Category
Main Course
Main Course in Italian Meals
The main course, or secondo, holds a central place in the structure of an Italian meal. It is the principal dish that follows the antipasto and primo, designed to provide substance and satisfaction without overwhelming the palate. This course is carefully balanced to complement the preceding dishes, respecting the natural rhythm and progression of flavors and textures throughout the meal.
In Italian culinary tradition, the main course often features proteins such as meat, fish, or legumes, prepared with attention to seasonality and regional identity. Its role is not merely to fill but to complete the dining experience, bringing a sense of harmony and intentionality to the table. Timing is essential; the main course arrives after lighter courses to ensure appetite and appreciation are preserved.
The cultural relevance of the main course extends beyond nourishment. It embodies the Italian value of measured generosity, where each dish contributes to a cohesive narrative of taste and care. Understanding the main course within this framework reveals how Italian cuisine achieves its distinctive balance through discipline, respect for ingredients, and thoughtful sequencing.
Recipes
Showing 24 of 238 recipes
Chickpea Curry with Coconut and Kale
This chickpea curry is a testament to how simplicity and respect for ingredients can create a deeply satisfying meal. Rooted in the Italian culinary spirit of honoring fresh, seasonal produce and balanced flavors, this dish elevates humble pantry staples like chickpeas and kale with a rich, creamy coconut curry sauce.
Chickpea Farinata
If you love classic farinata but are looking for a more delicious and crispy version, this chickpea farinata is perfect for you!
Chili Coconut Tofu Sandwich
Thin crisp-edged tofu coated in toasted garlic-coconut chutney, stacked with herb yogurt and quick-pickled cabbage.
Chinese Eggs with Soy Bean Sauce
Inspired by a recent trip to China, this Chinese egg dish with fermented bean paste is a quick, easy midweek dinner that’s savory and super tasty!
Chinese-Style Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
This Instant Pot shredded chicken is my go-to meal prep recipe. Tender chicken pressure cooked in oyster sauce, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic comes out juicy and full of Chinese flavor in just 20 minutes. I make a big batch every Sunday and use it all week.
Classic Italian Potato Gnocchi
Soft homemade potato gnocchi made with red potatoes and 00 flour, with complete versions both with egg and without egg.
Coconut Curry Potsticker Soup
This soup blends bold Asian flavors with Italian-inspired simplicity, using a single pot and fresh ingredients. A creamy coconut broth, enhanced by red curry paste, forms the base for tender potstickers and vibrant vegetables.
Colorful Vegetable Casserole with Potatoes
Potatoes, broccoli, carrots, and bell pepper in creamy béchamel sauce, baked with cheese and ready in 50 minutes.
Corn Casserole
A classic stir-and-bake corn casserole with a soft, creamy center and lightly crisp top, perfect for holidays and weeknight dinners.
Cowboy Butter Chicken
This Cowboy Butter Chicken is a quick one-pan dinner made with juicy chicken breasts tossed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with herbs, lemon, and a touch of heat. Bold, balanced, and ready in about 30 minutes, it’s the kind of meal that feels a little extra without the extra effort.
Cowboy Butter Salmon
Cowboy Butter Salmon is a quick skillet salmon recipe where crispy pan-seared fillets are finished in a bold garlic butter sauce with lemon, herbs, Dijon mustard, and a little heat. Ready in about 20 minutes, it’s a simple dinner with big flavor.
Cream and Ham Tortellini
Homemade meat-filled tortellini tossed with diced cooked ham in a silky cream sauce, finished with nutmeg and Parmigiano Reggiano.
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken
Golden chicken thighs in a quick creamy pan sauce with garlic, sliced mushrooms, chicken broth, and Parmesan.
Creamy Lemon Basil Orzo with Stracchino
Rice-shaped orzo cooked risotto-style, then finished with melting stracchino, fresh lemon, basil, and extra-virgin olive oil.
Creamy Lemon Chicken with Asparagus
A quick one-skillet dinner of golden chicken breast and crisp asparagus in a light Dijon, lemon and cream sauce.
Crispy Chicken Katsu Noodle Bowls
Sesame-panko chicken, glossy soy-ginger rice noodles and edamame finished with spicy Japanese-style mayonnaise.
Crispy Edamame Shiitake Bowls
These flavorful edamame bowls start with lemony broccoli rice topped with this rich, Indo-Chinese-inspired shiitake mushroom sauce and crispy, crunchy roasted edamame on top! The combination of textures and flavors is just absolutely fabulous.
Vegan Crispy Rice Salad
Oven-crisped paprika rice, soy strips, cucumber, and tomatoes finished with a creamy cashew-miso dressing.
Crispy Shredded Halloumi Kale Salad
A spoonable kale-and-rice salad with garlic cider vinaigrette, dill, pine nuts, red onion, and a generous layer of crispy shredded halloumi.
Crock Pot Pulled Pork Sliders
Apple, garlic and thyme slow-cooked pork shoulder, shredded into its savory juices and served on soft slider buns.
Crockpot Beef Stew
A hearty slow-cooker beef stew with potatoes, carrots, celery, garlic, Dijon mustard, and beef broth. Searing the beef first builds deep, comforting flavor.
Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini
Chicken Tetrazzini is a classic Italian-American comfort dish that combines tender chicken, mushrooms, and pasta in a luscious, creamy sauce. This slow cooker version honors the tradition of simple, hearty ingredients while embracing the ease of modern technique.
Crockpot White Chicken Chili
This white chicken chili exemplifies the beauty of slow cooking: minimal effort with maximum flavor. By combining simple, wholesome ingredients and letting them simmer gently, the slow cooker transforms them into a comforting, hearty dish that celebrates balance and depth without fuss.
Crispy Breaded Veal Cutlets
Four thin veal cutlets coated with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then fried at 338°F until evenly golden.