I am a frequent diner in some of the best Italian restaurants in Manhattan. These places serve authentic pasta dishes like they mean it, transporting me immediately to Italy with every bite. If you want to make authentic pasta dishes at home like those that you can find in top-notch restaurants, keep on reading and we’ll have a quick look at some of the best.
Pasta Pomodoro
For a simple and light pasta dish, this is one that you should learn how to cook. It reminded me of my favorite dish from one of the best Italian restaurants in NYC, Scarpetta. A classic Pomodoro is known for its simplicity. It contains only three basic ingredients aside from the pasta – tomato, basil, and Parmesan cheese. There is no special skill required for preparing the dish as it is quite straightforward. Cook the pasta and toss all the ingredients. Be careful with the basil as it can overwhelm the flavor when you use a lot.
Pasta con le Sarde
Italy has different regions, each with a promise in terms of its culinary treasures. One of the parts of the country that is known for its exceptional food is Sicily and the pasta con le sarde is one of their specialties. It has sweet and sour flavors, which are complemented with a distinct fragrance that makes it even more appetizing. Its main ingredients include sardines, anchovies, toasted breadcrumbs, pine nuts, raisins, and fennel.
Pasta alla Carbonara
This is an indulgent food that is popular in Rome and one of the pillars of classic Italian cuisine. It is cooked differently depending on where you will eat it. However, one of the characteristics of an authentic pasta alla carbonara is that it does not contain cream. Once the pasta is cooked, all that you have to do is to take it off the heat and mix with pasta water, egg, pepper, and cheese. This will make a sauce that is creamy without being too thick.
Cacio e Pepe
This is another proof that cooking a delicious pasta dish does not need to be a complicated process. Known for its flavor derived from cheese and pepper, this classic Roman dish does not require too much on your end. It contains only pasta, cheese, and pepper. The secret lies in using the pasta water to make the sauce thicker and richer in the absence of using cream.
Pasta Puttanesca
A dish that has been invented in Naples in the 19th century, this is another spaghetti dish that will give you a taste of classic Italian food. The main ingredients that make up the dish are tomatoes, garlic, caper, olive oil, and anchovies. It has a kick of just the right amount of spiciness, although this will depend on how much pepper you will use.
Even at home, you can enjoy an authentic and delicious pasta. Recreate the dishes that have been mentioned above and tickle the taste buds of your guests as they sample your cooking!