Green Vegetable Sauces
Pasta with tomatoes may be a standby, but there are also many green sauces, either based on basil, for example pesto, or with leafy greens, for example broccoli rabe. Or even peas: Much variety to taste and explore!
Chestnut Pasta with Savoy Cabbage and Spare Ribs - Fettuccine di Castagne...
This is a winter recipe from the Val D'Aosta, and will be a rather nice one-course meal. If you cannot find chestnut flour with which to make the pasta, regular store-bought fettuccine will also work, as would whole-wheat pasta.
This is a winter recipe from the Val D'Aosta, and will be a rather nice one-course meal. If you cannot find chestnut flour with which to make the pasta, regular store-bought fettuccine will also work, as would whole-wheat pasta.
Pasta with Sausages and Broccoli -- Paste Con Salsicce e Broccoli
Pasta with broccoli (or broccoli raab) is generally vegetarian, or close to it -- peasant food of the highest order, enjoyed by those who couldn't afford meat. Broccoli go well with sausages, however, and this is a little richer.
Pasta with broccoli (or broccoli raab) is generally vegetarian, or close to it -- peasant food of the highest order, enjoyed by those who couldn't afford meat. Broccoli go well with sausages, however, and this is a little richer.
Sicilian-Style Broccoli - Broccoletti alla Siciliana
This very traditional Sicilian dish can be either a side dish or a pasta sauce. In the past, when the poor could grow their broccoli, but had to buy the pasta, the greens predominated over the pasta when the recipe was used as a sauce. It's also a nice accompaniment to a roast or stew.
This very traditional Sicilian dish can be either a side dish or a pasta sauce. In the past, when the poor could grow their broccoli, but had to buy the pasta, the greens predominated over the pasta when the recipe was used as a sauce. It's also a nice accompaniment to a roast or stew.
Shells with Asparagus and Carrots - Conchiglie con Asparagi e Carote
Carrots and asparagus spears complement each other beautifully, and look well together too in this easy springtime pasta dish.
Carrots and asparagus spears complement each other beautifully, and look well together too in this easy springtime pasta dish.
Michela's Gnocchetti Cimbri with Leeks, Pancetta, and Cauliflower
Michela Chiarolaro makes a quick, surprisingly easy, extraordinarily tasty variation on gnocchi, and seasons it with a rich cauliflower and leek sauce. Winter comfort food at its best, and the sauce will be quite nice over regular potato gnocchi or pasta too.
Michela Chiarolaro makes a quick, surprisingly easy, extraordinarily tasty variation on gnocchi, and seasons it with a rich cauliflower and leek sauce. Winter comfort food at its best, and the sauce will be quite nice over regular potato gnocchi or pasta too.
Michela's Gnocchetti Cimbri with Leeks, Pancetta, and Cauliflower
Michela Chiarolaro makes a quick, surprisingly easy, extraordinarily tasty variation on gnocchi, and seasons it with a rich cauliflower and leek sauce. Winter comfort food at its best, and the sauce will be quite nice over regular potato gnocchi or pasta too.
Michela Chiarolaro makes a quick, surprisingly easy, extraordinarily tasty variation on gnocchi, and seasons it with a rich cauliflower and leek sauce. Winter comfort food at its best, and the sauce will be quite nice over regular potato gnocchi or pasta too.
Chilled Pasta Salad with Black Olives -- Pasta Fredda alle Olive
A tasty pasta salad with bell peppers and black olives. Perfect picnic food!
A tasty pasta salad with bell peppers and black olives. Perfect picnic food!
Tagliatelle with Peas, or Tajadele Coi Bisi
Tagliatelle with Peas, or Tajadele Coi Bisi: Peas are one of the most classic spring vegetables, and Lumigiano, in the Vicentino, is renowned for its peas. This is the town's signature dish.
Tagliatelle with Peas, or Tajadele Coi Bisi: Peas are one of the most classic spring vegetables, and Lumigiano, in the Vicentino, is renowned for its peas. This is the town's signature dish.
Pasta Salad with Grilled Vegetables, or Insalata di Pasta con Verdure Grigliate
Pasta Salad with Grilled Vegetables, or Insalata di Pasta con Verdure Grigliate: Pasta salad is an obvious concept and there are a great many variations on the theme. This one will work well as a main course in a light luncheon, perhaps with a tossed green salad, and will also be a nice side dish at a cookout or picnic.
Pasta Salad with Grilled Vegetables, or Insalata di Pasta con Verdure Grigliate: Pasta salad is an obvious concept and there are a great many variations on the theme. This one will work well as a main course in a light luncheon, perhaps with a tossed green salad, and will also be a nice side dish at a cookout or picnic.
Bowties with Almonds, String beans, Feta and Tomatoes -- Farfalle con Mandorle, Fagiolini, Feta e Pomodori
Feta is a crumbly tart salty Greek cheese that has become quite popular recently in Italy, and though most of it goes into salads it has many other uses as well. This pasta salad will be quite nice in the summer, either as a first course or as part of a picnic.
Feta is a crumbly tart salty Greek cheese that has become quite popular recently in Italy, and though most of it goes into salads it has many other uses as well. This pasta salad will be quite nice in the summer, either as a first course or as part of a picnic.
Pasta Primavera (with Zucchini this time)
Primavera sauce is incredibly variable; some people like some vegetables, and some vegetables do better in one vegetable patch as opposed to another, so no two recipes are alike, though they all do share the freshness of spring. This sauce is perfect over pasta and will take minutes.
Primavera sauce is incredibly variable; some people like some vegetables, and some vegetables do better in one vegetable patch as opposed to another, so no two recipes are alike, though they all do share the freshness of spring. This sauce is perfect over pasta and will take minutes.
Pasta Primavera
Pasta Primavera: Pasta alla Primavera, which Italians call either garden or greengrocer's pasta (all'orto or dell'ortolano, respectively) is extremely refreshing and very nice in the summer months.
Pasta Primavera: Pasta alla Primavera, which Italians call either garden or greengrocer's pasta (all'orto or dell'ortolano, respectively) is extremely refreshing and very nice in the summer months.
Pasta with Bell Pepper Cream -- Pasta con Crema di Peperoni
Pasta with Bell Pepper Cream, or Pasta con Crema di Peperoni: This is remarkably simple, and is also quite refreshing. In other words, a perfect dish for the summer months, when it's too hot to make something involved or demanding. As an added bonus, it's just as good warm as it is hot.
Pasta with Bell Pepper Cream, or Pasta con Crema di Peperoni: This is remarkably simple, and is also quite refreshing. In other words, a perfect dish for the summer months, when it's too hot to make something involved or demanding. As an added bonus, it's just as good warm as it is hot.
Fusilli, and a Zucchini Sauce
Fusilli, and a Zucchini Sauce: Fusilli, corkscrews, are one of the most popular short pasta forms in Italy. For good reason; they hold up well to cooking, and do a wonderful job of capturing the sauce. A recipe? Fusilli with zucchini, a refreshing, healthy summer sauce.
Fusilli, and a Zucchini Sauce: Fusilli, corkscrews, are one of the most popular short pasta forms in Italy. For good reason; they hold up well to cooking, and do a wonderful job of capturing the sauce. A recipe? Fusilli with zucchini, a refreshing, healthy summer sauce.
Greengrocer's Gigli -- Gigli ai Sapori dell'Orto
Greengrocer's Gigli, or Gigli ai Sapori dell'Orto: Gigli are a pasta shape, and here they're served with a quick, simple zucchini and carrot sauce.
Greengrocer's Gigli, or Gigli ai Sapori dell'Orto: Gigli are a pasta shape, and here they're served with a quick, simple zucchini and carrot sauce.
Lined Elbow Macaroni, and a Pea Sauce For Them
Lined Elbow Macaroni, and a Pea Sauce For Them: Gomiti Rigati, lined elbow macaroni, are perfect with chunky sauces, especially sauces that also have oil or cream that can slip into the pasta. They're about a half inch in diameter and 1 1/2 inches long, and cook in 10-12 minutes. A recipe? With peas; one generally thinks of peas as a side dish, or with rice -- Veince's famed Risi e Bisi. However, they're delightful with pasta too!
Lined Elbow Macaroni, and a Pea Sauce For Them: Gomiti Rigati, lined elbow macaroni, are perfect with chunky sauces, especially sauces that also have oil or cream that can slip into the pasta. They're about a half inch in diameter and 1 1/2 inches long, and cook in 10-12 minutes. A recipe? With peas; one generally thinks of peas as a side dish, or with rice -- Veince's famed Risi e Bisi. However, they're delightful with pasta too!
Mezze Maniche, and an Artichoke Sauce For Them
Mezze Maniche, and an Artichoke Sauce For Them:
Mezze Maniche, and an Artichoke Sauce For Them:
Corkscrews with Zucchini Flowers -- Fusilli ai Fiori di Zucca
Corkscrews with Zucchini Flowers, or Fusilli ai Fiori di Zucca: Zucchini flowers are one of the harbingers of summer, tasty golden flowers that reflect the sun from which they spring. They're also quite versatile, and add a delicate note to this pasta salad.
Corkscrews with Zucchini Flowers, or Fusilli ai Fiori di Zucca: Zucchini flowers are one of the harbingers of summer, tasty golden flowers that reflect the sun from which they spring. They're also quite versatile, and add a delicate note to this pasta salad.
Corkscrews with Vegetables and Mozzarella -- Fusilli Con Verdura e Moz
Mozzarella is one of the most refreshing cheeses there is, and works very well with grilled vegetables in this sauce. The recipe calls for frozen grilled vegetables, which will greatly reduce the preparation time; you could also buy grilled vegetables from your deli.
Mozzarella is one of the most refreshing cheeses there is, and works very well with grilled vegetables in this sauce. The recipe calls for frozen grilled vegetables, which will greatly reduce the preparation time; you could also buy grilled vegetables from your deli.
Tagliatelle with Chicory, Rosemary and Pecorino Romano -- Tagliatelle con Cicoria, Rosmarino, e Pecorino Romano
Tagliatelle with Chicory, Rosemary and Pecorino Romano, or Tagliatelle con Cicoria, Rosmarino, e Pecorino Romano: This sounds a lot more elaborate than it is; it's also a pretty green color, and will work especially well with green tagliatelle.
Tagliatelle with Chicory, Rosemary and Pecorino Romano, or Tagliatelle con Cicoria, Rosmarino, e Pecorino Romano: This sounds a lot more elaborate than it is; it's also a pretty green color, and will work especially well with green tagliatelle.
Pasta with Cauliflower, Pine Nuts, and Raisins
Pasta with Cauliflower, Pine Nuts, and Raisins: Many thanks to Bea for sharing her Mom's recipe!
Pasta with Cauliflower, Pine Nuts, and Raisins: Many thanks to Bea for sharing her Mom's recipe!
Al Verde Sauce
Al Verde Sauce: I requested that you share your favorite recipes with us. Many thanks, and keep them coming! Dear Kyle: Months ago I sent you my recipe for artichoke pesto. Here are two other recipes that my friends and family keep requesting. The Al Verde sauce is a summer staple at my house. And the Microwave Risotto is a fall favorite. Share them as you wish. Ann Sheehy
Al Verde Sauce: I requested that you share your favorite recipes with us. Many thanks, and keep them coming! Dear Kyle: Months ago I sent you my recipe for artichoke pesto. Here are two other recipes that my friends and family keep requesting. The Al Verde sauce is a summer staple at my house. And the Microwave Risotto is a fall favorite. Share them as you wish. Ann Sheehy
Mezze Penne With Lemon and Peas -- Mezze Penne al Limone e Piselli
Mezze Penne With Lemons and Peas, or Mezze Penne al Limone e Piselli: This is a refreshingly cool summery dish that will be quite nice either at table or taken along to a picnic.
Mezze Penne With Lemons and Peas, or Mezze Penne al Limone e Piselli: This is a refreshingly cool summery dish that will be quite nice either at table or taken along to a picnic.
Spaghetti with Peas -- Spaghetti coi Piselli
Spaghetti with Peas, or Spaghetti coi Piselli: This is a simple, quick summery recipe; it really doesn't require grated cheese though some people like to add a little. It will also work with a variety of pasta shapes other than spaghetti -- in particular, it will be nice with penne.
Spaghetti with Peas, or Spaghetti coi Piselli: This is a simple, quick summery recipe; it really doesn't require grated cheese though some people like to add a little. It will also work with a variety of pasta shapes other than spaghetti -- in particular, it will be nice with penne.
Tagliatelle with Leeks and Ricotta -- Tagliatelle Con Porri e Ricotta
Tagliatelle with Leeks and Ricotta, or Tagliatelle Con Porri e Ricotta: The title leaves out one of the major ingredients, potatoes. Pasta dishes enriched by cooking a vegetable along with the pasta are not uncommon in Italy, and though the vegetables are often green (string beans or broccoli, for example), potatoes will work quite nicely too.
Tagliatelle with Leeks and Ricotta, or Tagliatelle Con Porri e Ricotta: The title leaves out one of the major ingredients, potatoes. Pasta dishes enriched by cooking a vegetable along with the pasta are not uncommon in Italy, and though the vegetables are often green (string beans or broccoli, for example), potatoes will work quite nicely too.
Reginette with Prosciutto, Potatoes and Fried Artichokes -- Reginette con Prosciutto Crudo, Patate e Carciofi Fritti
Reginette with Prosciutto, Potatoes and Fried Artichokes: One wouldn't necessarily think to combine potatoes and pasta. However, they work quite nicely in this sauce, balancing the richness of the prosciutto and the astringency of the artichokes.
Reginette with Prosciutto, Potatoes and Fried Artichokes: One wouldn't necessarily think to combine potatoes and pasta. However, they work quite nicely in this sauce, balancing the richness of the prosciutto and the astringency of the artichokes.
Penne with Artichokes and Saffron -- Penne Con Carciofi e Zafferano
Penne with Artichokes and Saffron, or Penne Con Carciofi e Zafferano: This is a Sardinian recipe, and will serve 6-8 as a first course.
Penne with Artichokes and Saffron, or Penne Con Carciofi e Zafferano: This is a Sardinian recipe, and will serve 6-8 as a first course.
Spaghetti Annalisa - With Zucchini Flowers
Spaghetti Annalisa, With Zucchini Flowers: Come summer, zucchini are in bloom. This recipe is a perfect way to use them.
Spaghetti Annalisa, With Zucchini Flowers: Come summer, zucchini are in bloom. This recipe is a perfect way to use them.
Twists or Fusilli Primavera -- Eliche o Fusilli Primavera
Twists or Fusilli Primavera, or Eliche o Fusilli Primavera: This is a recipe Caròla Francesconi devised, using the proportions given her by Monzù Gerardo Modugno.
Twists or Fusilli Primavera, or Eliche o Fusilli Primavera: This is a recipe Caròla Francesconi devised, using the proportions given her by Monzù Gerardo Modugno.
Corkscrews with Artichoke Hearts -- Fusilli con Cuori di Carciofo
Corkscrews with Artichoke Hearts, or Fusilli con Cuori di Carciofo: Artichoke hearts work quite well with shorter kinds of pasta, including corkscrews, and also combine nicely with pancetta, the bitterness of the vegetable playing off the richness of the pork.
Corkscrews with Artichoke Hearts, or Fusilli con Cuori di Carciofo: Artichoke hearts work quite well with shorter kinds of pasta, including corkscrews, and also combine nicely with pancetta, the bitterness of the vegetable playing off the richness of the pork.
Tortiglioni with Artichokes
Tortiglioni with Artichokes: Tortiglioni are a tubular pasta shape, and are somewhat larger than either ziti or penne. In other words, they're perfect for a chunky pasta sauce, and what could be chunkier than artichokes?
Tortiglioni with Artichokes: Tortiglioni are a tubular pasta shape, and are somewhat larger than either ziti or penne. In other words, they're perfect for a chunky pasta sauce, and what could be chunkier than artichokes?
Farfalle With Bell Peppers and Arugola
Farfalle With Bell Peppers and Arugola: Farfalle are bowties, in English, and their broad flat surfaces are perfect for catching and holding sauces of this kind.
Farfalle With Bell Peppers and Arugola: Farfalle are bowties, in English, and their broad flat surfaces are perfect for catching and holding sauces of this kind.
Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe -- Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa
Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe, or Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa: There are many recipes for this signature dish from Puglia. This particular one is quick and simple.
Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe, or Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa: There are many recipes for this signature dish from Puglia. This particular one is quick and simple.
Tagliatelle and Zucchini -- Taglietelle e Zucchine
Tagliatelle and Zucchini, or Taglietelle e Zucchine: Since we're in the midst of zucchini season, here's a recipe for tagliatelle e zucchine. It has you make the pasta from scratch, which makes the recipe more involved than it might be; when Elisabetta and I do this we simply buy our pasta, at which point it becomes very quick. Select small zucchine, because they're more delicately flavored.
Tagliatelle and Zucchini, or Taglietelle e Zucchine: Since we're in the midst of zucchini season, here's a recipe for tagliatelle e zucchine. It has you make the pasta from scratch, which makes the recipe more involved than it might be; when Elisabetta and I do this we simply buy our pasta, at which point it becomes very quick. Select small zucchine, because they're more delicately flavored.
Orecchiette with Broccoli and Sautéed Lard -- Orecchiette e Broccoli di Cavolo con Lardo Soffritto
Orecchiette with Broccoli and Sautéed Lard: Don't be put off by the word lard; in the past when most people living in Italy were too poor to have more than occasional access to meats a little bit of lard was a tasty treat that also provided some much-needed fat. In this case it also provides a counterpoint to the bitterness of the broccoli. The recipe is from Bari. I would use lightly seasoned lard, though one could also use fat back if need be.
Orecchiette with Broccoli and Sautéed Lard: Don't be put off by the word lard; in the past when most people living in Italy were too poor to have more than occasional access to meats a little bit of lard was a tasty treat that also provided some much-needed fat. In this case it also provides a counterpoint to the bitterness of the broccoli. The recipe is from Bari. I would use lightly seasoned lard, though one could also use fat back if need be.
Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and salted Alici -- Orecchiette e Broccoli Rapa con Alice Salata
Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Salted Alici: Alici are a close relative of the sardine, and work very well as a seasoning here, imparting both salt and a pleasing fishy accent to the broccoli.
Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Salted Alici: Alici are a close relative of the sardine, and work very well as a seasoning here, imparting both salt and a pleasing fishy accent to the broccoli.
Rigatoni with Zucchini -- Rigatoni con le Zucchine
Rigatoni con le Zucchine: A classic summer pasta sauce.
Rigatoni con le Zucchine: A classic summer pasta sauce.
Fregula with Celery and Potatoes -- Fregula con Sedano e Patate
Every region of Italy has a pasta shape or two, and Fregula, tiny blebs of pasta, are Sardiniam. This recipe is a tasty, fulfilling porridge of sorts, a dish that will satisfy if serve warm and also help keep out the chill if served hot.
Every region of Italy has a pasta shape or two, and Fregula, tiny blebs of pasta, are Sardiniam. This recipe is a tasty, fulfilling porridge of sorts, a dish that will satisfy if serve warm and also help keep out the chill if served hot.
Antonia's Spaghetti -- Spaghetti dell'Antonia
I'm not sure who Antonia is, but considering how similar this is to orecchiette coi broccoletti, she may be from Southern Italy.
I'm not sure who Antonia is, but considering how similar this is to orecchiette coi broccoletti, she may be from Southern Italy.
Tagliolini with Pesto and Almonds -- Tagliolini al Pesto con Mandorle
The Ligurians have a long tradition of adding greens to pasta seasoned with pesto sauce, and this tasty variation on their more strictly vegetarian fare gains considerable grace from crisp prosciutto flakes, which nicely contrast the oil and garlic.
The Ligurians have a long tradition of adding greens to pasta seasoned with pesto sauce, and this tasty variation on their more strictly vegetarian fare gains considerable grace from crisp prosciutto flakes, which nicely contrast the oil and garlic.
Pappardelle with Radicchio, Pappardelle Al Radicchio di Treviso
Pappardelle are inch-wide strips of pasta; one normally associates them with southern Tuscany (Siena and Arezzo), though they are occasionally used elsewhere. Quite effectively, too.
Pappardelle are inch-wide strips of pasta; one normally associates them with southern Tuscany (Siena and Arezzo), though they are occasionally used elsewhere. Quite effectively, too.
Popeye-Style Penne, Penne alla Braccio di Ferro
Popeye because of the spinach; this recipe is an outgrowth of Nouvelle Cuisine; it was adopted by pizzerias and has become very popular.
Popeye because of the spinach; this recipe is an outgrowth of Nouvelle Cuisine; it was adopted by pizzerias and has become very popular.
Trenette with Eggplant & Pesto: Trenette con le Melanzane
Another Ligurian specialty, trenette (thin linguine) with eggplant and pesto sauce. And again, quite healthy.
Another Ligurian specialty, trenette (thin linguine) with eggplant and pesto sauce. And again, quite healthy.
Orecchiette with Broccoli, Orecchiette coi Broccoletti
Broccoli and salted ricotta go very well together in this Puglian pasta sauce.
Broccoli and salted ricotta go very well together in this Puglian pasta sauce.
Trenette with Pesto Sauce, Trenette col Pesto
Similar to spaghetti al pesto, but with the addition of string beans and potatoes to the pasta. Very nice, and healthy too.
Similar to spaghetti al pesto, but with the addition of string beans and potatoes to the pasta. Very nice, and healthy too.
Spaghetti with Pesto Sauce: Spaghetti al Pesto
A Ligurian classic that's perfect for summer.
A Ligurian classic that's perfect for summer.
Artichoke Pesto
An unusual variation on the classic Ligurian sauce.
An unusual variation on the classic Ligurian sauce.
Green Sauce: Al Verde Sauce
A quck, tasty green sauce for pasta that can be made in bulk and has many other uses as well.
A quck, tasty green sauce for pasta that can be made in bulk and has many other uses as well.
Green Spaghetti with a Three Cheese Sauce
Lots of greens and cheese make for an extremely delicate sauce.
Lots of greens and cheese make for an extremely delicate sauce.
Parsley Cream Sauce: Capellini con Crema di Prezzemolo
Fine-stranded pasta with a tasty parsley cream sauce.
Fine-stranded pasta with a tasty parsley cream sauce.
Pasta Primavera
A version with bell peppers, onions, and broccoli florets.
A version with bell peppers, onions, and broccoli florets.
Pasta with a Richly Aromatic Egg Sauce
Hard boiled eggs blended with all sorts of herbs: Quite tasty and perfect in summer.
Hard boiled eggs blended with all sorts of herbs: Quite tasty and perfect in summer.
Pasta Snails with Olives: Chiocciole Saltate Alle Olive
A quick, tasty vegetable sauce you can whip up while the pasta water is heating.
A quick, tasty vegetable sauce you can whip up while the pasta water is heating.
Cavolfiore con Conchiglie
A simple, quick, tasty Sicilian cauliflower and shell recipe that's ideal for a time-pressed modern household. From Clifford Wright.
A simple, quick, tasty Sicilian cauliflower and shell recipe that's ideal for a time-pressed modern household. From Clifford Wright.
Farfalle With a Soffritto of Fennel and Parsnips
Erica De Mane's treatment of a soffritto might be unusual by Italian standards (parsnips are relatively rare), but does look like it will be nice.
Erica De Mane's treatment of a soffritto might be unusual by Italian standards (parsnips are relatively rare), but does look like it will be nice.
Minnie Giraldi's Asparagus Sauce
A simple, quick tomatoey sauce that should work well on pasta.
A simple, quick tomatoey sauce that should work well on pasta.
Il Pesto
A neat look at pesto sauce and its place in Ligurian cuisine, with a number of tasty recipes, by Sims Brandon. Nice!
A neat look at pesto sauce and its place in Ligurian cuisine, with a number of tasty recipes, by Sims Brandon. Nice!
Tonnarelli with Rosemary
A type of hand-made pasta, with a rosemary herb sauce. Quick & delicate, and very quick if you use store-bought pasta.
A type of hand-made pasta, with a rosemary herb sauce. Quick & delicate, and very quick if you use store-bought pasta.