Italian Pasta, Rice and Soup Recipes

Here is a collection of recipes of traditional Italian first courses, including Minestrone, Risottos, Fresh Egg Pasta, Gnocchi, Pesto Sauce, and more. Please let us know how they come out and any variations you have tried.

Gnocchi di Zucca
Baked Pumpkin Dumplings

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These are not like boiled gnocchi at all, but are creamy balls of pumpkin baked in a tomato sauce. Very more-ish! Read Recipe »

Minestrone
Tuscan Vegetable Soup

The distinctive taste of this soup comes from the cavolo nero (“black cabbage”). This has recently been popularized by chefs such as Jamie Oliver and is now available in many farmers’ markets.

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Pasta zucchine e ricotta
Zucchini (courgette) and ricotta sauce

The pungency of the garlic and fresh flavour of the basil make this a delicious sauce.

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Pasta Fresca
Fresh Egg Pasta

People are often put off by the time-consuming aspect of making fresh pasta. Rather than thinking about it as a chore, slow down and consider that the process is really very relaxing.

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Pasta e ceci
Pasta and chickpea soup

This dish is lighter than it sounds, but is satisfying enough to have as a one-course meal with bread to dip into the bowl.

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Minestra di pane
Tuscan vegetable and bread soup

This soup, like many others, actually improves if left for a day or so. We make a large batch and have it in varied ways – without the bread soaked into it but served on top of hot toast rubbed with raw garlic or with the bread and served at room temperature

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