Ep 9. Light Pasta Classics

In this episode of Everyday Italian, host Giada De Laurentiis takes viewers on a journey of light pasta classics. As she puts it, "just because it's light doesn't mean it's not comforting."

The first recipe she demonstrates is for a simple, yet flavorful spaghetti with lemon and basil. Giada starts by zesting and juicing a lemon, then combines the lemon juice with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and chopped basil to create a light and fresh sauce. She tosses cooked spaghetti in the sauce and plates it with a sprinkle of lemon zest and Parmesan cheese. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, and it's so full of flavor that it won't leave anyone feeling unsatisfied.

Next up is an angel hair pasta dish with shrimp and cherry tomatoes. Giada starts by sautéing garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil, then adds shrimp and cherry tomatoes until they're cooked through. She tosses cooked angel hair pasta in the pan with the shrimp and tomato mixture, then adds a sprinkle of chopped parsley and lemon zest for brightness. This dish is packed with protein and fresh flavors, making it a winner for both taste and nutrition.

For her third recipe, Giada whips up a classic Italian dish with a healthy twist: spaghetti alla carbonara with turkey bacon. She starts by cooking spaghetti until al dente, then adds turkey bacon that she's cooked until crispy. In a separate bowl, she combines egg yolks, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Once the pasta and bacon are cooked, Giada mixes them together with the egg yolk mixture, creating a rich and creamy carbonara sauce without the added fat and calories of traditional pancetta or guanciale.

Finally, Giada makes a vegetarian-friendly pasta dish with fusilli, zucchini, and mint. She sautés sliced zucchini in olive oil until lightly browned, then adds garlic, red pepper flakes, and chopped mint. She tosses cooked fusilli pasta in the pan with the zucchini mixture, then adds a dash of lemon juice for brightness. This dish is light, refreshing, and perfect for a summer meal.

Throughout the episode, Giada emphasizes the importance of cooking pasta just until al dente, as overcooking can lead to mushy and unsatisfying dishes. She also encourages viewers to try different types of pasta and experiment with adding vegetables or protein for a well-rounded meal.

Overall, this episode of Everyday Italian showcases that light and healthy pasta dishes can still be packed with flavor and comfort. From lemon and basil spaghetti to turkey bacon carbonara, Giada proves that Italian cuisine can be both satisfying and nutritious.