Ep 11. Pasta Primer

In season 1, episode 11 of Everyday Italian, titled "Pasta Primer," host Giada De Laurentiis shares her passion for pasta by showcasing a few of her favorite classic recipes. The episode focuses on the basics of cooking with pasta, including how to properly cook pasta and the importance of seasoning the pasta water.

Giada starts with a classic dish, spaghetti with meatballs. She prepares the meatballs with ground beef, a mixture of Parmesan and Romano cheeses, herbs, breadcrumbs, and eggs. The spaghetti is cooked until it's al dente and tossed in a simple tomato sauce made with canned tomatoes, garlic, onions, and basil.

Next, Giada makes linguine with shrimp and lemon oil sauce. The dish begins with cooking the linguine in salty water, and then the shrimp are sautéed in olive oil with garlic and red pepper flakes. The sauce is finished with white wine, lemon juice, and lemon zest, creating a bright and flavorful dish.

In addition to these classic pasta dishes, Giada also shares a recipe for fusilli with chicken and broccoli. She begins by cooking the pasta and then sautéing chicken breast in olive oil with garlic and red pepper flakes. The broccoli is steamed and then added to the pan with the chicken, and everything is tossed together with the pasta, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice.

Giada finishes the episode with a simple yet decadent dessert, chocolate fettuccine with fresh berries. The pasta is cooked until al dente and then tossed in a sweetened chocolate sauce made with heavy cream, chocolate chips, and butter. The dish is topped with fresh raspberries and strawberries, creating a beautiful contrast of flavors.

Throughout the episode, Giada emphasizes the importance of taking your time when cooking pasta and not overcooking it. She also offers tips on seasoning your pasta water with salt and adding starchy pasta water to your sauces to help them cling to the pasta.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, Giada's pasta primer offers valuable tips and techniques to elevate your pasta game. From classic meatballs to shrimp and lemon oil sauce, there's something for everyone to enjoy.