How To Cook Authentic Italian Meals

Barilla Chef Lorenzo BioAt Barilla, we practice the fine art of Italian cooking every day, drawing inspiration from the country’s vibrant culture and wonderfully diverse regions. With 130 years of experience making and cooking pasta, we would like to help you bring home the best that Italy’s culinary traditions have to offer.

In the “Pasta Meals 101” series, our own corporate chef, Lorenzo Boni, will walk you through the basics of authentic Italian cooking with simple tips and easy-to-follow instructions. Check back often for more cooking tips from Chef Lorenzo with seasonal updates from Barilla.

Buon Appetito!

Summer Penne 101
Chef Lorenzo demonstrates how to prepare a light and healthy recipe perfect for the summer: Penne with Shrimp, Zucchini, Basil and Cherry Tomatoes.
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June video tips MARINARA 101
Barilla Marinara Sauce is the star of the recipes in this video.  Chef Lorenzo gives step by step instructions that are easy to follow and shares tips you’ll use time and time again.
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Video Cooking Tips - Spatulatta_sm

SPATULATTA 101
Chef Lorenzo teamed up with the Spatulatta Girls to prepare the perfect Mother's Day meal.  Watch and see how simple and fun it is!  It'll make you want to start making your own meal right now!
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Orzotto recipe

ORZOTTO 101
Orzo, which means "barley" in Italian, is used most traditionally in soups, but this very versatile rice-shaped pasta has been widely adopted by chefs in Italy and America for main courses and side dishes.
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Lasagne

LASAGNE 101
Lasagne is a classic pasta dish that is always satisfying, delicious and rich with the warmth of good eating.
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Cooking Pasta

COOKING PASTA 101
Barilla has been making and cooking pasta for over 130 years. Our chefs know the best ways to cook pasta so that it turns out perfect every time.
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Pasta Salad

PASTA SALAD 101
Warm weather season is the time to enjoy fresh, light foods that go well on both the indoor and outdoor table.
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Spaghetti and seafood

SPAGHETTI AND SEAFOOD 101
Given Italy's extensive coastlines, seafood and pasta are an obvious match. A dazzling yet simple plate of spaghetti and frutti di mare can enliven a table in minutes.
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Minestrone

MINESTRONE 101
Minestrone is perhaps the most well known of all Italian soups and in Italy there are many variations. There's no right or wrong way to prepare minestrone, but there is the Chef Lorenzo way! Watch along as Chef Lorenzo prepares a quick, easy, delicious minestrone soup that is typically found in northern Italy.
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Preparing Seafood

SEAFOOD 101
Love seafood? The secret to delicious Italian seafood dishes begin with the quality of the fish. Chef Lorenzo shares his advice for what to look for when selecting fresh fish and demonstrates how to prepare seafood for cooking. He also shares examples of how seafood is enjoyed in Italy.
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Video - Vegetable Prep Small

VEGETABLES 101
When you’re cooking the Italian way, bringing home the best produce is just the beginning. Preparing vegetables the right way is just as important. Let Chef Lorenzo show you his techniques for easily peeling a tomato, chopping garlic, cutting eggplant, soaking mushrooms, and getting the best flavor from artichokes.
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