Giada De Laurentiis has constructed her profession round Italian consolation meals, and that’s why she’s nearly all the time our first cease after we’re searching for cozy, satisfying meals that don’t take all day to make. The Emmy Award–successful Food Network star, cookbook creator, and restaurateur is finest recognized for her pasta dishes—however her repertoire goes far past noodles.
And this roundup of De Laurentiis’ weeknight-friendly favorites proves it. Each dish is fast sufficient for a busy schedule, but filled with taste so dinner by no means feels boring.
Giada de Laurentiis’ sheet pan lasagna
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You’ve in all probability had (or made) lasagna dozens of occasions earlier than, however we wager you’ve by no means had one fairly like this. In this variation, De Laurentiis skips the cautious layering and as a substitute tosses bite-sized lasagna noodles instantly into the meat sauce, then spreads the whole lot out onto a sheet pan.
The result’s a skinny, easy-to-serve pasta bake loaded with all of the flavors you’re keen on from traditional lasagna—however with additional crispy edges in each slice.
Giada De Laurentiis’ Lemon Spaghetti Soup
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Citrus won’t be the primary taste that involves thoughts whenever you consider consolation meals, however De Laurentiis’ rooster spaghetti soup will change that. Her vibrant, lemony twist on rooster noodle soup is, in her phrases, the “ultimate feel-good recipe.” While she opts for spaghetti right here, the chef says, “You can use any pasta form on this soup.”
Whether you’re easing from summer season into fall or welcoming spring from an extended winter, this bowl strikes the right stability between mild and comfortable.
Giada De Laurentiis’ Tomato Soup Risotto
As you possibly can in all probability inform, De Laurentiis has a manner of placing her personal spin on classics. So, when she needs tomato soup, as a substitute of creating a easy bowl, she ranges it up into this spoonful-of-heaven Tomato Soup Risotto.
Cheesy, silky, and hearty, that is the one-pot consolation meals crossover you didn’t know you wanted—and one you’ll need to carry on rotation, particularly in cooler months.
Laurentiis’ paste alla vodka (Shortcut)
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Something else we love about De Laurentiis’ cooking model is that she isn’t afraid of a shortcut. Her authentic Pasta alla Vodka is definitely worth the time, however for busy nights, she pulls out a trick for a faster model: mixing a top quality jarred marinara, then simmering it with vodka and cream.
The fast repair nonetheless provides you all of the luxurious taste of the Italian-American favourite—minus the wait time.
Giada De Laurentiis’ White Pesto
Allrecipes / Qi Ai
Calling all Alfredo followers: De Laurentiis’ no-cook white pesto is able to blow your thoughts. Made with simply 5 substances—walnuts, ricotta, lemon zest, Parmesan, and garlic—it has the creamy look of Alfredo however with a more energizing, nuttier taste.
Of course, it’s incredible on pasta, nevertheless it may also be unfold over a crostini for an attention-grabbing appetizer or tossed with roasted veggies for a easy facet. Suddenly, pesto’s bought an entire new persona.
Giada of Laurentiis’ Egg Crepes
Ashia Aubourg
When your fridge appears to be like naked however you continue to must give you one thing hearty, De Laurentiis’ egg crepes are the answer. The skinny, tender wraps may be full of no matter you’ve bought available—contemporary veggies, cheese, or final evening’s roasted rooster—and all of a sudden you’ve bought a dish match for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Filling and versatile? That’s a factor of weeknight genius.
Giada de laurenttis’ Artichoke and Arugula Pesto
To spherical out the week, De Laurentiis presents us one other no-cook sauce: Artichoke and Arugula Pesto.
Creamy, tangy, and vibrant, this five-ingredient recipe is so flavorful, she usually simply scoops it up with chips. But add a splash of pasta water, and it rapidly transforms right into a silky, savory sauce that works with any pasta form. Double the recipe, and also you’ll have sufficient to do each.
