The Feisty Italian

  Easy Baked Eggplant Parmesan: By: The Feisty Italian A Healthier, Flavor-Packed Classic Looking for a lightened-up version of a classic favorite? Try this delicious Eggplant Parmesan recipe! I know what you’re thinking, "Another low-fat recipe?" But trust me, this one’s a winner. Plus, it’s easily adaptable to be gluten-free by simply swapping out the breadcrumbs. While there are a few extra steps in this recipe, the results are well worth it. Here’s how to make this tasty dish: Recipe: 2-3 Eggplants (depending on your desired quantity) 15-20 oz of marinara sauce ½ lb of low-fat mozzarella cheese 4 cups of Italian or panko breadcrumbs ¼ cup of Parmesan or Pecorino cheese ¼ cup of milk Pam spray or olive oil spray Let’s get cooking: Warm your marinara sauce in a saucepan over low heat. Wash the eggplant and slice it into ½-inch thick pieces. (Thin slice...

  No Carb Turkey Bolognese By: The F eisty Italian This delectable no-carb turkey Bolognese is both simple and rewarding, offering a rich, flavorful dish that's perfect for a healthy lifestyle. OK, I know what you're thinking, "Italian food without pasta??" Terrible, right? It can be done, friends. For those of us who truly enjoy food but don't enjoy extra pounds, you will love this recipe. By carefully following these steps, you can create a sauce that marries the savory taste of browned meat with the aromatic blend of sautéed onions and garlic. The addition of tomato paste and milk enriches the sauce, while a sprinkle of cheese and a generous amount of basil elevate the dish to new heights. For those looking to keep it low-carb, spiralized vegetables make an excellent substitute for pasta, providing a light and satisfying base for the hearty sauce. Whether you're meal prepping or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this no-carb turkey Bolognese is sure to impr...

 Gnocchi: Round two:  This time, with Bolognese Yesterday afternoon, my lovely little one came running into the kitchen yelling, "Mommy, I'm so hungry! My tummy wants gnocchi!" "Ok," I replied. My daughter sometimes mistakes me for a short-order cook. I didn't sweat it because I kept some gnocchi dough in the freezer.   As it defrosts on the counter, I look through the freezer for a protein. Running short on time, I defrosted some ground beef. Not in the mood for meatballs, I quickly whipped up my version of bolognese. Here's how: Ingredients: Ground beef, Onion, Garlic, 1-2 cans of tomato paste, about a 1/2 cup of milk, about a 1/2 cup of chicken stock, about a 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon of butter, basil and parsley Step 1: I diced some onions and added them to a pan with olive oil. Sprinkle some salt and saute until the onions are translucent.  Step 2: Then add in your ground beef. As it is cooking, break it up into small bi...

  Italian Helper GIADA DE LAURENTIIS https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/italian-helper-4720566 Back in the day, there were affordable out-of-the-box meals like Hamburger Helper. This is a unique Italian twist to a true nostalgic classic. This modern version will be a family hit for sure. You will definitely want to give it a try. I threw it together last night and my family was asking for more before I even sat down with my bowl! Not only does this dish hit the spot, but it yields a large batch. I had to pull out my large stock pot to fit it all. This is perfect for stretching those groceries and saving you some money without sacrificing taste or quality. Okay, let’s talk about the main ingredient: Mascarpone. It is not a common pantry staple. It adds the right amount of creaminess to this dish that rounds out this flavor-packed meal. With some internet hunting, you can snag some on sale at most local grocers. It is a worthwhile investment to add to your panty....

Corn Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes ALEX GUARNASCHELLI                                                       https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/corn-pasta-with-sun-dried-tomatoes-12201249 Are you experiencing “flavor fatigue?” Feeling uninspired in the kitchen? It’s time to mix things up with this innovative and affordable recipe. Corn Pasta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes are full of flavor- sure to wake up those sleepy taste buds. I love to experiment and try new things in the kitchen. Traditional marinara or alfredo can feel unexciting and appealing after a white This budget-friendly dish is delicious and different-perfect for summer.  The star of this dish is the corn. It is so versatile and a classic pantry staple. Who would have thought you could create a delicious sauce out of the ordinary corn kernel? Now, you would thi...

  Peasant Pasta: Rachel Ray https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/peasant-pasta-recipe-1940350 Here is a simple and flavorful dish that is perfect for a busy weeknight. Look no further than Peasant Pasta. It is so fast and easy that it will be in regular rotation around your dinner table. It is a breeze to whip together, making it perfect for any busy family. I spotted this gem on a classic episode of Rachel Ray’s 30 minute meals.   This is another affordable and versatile dish that lends itself to customization based on your pantry items. While the original recipe calls for peas, I’ve made it with spinach and it is just as tasty. Out of penne? No problem! I’ve tried this recipe with several different kinds of pasta such as rotini, rigatoni, or elbow. Out of cream? That half-and-half you use in your morning coffee works as a great substitute. It is incredibly tasty and doesn’t weigh the dish down. My family prefers not to eat anything spicy, so, I use only sweet...

  Italian Baked Chicken and Pastina: GIADA DE LAURENTIIS https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/italian-baked-chicken-and-pastina-recipe-1917445 Italian Baked Chicken and Pastina has become a beloved staple in my house. I make it several times a month. This recipe even passes the taste test of my toughest critic-my 4-year-old! Have you ever gone to your pantry thinking you had an ingredient, only to find, that, nope, you don’t? No worries because I have had this issue many times! Any small pasta will work with this dish. I am so thankful this is a pantry-friendly dish! If you’re running short on chicken,  a great way to stretch out your protein is by adding a can of cannellini beans. Yes, it sounds unconventional, however, it adds an affordable protein! Additionally, this versatile dish can be easily adjusted for your family’s preferences without compromising flavor. For instance, my daughter loves cheese so I add generously! I’m talking 1 ½ to 2 cups of shre...