Stanley Tucci, the captivating actor known for his award-winning performances in films like The Devil Wears Prada and The Hunger Games, harbors a passion that extends far beyond the silver screen: food. More than just a casual foodie, Tucci has emerged as a culinary enthusiast, captivating audiences with his television program, Searching for Italy and his cookbook The Tucci Cookbook. Get ready to explore a collection of dishes that are not only delicious but are influenced by the warmth and personality of this beloved actor. Seasoned cooks and beginners alike will love these Tucci inspired, approachable recipes that offer a delightful invitation to explore the world of Italian flavors. So, grab your apron, fire up the stove, and get ready to embark on a delicious adventure with Stanley Tucci!
Stanley Tucci Inspired Pasta Recipes
Maria Rosa Tomato Sauce
Every good pasta dish starts with a flavorful and savory sauce. This Maria Rosa Tomato Sauce is the perfect base to any pasta shape your heart desires. It’s robust with large, fresh tomatoes, spices, herbs, and other veggies. Plus, it’s similar to the one Tucci makes in episode one of Searching for Italy.
Stanley Tucci Inspired Pasta alla Norma
Simple but invigorating, this Pasta alla Norma is a great recipe to have in your back pocket. Rigatoni pasta is matched with lightly fried eggplant for a contrast of textures. Finish it off with a homemade red sauce using olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, oregano, and basil.
Cacio e Pepe
Cacio e Pepe quite literally means cheese and black pepper. They’re the main staples of this pasta dish alongside lemon zest, arugula, and a helping of olive oil. Though if you want to stick to this dish’s Roman roots, you can leave out of lemon zest and arugula for a more traditional approach.
Stanley Tucci Inspired Penne all’ Arrabbiata
When you need to whip together a meal quickly, let Penne all’ Arrabbiata be your guide. It does have a bit of heat due to the chili oil we include, but you can easily leave it out if you’re not a fan of spice. This eight ingredient dish combines a sauce made from scratch and al dente penne.
Risotto Milanese with Porcini Mushrooms
If you’re a fan of risotto and also happen to enjoy the umami, earthy flavor of mushrooms, this recipe is going to be your own little slice of heaven. Your basic risotto is getting an upgrade with threads of saffron, white wine, and dried porcini mushrooms. How could one say no to such a cozy and comforting dinner?
Stanley Tucci Inspired Bucatini all’Amatriciana
Guanciale is the key ingredient to making this Bucatini all’Amatriciana so special and delicious. This cured pork cheek adds a smoky and crispy element to an already mouth watering dish. Though if you don’t have guanciale available you can always substitute it for bacon or pancetta to get a similar result.
Spaghetti Alla Carbonara
In Tucci’s series, he notes that for a true Carbonara guanciale, pork jowl, is the most important element to showcase. It adds a rich, salty flavor to this creamy sauce. Since this recipe uses only six ingredients, we recommend buying of a high quality to ensure the best dish possible.
Stanley Tucci Inspired Spaghetti alla Nerano
Get your dose of delicious, crunchy zucchini with our Spaghetti alla Nerano. Instead of a red sauce, you’ll find a dose of cheesy garlic butter that compliments the zucchini. It’s a little different from your basic penne and sauce without going too far away from tradition.
Tagliatelle al Ragù Recipe
Ragù sauce is a thick, red sauce that uses beef chunks and a savory red wine for a rich, irreplaceable taste. In this dish, it’s added to tagliatelle pasta which are thick, flat, ribbon-like noodles made from eggs. Needless to say, between these two elements you’re sure to leave the dinner table feeling satisfied.
Rigatoni with Salsiccia alla Maria Rosa
Remember that Maria Rosa Sauce that’s mentioned earlier in this article? Well it just got even better when we toss in Italian sausage, rigatoni, and a Calabrian chili sauce for a bit of heat. It’s a little bit of tradition and a little bit of modernity all in one.
Cannellini Beans and Greens alla Maria Rosa
Yet again our Maria Rosa Inspired Sauce sets your plate up for success in our Cannellini Beans and Greens. You may know Cannellini beans better as white kidney beans. Packed full of protein, these beans combine with Lacinto kale to create a recipe that’s healthy but still fulfilling. We recommend serving this recipe alongside crusty bread for dipping in that irresistible sauce.
Stanley Tucci’s Martini
No meal could be complete without a martini from the man himself. Tucci shared this recipe in Food Network’s Be My Guest, Season 3, Episode 2 featuring host Ina Garten. Try his dry Gin Martini for yourself alongside any of the pasta dishes above for a truly Stanley Tucci evening.
Delizia Al Limone Layer Cake
After all your hard work, you deserve to indulge in a dessert that Tucci fawns over in the Amalfi coast. This citrus-infused cake is refreshing and light after a hearty meal of pasta. Not to mention it gives you a chance to use that limoncello that has been hanging around the house.
Story by Kylie Thomas
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