# Italian Inspired

Posts

The Case for the Thigh: Garlicky Chicken with Chickpeas & Polenta

Jul 19, 2025

Why settle for bland? This one-pan chicken thigh dinner layers roasted garlic, chickpeas, shiitake mushrooms, and a splash of red wine — all simmered down into something you’ll want to spoon over creamy polenta and eat straight outta the pan.

Pasta Meets Chickpea Stew—and It Works

Jul 17, 2025

What happens when silky chickpeas, golden broth, and ruffly pasta come together in one bowl? This dish—part stew, part pasta, all comfort.

Rustic Pork & Cranberry Bean Stew with Shiitake Mushrooms and Tomatoes

Jul 8, 2025

A hearty, nourishing stew that marries tender pork, creamy cranberry beans, shiitake mushrooms, and a splash of aged balsamic. Perfect for cold nights.

The Ultimate Italian Chopped Salad with Creamy Avocado

Jul 7, 2025

This fresh Italian chopped salad is bursting with color and flavor—crisp romaine, juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, mozzarella, and creamy avocado. Tossed with red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil, it’s the perfect healthy meal or side dish for any season. Learn how to prep and dress this vibrant salad in just minutes!

Beans & Greens: Corona Bean, Broccoli Rabe and Ditalini Soup

Jun 28, 2025

A comforting, pantry-friendly soup for gray days when you’d rather stay in. Corona beans with their broth, tender ditalini pasta, and bright greens come together in a thick, rustic tomato base. Perfect with warm bread and a good movie.

The Cool-Down Wrap: Pesto Chicken, Roasted Peppers & Apple Spice Ranch

Jun 23, 2025

After a long row on a scorching day, I wanted something cool, fresh, and satisfying. This wrap—grilled pesto-yogurt chicken, roasted peppers, arugula, and our house herb ranch—was born from leftovers but turned into a go-to summer meal.

Borlotti Bean & Farro Stoup with Pancetta, Cabbage & Herbs

Jun 12, 2025

I wasn’t trying to go full Jacques Pépin tonight. This Borlotti Bean & Farro Stoup is quick, filling, and hits the spot on busy nights.

King City Pink Bean, Greens & Pasta Soup (Rainy Sunday Favorite)

Jun 8, 2025

This cozy bean, greens, and pasta soup features King City Pink Beans, spinach, a Parmesan-rich broth, and Rancho Gordo Tubetti pasta. Perfect for a nourishing, comforting meal on a rainy day.

Tomato Butter Pasta – Soul-Satisfying Comfort Food

May 29, 2025

This tomato butter pasta is the ultimate post-hike comfort food—simple, rich, and satisfying. Make it with homemade sauce or Rao’s in a pinch. Kid-approved and pantry-friendly.

Post-Hike Italian Salad – Fast, Fresh, and Family-Friendly

May 28, 2025

This Post-Hike Italian Salad is crisp, cool, and loaded with fresh flavor—perfect after a long day of travel. Quick to make, kid-approved, and ideal for balancing out a hearty pasta dinner.

Butter-Glazed French Beans with Toasted Pine Nuts

May 23, 2025

These butter-glazed French green beans with toasted pine nuts come together in 10 minutes using Better Than Bouillon for rich flavor. An easy, elegant side dish for any meal.

Broccoli Spaghetti with Roasted Garlic Oil & Crispy Breadcrumbs

May 22, 2025

This weeknight broccoli spaghetti is tossed with roasted garlic oil, lemon, Pecorino Romano, and crispy golden breadcrumbs. A pantry-friendly pasta full of flavor and texture.