Ep 7. No Sauce Pastas

In season 5 episode 7 of Everyday Italian, viewers are treated to a unique exploration of pasta dishes that don't rely on traditional sauces. Host Giada De Laurentiis kicks off the episode by explaining that she wants to show viewers how to create delicious, satisfying pasta dishes that don't necessarily require heavy tomato-based, cream-based, or oil-based sauces.

The first dish De Laurentiis prepares is a pasta salad with tomatoes and green beans. She starts by boiling the pasta and blanching the beans, then tosses everything together with a simple vinaigrette made from red wine vinegar, olive oil, and Dijon mustard. The result is a light and refreshing dish that's perfect for a summer lunch or dinner.

Next up, De Laurentiis makes a spaghetti dish that's loaded with flavor but doesn't rely on any kind of sauce. She starts by sauteing garlic, red pepper flakes, and anchovies in olive oil, then adds breadcrumbs and cooks everything until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy. She tosses the cooked spaghetti with the breadcrumb mixture, along with some chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. The finished dish has a satisfying crunch and a complex, savory flavor that's sure to impress.

For the third dish, De Laurentiis switches gears and makes a pasta dish that's perfect for a cozy night in. She starts by cooking fettuccine al dente, then sauteing sliced mushrooms with garlic and thyme. She adds some chicken broth and lets everything simmer for a few minutes before adding the cooked pasta and some chopped parsley. The finished dish is a comforting, delicious meal that's sure to warm you up on a chilly evening.

The fourth dish is a twist on a classic Italian pasta dish: carbonara. De Laurentiis starts by cooking spaghetti and whisking together eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. She cooks some pancetta until it's crispy, then tosses the cooked pasta with the pancetta and egg mixture. The heat from the pasta cooks the eggs and creates a creamy, rich sauce that's perfect for this simple, yet decadent pasta dish.

Finally, De Laurentiis rounds out the episode with a pasta dish that feels indulgent but is actually quite healthy. She starts by cooking whole wheat fusilli and sauteing shrimp with garlic and red pepper flakes. She adds some cherry tomatoes and lets everything simmer for a few minutes before tossing it all together with the cooked pasta, some lemon zest, and some chopped parsley. The finished dish has a bright, fresh flavor and is loaded with lean protein and nutritious vegetables.

Throughout the episode, De Laurentiis provides plenty of helpful tips and tricks for cooking pasta, from ensuring that the water is heavily salted to making sure the pasta is cooked to just the right level of doneness. She also emphasizes the importance of using quality ingredients, urging viewers to seek out fresh, flavorful produce and high-quality pasta for the best possible results.

Overall, Everyday Italian season 5 episode 7 is a must-watch for pasta lovers, offering a wide variety of delicious and creative pasta dishes that don't rely on traditional sauces. Whether you're looking for a refreshing summer pasta salad or a cozy winter meal, De Laurentiis has you covered with her inventive takes on classic pasta dishes.