Bucatini alla'amatriciana

This was one of my favorite dishes while I was living in Rome.  First, because bucatini is so much fun.  It looks like fat spaghetti, and is used in much the same way as spaghetti, but it's hollow in the center.  You'll get some impromptu music during the course of your meal... Second, because it just tastes amazing.  Don't let my picture fool you... it's so much more than pasta and chunks of tomato!  It's pretty simple to make, though some of the ingredients might be difficult to find.

Penne with Cauliflower

This recipe I actually got from a cooking magazine in Italy.  Translating it from Italian challenged my Italian cooking vocab, but it was a good exercise.  And converting from metric to imperial was just as fun (not).  But thank goodness I figured it all out because it's pretty delicious!  I don't think I've ever heard anyone say the like cauliflower, but you would never know when you have it in this simple pasta dish.

Rocket Bean Pasta

So apparently in other parts of the world, arugula is called rocket. Not sure where that came from but it sure is easier to say (and spell) than arugula. Anyway. I had a ton of it it was growing pretty giant in my garden. So I needed something quick to put it in. Most recipes I found involved pasta. But with a boyfriend on a high protein diet, it needed to have something else. This recipe actually fit the bill. And surprisingly, he was okay with how much pasta there actually was. 

The Rules about Pasta

Italy is very much about tradition and protocol.  Most people find that odd considering the very laid back Italian lifestyle.  But they are pretty strict on this!

Ragu Sauce

When we Americans think of pasta, usually spaghetti with a red sauce comes to mind.  Maybe a fettuccine alfredo. And that's it.  Friends say that after having lived in Italy I've become a "pasta snob," but when I've tasted so many amazing sauces and combinations, how can I not be?!  Since coming back, I find American Italian pasta dishes to be bland sauce on top of mushy pasta.  In Italy, all sauces are made fresh and delicious... nothing is canned or pre-made.  

When I was living in Italy, my Italian teacher has a friend of hers who was a chef teach us some real Italian recipes.  I'm still looking for the gnocchi recipe in my email somewhere, but here's the ragu.  

Buttered Tortellini

I love pasta.  As a broke college student, it was always the cheapest and easiest thing to make.  But when I was living in Italy, it was even cheaper and easier to make than ever.  And there are just so many variations it's easy to find something that fits your budget, schedule and tastes.

Mac and cheese... For adults

Growing up, mac & cheese is what my younger sister loved, and I was the only one who could make it the way she liked. The trick is more butter, less milk. Now, my boyfriend makes fun of me when I stock up when they're on sale for under $1. Until now. I found an amazing recipe that is super cheeses AND has something you'd never guess: leeks.

Spicy Tuna Pasta

A variation on the pasta con olio e aglio, this recipe makes sure you get your Omega-3's too!

Pasta con olio e aglio

This recipe I learned in Italy.  It's quite possibly the easiest way to make delicious pasta.