Cooking class: Pasta in Minutes

The following pasta dishes are very popular in Italy, not only do they taste great but they are also easy to prepare and require little preparation time. Una bella Spaghettata is often whipped up when last minute guests pop in just before dinner and are convinced to stay! The term Spaghettata is due to the fact that most of these quick sauces are best served on spaghetti and also that a generous amount is served as a quick primo would usually be followed by a simple secondo such as a platter of cured ham, salami, pecorino and other cheeses.

PRIMI

Carbonara
Spaghetti tossed in egg, parmesan and pancetta affumicata or smoked bacon

OR

Spaghetti alla Rustica
Spaghetti tossed simply in pancetta affumicata with garlic and chilli

Puttanesca veloce
Anchovies, capers, black olives and [optional] fresh tomatoes

OR

Spaghetti al pomodoro
A quick and simple tomato sauce

Tagliatelle con burro, salvia e noci
Tagliatelle with butter, fresh sage and walnuts

OR

Spaghetti al Pesto
Classic Genovese condiment made with fresh basil, pinenuts and parmesan

Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino
Spaghetti tossed in extra virgin olive oil with garlic and chilli

OR

Acciugata
Anchovies with chilli and garlic on spaghetti

Penne ai Quattro formaggi
Four cheese sauce including gorgonzola, ricotta, fontina and parmesan

OR

Penne con gorgonzola e rucola
Creamy gorgonzola sauce with fresh rocket leaves and ground walnuts

PLUS SIMPLE SECONDI

After a hearty bowl of spaghetti, a simple and light second dish is most appropriate and also quick to prepare. These dishes may alternatively be served as Antipasti as in before the Primo piatto.

Insalata Caprese
Slices of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes with rocket or fresh basil

Pollo al Limone
Pan fried chicken fillets bathed in white wine then gently simmered with freshly squeezed lemon juice

Tonno e Fagioli o Ceci
Tuna with Tuscan white beans or chickpeas

Pecorino con Pere
Platter of assorted cheese slices, made from ewes milk and served with honey, sliced pears and fresh walnuts in late autumn

Select a pasta dish from each of the 5 options plus 2 antipasto dishes from any of the seasonal menus and 2 of the simple second dishes listed above.