Dutch Oven Bacon Pesto Pasta

Dutch Oven Bacon Pesto Pasta

This recipe originally came from REI, and was designed as a skillet dish. This is a larger one pot version to feed a bigger crowd, or to give you some leftovers. By adding some coals to the lid the pasta will cook quicker. You could 

Sauteed Zucchini

Sauteed Zucchini

This is a simple and quick recipe for making a delicious Italian side dish. This can go with just about anything, and it’s a great way to help use all that zucchini you’re getting.

Basil Tomato Sauce

Basil Tomato Sauce

Home canned tomato sauce is the base for most of my Italian recipes. It’s simple to make (though it will take some time) is great to have on hand, and tastes so much better than store bought. You will need to remove the skin and 

Fish in Marinara

Fish in Marinara

In the U.S. most Italian dishes contain pork, beef, or chicken. But in Italy seafood is very commonly served. This recipe allow you to take the fish of your choice and make an Italian meal out of it. I use trout because I always have 

Chicken Cacciatori

Chicken Cacciatori

You’ve heard the name, but have you ever tried it? Translated as Hunter’s Chicken, this is a rustic comfort food that traditionally used what the hunter brought home – quail, rabbit, squirrel, whatever! This recipe is also a great way to use leftover turkey.

Tuscan Grill

Tuscan Grill

Italian doesn’t have to mean tomato sauce. This tangy, savory marinade works great on beef steak, pork steaks, or pork chops and pairs well with a salad or roasted veggies.

Steak Pizzaiola

Steak Pizzaiola

If you ever watched the TV show “Everybody Loves Raymond” you’ll remember that this was Ray’s favorite dish. This recipe brings the lush and juicy flavors of pizza together with the bold and substantial flavor of a beef steak.

Risotto

Risotto

Creamy and savory, Risotto is a great side dish for any meal, not just Italian. Any recipe you find will tell you to use Arborio rice (and I’m sure that would make the best risotto) but I’m not trying to impress Gordon Ramsey and I 

Pesto

Pesto

Pesto is another great way to add Italian flavor to pasta without using tomato sauce. This can make a great side dish for steaks and chops. Growing your own basil is a big help – the pesto will taste fresher, it costs far less than 

Peposo – Tuscan Peppered Beef

Peposo – Tuscan Peppered Beef

I found this recipe from Chef John at Food Wishes. He tells the story of how the poor terra cotta workers in Tuscany invented this dish to cook while they were working near the pottery ovens. They used a lot of garlic and black pepper