Romaine with Toasted Walnuts and Parmesan has a nice, smoky flavor and is delicious with a simple vinaigrette. A great lunch salad! Am I late to the grilled romaine party? Is this a thing that everyone forgot to tell me about? All I know is, I recently tried it for the first time at…
One-Pot Farro with Cauliflower and Onions
One-Pot Farro with Cauliflower and Onions is a great vegan or vegetarian meal! For anyone who cringes at quinoa but wants to cut back on pasta, you’ve got to try farro! I have to thank my friend Patrick for convincing me to try farro, an ancient, Italian wheat grain that’s become our favorite pasta substitute….
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Salad
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Salad is so easy and tasty! Layer your salad with tortilla chips, chicken, cheese, tomatoes and Ranch dressing for a fun meal! Make it keto friendly by skipping the nachos and subbing sour cream for the Ranch. To the ladies at Panera: You made our day. And I think you’ll enjoy…
My Son’s Homemade Ranch Dressing
I never thought I’d be posting about Ranch dressing. (It’s never been my favorite.) But I have to admit, my son’s homemade Ranch dressing is really good. So good, that as soon as I tried it, I knew I had to share it with you. I have to laugh, in a smug kind of way,…
Traditional Lasagna
This Traditional Lasagna is my favorite family recipe! It’s loaded with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan and Romano, plus the most flavorful meat filling! Top it with marinara or pork rib tomato sauce and prepare to swoon. Without a doubt, traditional lasagna is among my top 10 favorite foods. I mean, it’s what I would request for…
Buffalo Salmon with Roasted Red Onions
In case you’re wondering, yes, we do eat fish and seafood often. As in twice a week, Lent or not. My meal plan for the week always includes a fish filet like salmon or cod, plus some shellfish like shrimp, scallops or clams. This Buffalo Salmon with Roasted Red Onions is my latest obsession, and…
Easy Breaded Scallops over Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Make these Easy Breaded Scallops and serve them over salad with lemon vinaigrette for a simple, healthy 15-minute meal! You’ll love the delicious, bright, Mediterranean flavors. One of my favorite ways to prepare scallops is to coat them with seasoned bread crumbs, drizzle on some olive oil, and roast them in the oven for less…
Pork Rib Tomato Sauce
Pork Rib Tomato Sauce is one of life’s simplest and greatest pleasures! It’s the perfect Sunday sauce. I’m writing this in the afterglow of eating some farro with pork rib tomato sauce. I made a big pot of the sauce on Sunday, and we’ve been savoring its goodness on pasta, pizza, and Italian bread that’s…
Homemade Pizza Dough with Beer
You have to try this Homemade Pizza Dough with Beer! It’s so easy, and makes the best pizza. You knew it was only a matter of time before I posted a pizza dough recipe, right? Today, I’m sharing a delicious, homemade pizza dough with beer that my in-laws bake in their outdoor brick oven. Don’t…
Coq au Vin
If you don’t speak French, coq au vin (coke-oh-ven) refers to chicken cooked in wine. Generally, I don’t toss around fancy French terms, although I did study the language for several years. Even the simplest of dishes sounds fancy in French though. Just imagine ordering a burger at a fast food joint, and being asked,…
Cheddar-Stuffed Florentine Meatloaf with Creamy Potato Gravy
Cheddar-Stuffed Florentine Meatloaf with Creamy Potato Gravy. That sure is a mouthful! I wondered aloud at the dinner table if I should call this meal “Company-Worthy Meatloaf” or “Man-Pleasing Meatloaf.” They’re both accurate, but vague. My husband and son looked at me like I had three heads and said, “Why don’t you just call it…
Fettuccine with Peanut-Sunflower Sauce
No, this is not an Italian recipe. But I crave pasta so often that sometimes, I need to go the Asian route to bring some variety to my diet. This fettuccine with peanut-sunflower sauce takes 20 minutes and is a nice change of pace. There are many peanut sauce recipes out there, but I’ve taken…
Italian Beef Soup with Pasta Shells
You’re going to love this Italian Beef Soup that’s based on my Nonna’s recipe! It’s worth the wait! “Where’s the beef?” I’m pretty sure that’s what Clara Peller from the old Wendy’s commercial would say if she saw my blog. It’s true; I haven’t shared any beef recipes here. Today, I’m remedying that with this…
Jumbo Fried Shrimp
Our family’s Jumbo Fried Shrimp are the best! We enjoy them for our Italian seafood feast on Christmas Eve, but they’re perfect for Lenten fish Fridays too! I’ve mentioned before that I rarely eat fried food, but there is a time and a place for everything. On Christmas Eve, I want jumbo fried shrimp. It’s…
Smoky Lentil Stew
I never thought I’d be pushing lentils on anyone, but this smoky lentil stew is so packed with flavor that it’s turned me into a fan. It’s the perfect, low-maintenance meal to have cooking on the stove while you’re preparing elaborate Thanksgiving side dishes, which is how I spent my weekend. (We celebrated Thanksgiving on…
New England Clam Chowder with Bacon
This New England Clam Chowder with Bacon is creamy without being too rich. The bacon adds great smoky flavor! A family favorite. You’ve got to try it! I always feel a bit nostalgic when I make this New England clam chowder with bacon. Maybe it’s because it reminds me of summer vacations in the ’70s,…
Turkey BBQ Chili with Red Peppers
Turkey BBQ Chili with Red Peppers has just the right amount of sweetness and smoky flavor, thanks to the barbecue sauce. My go-to chili recipe! Chili is such a matter of personal taste, isn’t it? Some like it hot and spicy, some prefer it mild, some want it sweet, and some don’t ever want beans…
Pasta e Fagioli
Surprise! I have another pasta recipe for you. Truth be told, I could have an entire blog dedicated to pasta. I crave pasta nearly every day and have to eat it at least three times a week. (Are you like that with certain foods?) And, there are times when only a comforting bowl of pasta…
Nonna’s Chicken Meatball Soup
My Nonna’s Chicken Meatball Soup is a very special recipe from my favorite lady. Enjoy this on Easter, holidays or for a special Sunday dinner!Without question, this is the most special recipe on my blog. This was Nonna’s signature dish, the one I most wanted to learn to make. It was the highlight of our…
Penne alla Vodka with Bacon
My Penne all Vodka with Bacon features pomegranate vodka for the best vodka sauce ever! You must try this recipe that’s a huge family favorite! They say that necessity is the mother of invention. I can vouch for that. My Penne alla Vodka with Bacon was born the evening I couldn’t find the plain vodka….
Apple-Mushroom Pork Tenderloin
Everyone needs a tried-and-true recipe for a meal to serve to company, bring to a family with a newborn baby, or just make for Sunday dinner, knowing that it will be enjoyed by all (who eat meat). This Apple-Mushroom Pork Tenderloin never fails to impress. The first time I made it for my parents, Mom…
15-Minute Cilantro-Lime Shrimp
I absolutely love shrimp. And I love food with a Mexican flair. Combine those two components with quick and easy, and we have a winner for dinner — 15-Minute Cilantro-lime Shrimp. Think buttery, tangy, garlicky goodness. This shrimp is so delicious that I can’t resist standing at the stove and eating it right out of…
Gluten-Free Turkey Meatballs in Sauce
You’ll love my Gluten-Free Turkey Meatballs in Sauce! This healthy turkey meatball recipe uses oats instead of bread crumbs, but no one will notice! We love our pasta and meatballs. I’m so glad these gluten-free turkey meatballs and sauce taste delicious and are relatively easy to make. I used to think turkey meatballs were a…
Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks with Garlic Butter
Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks with Garlic Butter – A gluten-free, oven-baked chicken that’s better than fried! It’s low carb and keto friendly too! If you can have bread, try dipping it in the delicious garlic butter! I’d be remiss if I didn’t share this recipe for Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks with Garlic Butter. It’s the most kid-pleasing,…
