Delight Your Special Someone with These Authentic Italian Dishes

Planning a romantic night in or a special occasion at home? Dine like royalty with these sumptuous and easy-to-make Italian dishes. From comforting potato dumplings to luxurious lobster ravioli, let your culinary skills shine as you whip up these authentic Italian delights that your special someone is sure to appreciate.

1. Gnocchi in Sage Butter

Start your special evening with a bite of comfort and nostalgia! Potato gnocchi embody the essence of Italy, and with a little bit of time and care, you can make them look and taste as good as the ones served in the trattorias. The process of preparing homemade gnocchi is quite simple yet rewarding, and they pair beautifully with a rich, aromatic sage butter sauce.

How to Make Gnocchi in Sage Butter

Ingredients: 2 medium-sized potatoes 120g (4.2 oz) all-purpose flour 20g (0.7 oz) fresh sage, finely chopped 2-3 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for brushing Salt, to taste Steps: Cook the potatoes until tender, then cool and peel them. Make a well in the center of the flour and gradually mix in the potato, preventing it from turning into a paste. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and pliable, adding sage and a little bit of butter for flavor. Divide the dough into small balls (about the size of a golf ball) and roll them out into small ropes or sheets, then cut into bite-sized pieces. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the gnocchi. Remove them as soon as they float to the surface. In a separate pan, melt some olive oil and sauté the sage leaves until fragrant. Add the cooked gnocchi and toss with the sage butter sauce. Serving Suggestions:

Gnocchi in sage butter can be served as a main course to savor on its own or as a side dish with a protein of your choice. It pairs wonderfully with a simple pasta or a light green salad.

2. Lobster Ravioli in Champagne Sauce

For those looking to dazzle with opulence, lobster ravioli in champagne sauce is the ultimate choice. While it may seem like an endeavor, with the right ingredients and a touch of gastronomic artistry, you'll end up hosting a dinner fit for a king or queen.

How to Make Lobster Ravioli in Champagne Sauce

Ingredients: Homemade ravioli filled with julienned cooked lobster, garlic, parsley, and chives 2 cups of effervescent champagne 2 tbsp butter 1 tbsp Dijon mustard White pepper, to taste Steps: Prepare lobster ravioli as per instructions. You can purchase store-bought fresh ravioli made of genuine pasta and filled with lobster to save time, but homemade ravioli add an extra layer of elegance. Boil the ravioli until al dente. Reserve some of the pasta cooking water before draining. In a pan, deglaze with champagne, scraping any bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it reduce slightly, then add butter and blend until it reaches a smooth, creamy sauce. Add Dijon mustard and white pepper, stirring constantly. If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little of the reserved pasta water. Serve the lobster ravioli hot in the champagne sauce, garnished with fresh herbs for an even more luxurious appearance.

Serving Suggestions: Lobster ravioli in champagne sauce is best served immediately, as the warmth enhances the flavors of this delectable creation. It's a fantastic main course for a dinner party or a romantic candlelit evening.

3. Simple Pasta Dishes

When in doubt, fall back on classic Italian pasta dishes that are just as reliable as they are delicious. Whether you're an experienced chef or a novice in the kitchen, there's something delightful to do in each step of these simple pasta dishes. From classics like spaghetti carbonara to vibrant pesto, each recipe offers a simple yet compelling way to elevate your meal.

Simple Pasta Recipes

Spaghetti Carbonara

Ingredients: 200g (7 oz) spaghetti 250g (9 oz) pancetta or guanciale, diced 2 egg yolks 200g (7 oz) grated Parmesan cheese 1 tbsp finely grated Cumberland-style pepper Salt, to taste Steps: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve some cooking water before draining. In a large pan, cook the pancetta or guanciale until crisp, then remove and set aside. The pancetta or guanciale should yield a lot of fat in the pan – this is important for the fattiness of the carbonara. Remove excess fat, leaving a bit that will help integrate the other ingredients. In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, half of the Parmesan, and most of the Cumberland-style pepper. Once the spaghetti is cooked, add it to the hot pancetta fat in the pan, stir to toss in the fat, and pour over the egg yolk mixture. Remove from heat, and use the reserved pasta water to adjust to your desired consistency. Stir in the pancetta and the remaining cheese. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, egg-infused richness of this classic pasta dish.

Spinach Pesto Pasta

Ingredients: 200g (7 oz) spaghetti 30g (1.1 oz) fresh spinach, roughly chopped 100g (3.5 oz) basil leaves, fresh, roughly chopped 50g (1.8 oz) grated Parmesan cheese 50g (1.8 oz) pine nuts 3 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil Salt, to taste Steps: Blanch the spinach for a minute in boiling water, then shock it in ice water to stop the cooking process. Squeeze out excess water and add to the blender. Add the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic to the blender. Start by adding a small amount of olive oil, and blend until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture. Boil spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve some water before draining. Combine the hot spaghetti and pesto in the pan. Toss to combine, adding a little of the reserved cooking water to achieve a creamy sauce consistency. Serve hot and garnish with a few fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

Conclusion

Whipping up these authentic Italian dishes for your special someone is a labor of love and a testament to your culinary prowess. Whether you're cooking up a storm in the kitchen or treating yourselves to a romantic dinner at your favorite Italian restaurant, these recipes will provide the perfect backdrop for your special evening. Buona Cucina, buona salute (Bon Appétit, good health)