Broken Spaghetti with Shrimp

Make pasta night exciting again. Here, hot red pepper flakes and garlic add punch, while the lemon and mint brighten the shrimp and vegetable mix.

• 1 tsp. (or more) dried hot red pepper flakes
• 1 large garlic clove, peeled
• 2 Tbs. flat-leaf parsley
• 1 Tbs. fresh mint leaves
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Salt
• 1 lb. frozen medium-size cooked shrimp, defrosted
• 2 tsp. Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil 
• 1 cup frozen chopped broccoli or spinach, defrosted and squeezed dry
• 6 cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 1 lb. spaghetti or other long pasta, broken in half
• 1/4 cup reserved
  cooking water
• Coarse black pepper

Mince red pepper flakes, garlic, parsley, and mint together. Add to a large bowl. Stir in zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Toss in shrimp and allow to marinate for 5 minutes.

Heat olive oil over medium high heat in a large sauté pan. When olive oil is hot, stir in shrimp and cook 2 minutes. Add broccoli or spinach and cook 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes and cook 1 minute longer. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup of cooking water; drain spaghetti. Add spaghetti and reserved cooking water to shrimp and vegetables in pan. Reheat quickly until everything is hot. Season with salt and pepper. Serve.

Spaghetti with Spicy Shrimp, Cherry Tomatoes & Herbed Breadcrumbs

Fresh mint adds a bright, unexpected twist to this light, summery pasta.

• 1/3 cup plus 4 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbs. plus 2 tsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh chives
• Heaping 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• Pinch cayenne
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt; more as needed
• 1 lb. raw shrimp (21 to 25 per lb.), peeled, deveined, and cut crosswise into quarters
• 1/4 cup coarse fresh breadcrumbs (made from a baguette or other artisan bread)
• 1 Tbs. chopped fresh mint
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 medium shallots, finely chopped
• 1 lb. dried thin spaghetti
• 4 cups cherry or grape tomatoes (2 pints), halved

In a large bowl, combine 2 Tbs. of the olive oil, 2 tsp. of the parsley, the chives, red pepper flakes, cayenne, and salt. Add the shrimp and stir to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic and marinate in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil over high heat.

In a small sauté pan, heat 2 Tbs. of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly browned, 1 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and let cool. Mix the remaining 1 Tbs. parsley, the mint, a grinding of pepper, and a pinch of salt into the breadcrumbs.

Heat the remaining 1/3 cup olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes.

Put the spaghetti in the boiling water and cook until just shy of al dente, about 5 minutes.

While the spaghetti cooks, add the shrimp and halved tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes start to soften and the shrimp is nearly cooked through, about 5 minutes.

Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta-cooking water and drain the spaghetti. Return the pasta and 2 Tbs. of the reserved water to the pot. Add the shrimp mixture and toss over medium heat until the shrimp is cooked through and the spaghetti is perfectly al dente, 1 to 2 minutes more. Add more of the pasta water as necessary to keep the dish moist. Season to taste with salt and pepper, transfer to warm shallow bowls, and top each serving with the breadcrumbs.

Spaghetti with Spicy Shrimp, Cherry Tomatoes & Herbed Breadcrumbs

Fresh mint adds a bright, unexpected twist to this light, summery pasta.

• 1/3 cup plus 4 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbs. plus 2 tsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh chives
• Heaping 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• Pinch cayenne
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt; more as needed
• 1 lb. raw shrimp (21 to 25 per lb.), peeled, deveined, and cut crosswise into quarters
• 1/4 cup coarse fresh breadcrumbs (made from a baguette or other artisan bread)
• 1 Tbs. chopped fresh mint
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 medium shallots, finely chopped
• 1 lb. dried thin spaghetti
• 4 cups cherry or grape tomatoes (2 pints), halved

In a large bowl, combine 2 Tbs. of the olive oil, 2 tsp. of the parsley, the chives, red pepper flakes, cayenne, and salt. Add the shrimp and stir to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic and marinate in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil over high heat.

In a small sauté pan, heat 2 Tbs. of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly browned, 1 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and let cool. Mix the remaining 1 Tbs. parsley, the mint, a grinding of pepper, and a pinch of salt into the breadcrumbs.

Heat the remaining 1/3 cup olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes.

Put the spaghetti in the boiling water and cook until just shy of al dente, about 5 minutes.

While the spaghetti cooks, add the shrimp and halved tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes start to soften and the shrimp is nearly cooked through, about 5 minutes.

Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta-cooking water and drain the spaghetti. Return the pasta and 2 Tbs. of the reserved water to the pot. Add the shrimp mixture and toss over medium heat until the shrimp is cooked through and the spaghetti is perfectly al dente, 1 to 2 minutes more. Add more of the pasta water as necessary to keep the dish moist. Season to taste with salt and pepper, transfer to warm shallow bowls, and top each serving with the breadcrumbs.

Spaghetti with Brussels Sprouts, Pancetta, and Hazelnuts

With every bite, this soothing pasta becomes more and more interesting as the heat from the crushed red pepper and the sweetness from the hazelnuts comes through. A sharp chef’s knife makes quick work of slicing Brussels sprouts.

• Kosher salt
• 2 tsp. olive oil
• 5 oz. pancetta, cut into 1/4-inch dice (1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
• 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 10 oz. Brussels sprouts, thinly sliced; some whole leaves are fine (about 3 cups)
• 1 oz. finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (1 cup using a rasp grater)
• 1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice; more as needed
• 3/4 lb. dried spaghetti
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped, toasted hazelnuts, preferably peeled

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pancetta to a paper-towel-lined plate. Add the garlic to the skillet and cook, swirling the pan, until fragrant, 30 seconds. Remove and discard the garlic. Add the red pepper flakes, Brussels sprouts, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Cook, tossing with tongs, until the sprouts are crisp-tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in half of the Parmigiano and the lemon juice and remove from the heat.

Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, drain the pasta, and then add it to the skillet along with 1/4 cup of the reserved water.

Cook over medium-high heat, tossing and adding more water as needed, until the Brussels sprouts are tender, about 1 minute. Stir in the pancetta and season generously with black pepper. Taste and season with additional salt and lemon juice, if you like. Serve topped with the hazelnuts and the remaining Parmigiano.

Spaghetti with Spicy Shrimp, Cherry Tomatoes & Herbed Breadcrumbs

Fresh mint adds a bright, unexpected twist to this light, summery pasta.

• 1/3 cup plus 4 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbs. plus 2 tsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh chives
• Heaping 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• Pinch cayenne
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt; more as needed
• 1 lb. raw shrimp (21 to 25 per lb.), peeled, deveined, and cut crosswise into quarters
• 1/4 cup coarse fresh breadcrumbs (made from a baguette or other artisan bread)
• 1 Tbs. chopped fresh mint
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 medium shallots, finely chopped
• 1 lb. dried thin spaghetti
• 4 cups cherry or grape tomatoes (2 pints), halved

In a large bowl, combine 2 Tbs. of the olive oil, 2 tsp. of the parsley, the chives, red pepper flakes, cayenne, and salt. Add the shrimp and stir to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic and marinate in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil over high heat.

In a small sauté pan, heat 2 Tbs. of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly browned, 1 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and let cool. Mix the remaining 1 Tbs. parsley, the mint, a grinding of pepper, and a pinch of salt into the breadcrumbs.

Heat the remaining 1/3 cup olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes.

Put the spaghetti in the boiling water and cook until just shy of al dente, about 5 minutes.

While the spaghetti cooks, add the shrimp and halved tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes start to soften and the shrimp is nearly cooked through, about 5 minutes.

Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta-cooking water and drain the spaghetti. Return the pasta and 2 Tbs. of the reserved water to the pot. Add the shrimp mixture and toss over medium heat until the shrimp is cooked through and the spaghetti is perfectly al dente, 1 to 2 minutes more. Add more of the pasta water as necessary to keep the dish moist. Season to taste with salt and pepper, transfer to warm shallow bowls, and top each serving with the breadcrumbs.

Spaghetti with Green Garlic and Olive Oil

In this riff on the classic spaghetti aglio e olio (spaghetti with garlic and olive oil), green garlic replaces the traditional pungent cloves and lends a more delicate garlic flavor.

• Kosher salt
• 2 T bs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 oz. green garlic, green parts cut into 3-inch julienne strands, white parts thinly sliced
• 6 oz. thin spaghetti
• 2 T bs. freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano; more for serving
• Freshly ground black pepper

Bring 3 quarts of well-salted water to a boil in a large pot over high heat.


Meanwhile, heat the oil in a 10-inch straight-sided sauté pan over low heat. Add the green garlic and 2 big pinches of salt; stir to coat. Cover and cook, stirring frequently, until wilted and softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat.


Boil the spaghetti until just al dente, about 1 minute less than package timing. Set aside about 1/2 cup of the cooking water and drain the pasta.


Return the sauté pan to low heat. Add the spaghetti and 1/4 cup of the cooking water; toss well. Add the Parmigiano and 2 Tbs. of the water; toss again. Season to taste with salt and pepper, adding the remaining water if the pasta seems dry. Serve in heated pasta bowls, sprinkled with additional Parmigiano.

Spaghetti with Mushroom Cream Sauce

This easy pasta gets complex flavor from a combination of mushrooms (try a mix of cremini, shiitake, black trumpet, portobello, and chanterelle), cream, and a secret ingredient—tawny port.

• 12 oz. dried spaghetti
• Kosher salt
• 1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbs. unsalted butter
• 1 large shallot, finely chopped
• 1 lb. mixed mushrooms, cleaned, trimmed, and sliced 1/4 inch thick
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 Tbs. tawny port
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 3 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley or 2 Tbs. chopped fresh tarragon
• Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, for serving

Over high heat, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package directions until al dente.

Meanwhile, heat the oil and butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shallot and cook, stirring, until it just begins to color, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the mushrooms, 3/4 tsp. salt, and a few grinds of pepper and stir constantly until the mushrooms begin to release their liquid, about 3 minutes. Lower the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly browned, about 5 minutes more.

Add the port and stir to deglaze the pan. Add the cream and sour cream, bring to a simmer, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring frequently, until the liquid reduces to a saucy consistency, about 2 minutes.

When the spaghetti is al dente, reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water and drain the spaghetti. Add the spaghetti and the reserved water to the sauce. Toss over low heat, sprinkle with the parsley or tarragon, and toss again to combine. If the sauce seems thin, continue to toss until it has thickened a bit. Season to taste with more salt and pepper. Serve, sprinkling with the parmigiano at the table.

Spaghetti with Grilled Ratatouille

Grilled vegetables—that summer side dish staple—easily become a satisfying main course when turned into a vibrant sauce for spaghetti.

• 1 lb. ripe plum tomatoes, halved
• 2 medium zucchini (about 12 oz.), trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch rounds on a slight diagonal
• 2 baby eggplants (about 12 oz.), trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch rounds on a slight diagonal
• 1 large red bell pepper (about 8 oz.), stemmed, seeded, and quartered
• 1 large red onion (about 1 lb.), cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 1 small head garlic
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp. herbes de Provence
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives
• 12 oz. dried thin spaghetti
• 2 Tbs. chopped fresh basil
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh marjoram
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese

Prepare a high gas or charcoal grill fire. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, toss the tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, red pepper, onion, and garlic with 3 Tbs. of the oil, the herbes de Provence, and a generous sprinkling of salt and pepper.


Put the vegetables (tomatoes cut side up) and garlic on the grill in a single layer and cover. Grill the tomatoes without turning until their skins have darkened and their flesh is soft; grill the remaining vegetables, turning once, until grill-marked and tender, about 8 minutes. Transfer the tomatoes and garlic to a medium bowl. Transfer the remaining vegetables to another medium bowl and let cool briefly.


When cool enough to handle, very coarsely chop the zucchini, eggplant, bell pepper, and onion; return to the bowl and add 1/2 cup of the olives to the bowl.

Slip the garlic cloves out of their skins into a food processor. Add the remaining 1/4 cup of olives, the tomatoes, and the remaining 1 Tbs. of oil; process until smooth.


Meanwhile, bring 3 quarts of well-salted water to a boil in a large pot. Cook the spaghetti in the water about 1 minute less than the package timing for al dente texture. Reserve 1/2 cup of the water, drain the pasta, and return it to the pot.


Toss 1/2 cup of the tomato-olive sauce and the basil and marjoram with the warm vegetables in the bowl. Toss the remaining sauce and the reserved cooking liquid with the pasta; stir over low heat for about 2 minutes so the pasta absorbs some of the sauce. Divide the pasta among 4 plates, top with the vegetables, sprinkle with the cheese, and serve.

Spaghetti with Grilled Eggplant, Tomato & Onion

Cooking times will be on the longer side if you're using a gas grill.

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; more for brushing
• 6 Tbs. finely chopped fresh basil
• 2 or 3 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup crushed walnuts
• Kosher salt
• 1 medium eggplant (about 1 lb.), peeled and cut into 3/8-inch slices
• 1 beefsteak tomato (about 1 lb.), halved
• 1 medium onion, peeled and cut into 3 or 4 thick slices
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lb. dried spaghetti
• Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (optional)

Prepare a medium-hot charcoal fire or heat a gas grill for 20 minutes on high. In a bowl, mix the olive oil, basil, garlic, walnuts, and 1 tsp. salt. Brush the eggplant, tomato, and onion with more olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and put them on the grill. Grill the tomato, turning only once, until the skin is blistering and the flesh looks mushy and cooked, 15 to 25 minutes. Grill the onion until soft and blackened on both sides, about 15 minutes. Grill the eggplant until golden brown and tender, 10 to 25 minutes. Coarsely chop the eggplant, tomato, and onion; put them in a large bowl along with their juices.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a vigorous boil and add the spaghetti. Cook until al dente; drain well. Toss the pasta with the vegetables and the basil mixture. Sprinkle with pepper; toss again and serve immediately, with freshly grated Parmigiano, if you like.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Plenty of oregano and a touch of fennel makes these tender meatballs super flavorful. This recipe uses a higher proportion of pork than beef or veal in the meatballs because it gives the best texture, but meatloaf mix—equal parts beef, veal, and pork—is an easy-to-find substitute.

For the sauce

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped (1-1/2 cups)
• 3 medium cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh oregano or 1 tsp. dry oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 Tbs. tomato paste
• 2 26- to 28-oz. containers diced tomatoes, preferably Pomì brand
• Kosher salt

For the meatballs

• 1 Tbs. olive oil
• 8 oz. ground pork
• 6 oz. 80% lean ground beef
• 6 oz. ground veal
• 1 cup coarse fresh white breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup whole-milk ricotta
• 2 large eggs
• 2 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1 Tbs. chopped fresh oregano or 1-1/2 tsp. dry oregano
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground fennel seed
• 1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt

For the pasta

• Kosher salt
• 1-1/2 lb. dried spaghetti

Make the sauce

Heat the olive oil in a heavy-duty 4-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, oregano, and bay leaf. Cook, stirring often, until the onion is soft, 6 to 10 minutes.

Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until darkened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes and their juice and 1 tsp. salt. Bring to a boil and then simmer over low heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce has reduced by about a third, 40 to 60 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and season to taste with salt. Keep warm, covered. (The sauce can also be refrigerated for up to 5 days, or frozen for 1 month.)

Make the meatballs

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 450°F. Coat the bottom and sides of an 8x8-inch baking dish with the olive oil. Set aside.

Combine the ground meats, breadcrumbs, ricotta, eggs, parsley, oregano, fennel seed, red pepper flakes, and 2 tsp. salt in a large bowl. Mix gently but thoroughly with your hands.

Divide the meat into 16 golf-ball-size portions using a 2-oz., 2-inch-diameter ice cream scoop or your hands; roll with wet hands to make them round. Arrange the balls snugly in the baking dish.

Bake the meatballs until they register about 90°F on an instant-read thermometer and are firm to the touch, 10 to 12 minutes. (If you’ve made the tomato sauce ahead, heat it while the meatballs are cooking.)

Remove the meatballs from the oven and drain excess fat, if there is any, from the pan. Ladle half of the sauce over them, return them to the oven, and continue to bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into one reads 165°F, about 15 minutes. (The meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 weeks.)

Cook the pasta

Bring a large covered pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil.

Add the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes less than package timing for al dente. Reserve 2 cups of the pasta water and drain.

Return the pasta to the pot and mix with the remaining sauce. Add 1 cup pasta water to thin the sauce and cook over medium heat until the pasta is al dente, 2 to 3 minutes. Add more pasta water if necessary, and season to taste with salt.

Transfer the spaghetti to a large heated serving bowl. Top with the meatballs and their sauce and serve.

Pasta Puttanesca

Many of the ingredients for this classic flavor-packed pasta may already be in your pantry, making this a perfect weeknight meal.

• Kosher salt
• 3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 large cloves garlic, minced
• 3 oil-packed anchovy fillets, finely chopped (scant 1 Tbs.)
• 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• One 28-oz. can crushed tomatoes
• 1 lb. dried spaghetti
• 1/2 cup pitted brine-cured black olives, such as Kalamata, coarsely chopped
• 2 Tbs. nonpareil capers, rinsed and drained
• 1 Tbs. chopped fresh oregano or marjoram
• Freshly ground black pepper

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil over high heat.


Meanwhile, heat 1 Tbs. of the olive oil with the garlic in a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic


is sizzling, about 2 minutes. Add the anchovies and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is very pale golden, 1 to 2 minutes more. Stir in the tomatoes. Increase the heat to medium high, bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to medium low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is slightly thickened, 8 to 10 minutes.


After adding the tomatoes to the pan, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions until al dente.


When the tomato sauce is ready, add the olives, capers, and oregano and stir. Simmer until just heated through, about 2 minutes. Stir in the remaining 2 Tbs. olive oil and season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper.


When the pasta is ready, reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water and drain well. Return the pasta to the pot, set it over medium-low heat, pour in the sauce, and toss, adding cooking water as needed for the sauce to coat the pasta. Serve immediately.

Spaghetti Frittata with Arugula and Fresh Herbs

If you have leftover cooked pasta in the fridge, this is a great way to use it up.

• Kosher salt
• 3 oz. uncooked dried spaghetti (or 1-1/3 cups cooked)
• 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbs. unsalted butter
• 1 large or 2 small shallots, trimmed, peeled, and thinly sliced crosswise
• 2 oz. (about 2 cups lightly packed) arugula, stemmed if necessary
• 8 large eggs (preferably at room temperature)
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (use the large holes on a box grater)
• 2 Tbs. finely chopped fresh mint
• 2 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley
• 2 Tbs. sliced chives

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil over high heat.


Cook the spaghetti in the boiling water according to package directions. Drain well and let cool. Transfer to a medium bowl.


In an ovenproof 10-inch nonstick skillet, heat 1 Tbs. of the olive oil and 1/2 Tbs. of the butter over medium heat. Add the shallots and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the shallots are softened and lightly golden, about 8?minutes. Add the arugula and toss with tongs until wilted, about 1 minute. With a heatproof spatula, scrape the arugula mixture and any fat left in the pan into the bowl with the pasta. Toss lightly to combine.


In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, cream, 1/2 tsp. salt, and several grinds of pepper. Add the pasta mixture, Parmigiano, mint, parsley, and chives. Mix gently but thoroughly.


Heat the remaining 1 Tbs. oil and 1/2 Tbs. butter in the skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter has melted and is bubbling, add the egg mixture. Use the heatproof spatula to gently distribute the ingredients evenly. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook until the eggs have set just along the outside edge of the pan, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the frittata is puffed, golden, and set, 22 to 24 minutes.


Let the frittata cool in the pan for 15 to 20 minutes. Run the spatula gently around the edge and underneath the frittata, and slide it onto a cutting board. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Cut into wedges and serve.

Broken Spaghetti with Shrimp

Make pasta night exciting again. Here, hot red pepper flakes and garlic add punch, while the lemon and mint brighten the shrimp and vegetable mix.

• 1 tsp. (or more) dried hot red pepper flakes
• 1 large garlic clove, peeled
• 2 Tbs. flat-leaf parsley
• 1 Tbs. fresh mint leaves
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Salt
• 1 lb. frozen medium-size cooked shrimp, defrosted
• 2 tsp. Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil 
• 1 cup frozen chopped broccoli or spinach, defrosted and squeezed dry
• 6 cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 1 lb. spaghetti or other long pasta, broken in half
• 1/4 cup reserved
  cooking water
• Coarse black pepper

Mince red pepper flakes, garlic, parsley, and mint together. Add to a large bowl. Stir in zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Toss in shrimp and allow to marinate for 5 minutes.

Heat olive oil over medium high heat in a large sauté pan. When olive oil is hot, stir in shrimp and cook 2 minutes. Add broccoli or spinach and cook 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes and cook 1 minute longer. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup of cooking water; drain spaghetti. Add spaghetti and reserved cooking water to shrimp and vegetables in pan. Reheat quickly until everything is hot. Season with salt and pepper. Serve.

Coal Miners'-Style Spaghetti

Legend has it that coal miners carried or found everything they needed to make this dish on their way home from the mines. Wherever you’re coming home from, you’ve likely already got everything you need on hand to make this family favorite.

• 1 Tbs. Filippo Berio® Extra Virgin Olive Oil 
• 4 oz. pancetta, diced
• Salt
• 1/2 lb. spaghetti
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature and lightly beaten
• 3/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• Coarsely ground black pepper

Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan and stir in the pancetta. Cook until crispy. Set aside and keep warm in pan.

Cook the spaghetti until it is al dente, in 4 quarts of rapidly boiling, salted water. Al dente means still firm, but no uncooked flour is visible when a strand of spaghetti is broken in half.

Reserve 2 Tbs. of spaghetti cooking water. Drain the spaghetti in a colander. Immediately return the spaghetti to the pot and, keeping the heat very low, rapidly stir in the eggs, reserved water, and half the cheese. Toss continuously until the eggs are gently cooked and the sauce is creamy.

Add the reserved pancetta and any pan drippings. Stir well. Add a generous grinding of coarse black pepper. Transfer the pasta to a platter and sprinkle it with the remaining cheese.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Plenty of oregano and a touch of fennel makes these tender meatballs super flavorful. This recipe uses a higher proportion of pork than beef or veal in the meatballs because it gives the best texture, but meatloaf mix—equal parts beef, veal, and pork—is an easy-to-find substitute.

For the sauce

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped (1-1/2 cups)
• 3 medium cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh oregano or 1 tsp. dry oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 Tbs. tomato paste
• 2 26- to 28-oz. containers diced tomatoes, preferably Pomì brand
• Kosher salt

For the meatballs

• 1 Tbs. olive oil
• 8 oz. ground pork
• 6 oz. 80% lean ground beef
• 6 oz. ground veal
• 1 cup coarse fresh white breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup whole-milk ricotta
• 2 large eggs
• 2 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1 Tbs. chopped fresh oregano or 1-1/2 tsp. dry oregano
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground fennel seed
• 1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt

For the pasta

• Kosher salt
• 1-1/2 lb. dried spaghetti

Make the sauce

Heat the olive oil in a heavy-duty 4-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, oregano, and bay leaf. Cook, stirring often, until the onion is soft, 6 to 10 minutes.

Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until darkened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes and their juice and 1 tsp. salt. Bring to a boil and then simmer over low heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce has reduced by about a third, 40 to 60 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and season to taste with salt. Keep warm, covered. (The sauce can also be refrigerated for up to 5 days, or frozen for 1 month.)

Make the meatballs

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 450°F. Coat the bottom and sides of an 8x8-inch baking dish with the olive oil. Set aside.

Combine the ground meats, breadcrumbs, ricotta, eggs, parsley, oregano, fennel seed, red pepper flakes, and 2 tsp. salt in a large bowl. Mix gently but thoroughly with your hands.

Divide the meat into 16 golf-ball-size portions using a 2-oz., 2-inch-diameter ice cream scoop or your hands; roll with wet hands to make them round. Arrange the balls snugly in the baking dish.

Bake the meatballs until they register about 90°F on an instant-read thermometer and are firm to the touch, 10 to 12 minutes. (If you’ve made the tomato sauce ahead, heat it while the meatballs are cooking.)

Remove the meatballs from the oven and drain excess fat, if there is any, from the pan. Ladle half of the sauce over them, return them to the oven, and continue to bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into one reads 165°F, about 15 minutes. (The meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 weeks.)

Cook the pasta

Bring a large covered pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil.

Add the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes less than package timing for al dente. Reserve 2 cups of the pasta water and drain.

Return the pasta to the pot and mix with the remaining sauce. Add 1 cup pasta water to thin the sauce and cook over medium heat until the pasta is al dente, 2 to 3 minutes. Add more pasta water if necessary, and season to taste with salt.

Transfer the spaghetti to a large heated serving bowl. Top with the meatballs and their sauce and serve.

Broken Spaghetti with Shrimp

Make pasta night exciting again. Here, hot red pepper flakes and garlic add punch, while the lemon and mint brighten the shrimp and vegetable mix.

• 1 tsp. (or more) dried hot red pepper flakes
• 1 large garlic clove, peeled
• 2 Tbs. flat-leaf parsley
• 1 Tbs. fresh mint leaves
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Salt
• 1 lb. frozen medium-size cooked shrimp, defrosted
• 2 tsp. Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil 
• 1 cup frozen chopped broccoli or spinach, defrosted and squeezed dry
• 6 cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 1 lb. spaghetti or other long pasta, broken in half
• 1/4 cup reserved
  cooking water
• Coarse black pepper

Mince red pepper flakes, garlic, parsley, and mint together. Add to a large bowl. Stir in zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Toss in shrimp and allow to marinate for 5 minutes.

Heat olive oil over medium high heat in a large sauté pan. When olive oil is hot, stir in shrimp and cook 2 minutes. Add broccoli or spinach and cook 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes and cook 1 minute longer. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup of cooking water; drain spaghetti. Add spaghetti and reserved cooking water to shrimp and vegetables in pan. Reheat quickly until everything is hot. Season with salt and pepper. Serve.

Spaghetti with Garlic & Spinach

Quickly cooking the garlic over low heat draws out some of its pungency, leaving behind lots of garlicky taste without the bite.

• Kosher salt
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 6 to 8 large cloves garlic (1-1/2 oz.), halved lengthwise, peeled, germs (the sprout in the center of the clove) removed, and thinly sliced
• 10 oz. baby spinach (10 loosely packed cups)
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lb. dried spaghetti
• 1 cup (about 2 oz.) freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil.

Combine the oil and garlic in a 12-inch skillet over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring often, until the garlic becomes fragrant and is just beginning to turn golden, 4 to 6 minutes. Add the spinach, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper and cook, tossing gently with tongs, until the spinach begins to wilt, 2 to 3 minutes more. Remove from the heat.

Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in the boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until it’s just tender to the tooth (see the package for cooking time). Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water and drain the pasta.

Return the skillet to medium heat. Add the drained pasta and 1/2 cup of the reserved cooking water. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, tossing and stirring to combine and blend the flavors. If the pasta isn’t tender or seems dry, add the remainder of the cooking water and continue to cook and stir until done. Toss with the cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Fettuccine with Shrimp & Garlic

I drizzle on a bit of extra-virgin olive oil to finish this pasta.

• 4 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil; more for finishing
• 3 large cloves garlic, very thinly sliced
• 8 oz. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, or large shrimp, halved
• 1/2 tsp. grated orange zest
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 14-1/2-oz. can whole tomatoes, drained and roughly chopped
• 8 oz. dried fettuccine or spaghetti
• 3 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for cooking the pasta. In a large skillet over low heat, combine the olive oil and garlic. Cook gently, stirring, until the garlic is just fragrant and beginning to turn golden, 2 to 4 minutes; don't let it brown or crisp. Add the shrimp and zest; season with salt and pepper. Raise the heat to medium high and sear the shrimp quickly just until they turn bright pink, about 1 minute on each side -- they don't need to be cooked through at this point. Add the wine and let it simmer for 1 minute. Stir in the tomatoes and cook until heated through. Set aside over very low heat if the pasta is not yet ready. Meanwhile, cook the pasta until just tender. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water  and then drain the pasta, leaving drops of water clinging to it. Add the pasta and half of the reserved cooking liquid to the skillet. Gently simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld and the pasta can drink up the sauce. Stir in the parsley, taste for salt and pepper, and serve warm with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.

Spaghetti with Abruzzese Lamb Ragu

Lamb ragù is a specialty of Abruzzo where farmers have raised sheep for centuries, letting them graze in mountain pastures during the spring and summer, and herding them south to the milder climate of Puglia for the winter. The Abruzzesi love adding chile pepper—fresh, dried, or preserved in oil—to their ragùs, and some is always set out for passing at the table. This ragù is traditionally served with maccheroni alla chitarra, a squarecut noodle similar to thick spaghetti.

• 2 Tbs. vegetable oil
• 2 lb. boneless lamb shoulder or leg of lamb, cut into 6 or 8 pieces
• Kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
• 1 medium celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 large clove garlic, lightly crushed
• 1 Tbs. minced fresh herbs, such as rosemary and sage
• 1/2 cup dry red or white wine, such as Montepulciano d’Abruzzo or Orvieto
• 6 cups canned diced tomatoes, with their juice
• 1 1/2 lb. thick spaghetti or maccheroni alla chitarra
   
• Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano shavings for serving (optional)
   
• Minced fresh hot chile or crushed red pepper flakes, for serving

Tip:

You can make this sauce with either red or white wine; consdier using red during the colder months for a heartier flavor.

Make the ragu

Heat the oil in a 5- to 6-quart Dutch oven or other heavy-duty pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season the lamb on both sides with salt and pepper and sear the meat on one side until well browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Using tongs, turn and sear the other side until browned, 3 to 4 minutes more. Transfer the lamb to a deep platter.

Reduce the heat to medium low and add the carrot, celery, onion, garlic, and herbs. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is softened, 7 to 8 minutes. Return the lamb and its juice to the pot, raise the heat to medium high, and pour in the wine. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes and then add the tomatoes. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium low or low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover partially and let the sauce simmer until the lamb is forktender, about 2-1/2 hours. Using tongs, transfer the meat to a cutting board and let it cool for a few minutes. Meanwhile, if the sauce seems thin, let it continue simmering until thickened to a saucy consistency. If it seems too thick, add a splash of water.

Shred the lamb with two forks and return it to the pot. Simmer gently until the meat is heated through. Season to taste with salt.

Cook the pasta and serve

When ready to serve, bring a large pot of well salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente—you want it to still have some bite because it will continue to cook a bit while you’re tossing it with the ragù. Reserve about 1 cup of the cooking water and then drain the pasta. Return it to the pot and toss it with some of the ragù, adding a little cooking water if it seems dry. Serve the pasta with more ragù spooned over the top. Garnish with sahved Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano, if you like, and serve with minced chiles or red pepper flakes on the side.  

Spaghetti with Portabellas, Sage & Walnuts

Few weeknight meals are as quick and easy as pasta, but if you find yourself falling into a pasta rut, look to the season for inspiration. In this dish, mushrooms, sage, and walnuts turn ordinary spaghetti into the perfect fall meal. The mix is filling, flavorful, and a welcome diversion from traditional sauce.

• 3/4 lb. dried spaghetti
• 3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 3 large portabella mushroom caps, gills scraped out and discarded, caps thinly sliced and cut into 2-inch pieces
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2/3 cup loosely packed fresh sage leaves
• 1/3 cup toasted walnuts, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until it’s tender but still firm to the tooth, about 9 min. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta and set aside.

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil and 2 Tbs. of the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted. Add the mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re brown and tender, 4 to 5 min. Transfer the mushrooms to a bowl and set aside.

In the same sauté pan, melt the remaining 6 Tbs. butter over medium heat. Add the sage leaves, and cook, stirring occasionally until they darken and crisp and the flecks of milk solids in the butter are golden brown, 3 to 5 min. Return the mushrooms to the pan and pile in the walnuts, the cooked pasta, and 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Toss the pasta continuously with tongs to coat well, adding more water as needed so the pasta is moist, 1 to 2 min. (If your skillet isn’t big enough, you can toss everything together in the pasta pot.) Season with salt and pepper, mound into bowls, and sprinkle generously with the Parmigiano. Serve immediately.