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 227 recipes
Mozzarella in carrozza
Mozzarella in carrozza is a traditional Neapolitan recipe, made with slices of sandwich bread filled with stringy mozzarella.
Mushroom Risotto
Mushroom risotto is a classic autumn appetizer made with mixed mushrooms, creamy and flavorful! Discover the recipe to prepare it at your home.
Mustard Green Stir Fry Recipe
Healthy leave mustard stir fry recipe with garlic and chili peppers.
No Bake Butterfinger Bars
These No Bake Butterfinger Bars are crunchy, peanut buttery, and topped with a smooth layer of chocolate. Made with cornflakes cereal, peanut butter, and a simple stovetop syrup, they come together in about 20 minutes and taste just like the classic candy bar.
Octopus Luciana Style
Octopus Luciana style is cooked in a delicious tomato sauce flavored with olives and capers: a typical recipe from the Campania region, easy to prepare!
Olive all'ascolana
Olive all'ascolana is a typical appetizer from the Marche region. Discover here the doses and procedure to prepare this typical recipe at home!
One Pot Chicken with Vegetables from the Air Fryer
When I don't have time to cook, this one-pot chicken with vegetables from the air fryer is my savior. Simply put everything together and cook in the air fryer for 10 minutes, and it's ready to serve!
One Pot Ravioli from the Oven
My one-pot ravioli, thanks to the oven, is not only the perfect everyday dish, but it tastes even better baked with mozzarella than it does from the pot.
One Pot Tortellini
My one-pot tortellini is incredibly creamy, simple, and quick to make. In just 20 minutes, your new family favorite will be on the table.
Orecchiette with turnip tops
Chef Fabio Abbattista has prepared orecchiette with turnip tops for Giallozafferano, one of the most representative traditional dishes of Puglia!
Oven Roasted Potatoes
These Oven Roasted Potatoes are an easy side made with russet potatoes, a quick parboil, and simple seasonings for deeply golden edges and fluffy centers.
Oven-Roasted Veal with Potatoes
The oven-roasted veal with potatoes is a classic meat dish for holidays or Sundays: discover the recipe for perfect cooking!
Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce
If you like cod recipes, you'll love this easy recipe for pan-seared cod with white wine tomato basil sauce! The tomato sauce is brimming with flavor thanks to minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, fresh herbs, red pepper flakes, and white wine. Make the sauce, pan fry the cod fillets until they flake easily with a fork, then pour the sauce over the white fish. Ready in about 15 minutes!
Pandoro
Homemade pandoro is a classic Christmas treat, a soft and fluffy cake that's delicious when dusted with powdered sugar. Discover the perfect recipe to make it!
Panelle
Panelle are delicious and tasty chickpea flour fritters, typical of Palermo, where they are eaten as street food.
Panzanella
Panzanella is a Tuscan dish made with stale bread, tomatoes, onions... there are many versions. Discover our classic recipe with ingredients and tips!
Pastry Cream
Discover how to prepare a smooth and fragrant pastry cream: Iginio Massari's easy, quick, and perfect recipe for cakes and homemade desserts!
Pear and Chocolate Fugassa
Soft and fragrant pear and chocolate fugassa: a simple recipe to make at home for a tall and fluffy cake, with caramelized pears and melted chocolate chips.
Pear and Gorgonzola Focaccia
The pear and gorgonzola focaccia is one of the most unique and delicious recipes I've tried recently: a bold but irresistible combination of the sweetness of pears and the intense flavor of gorgonzola, with a crunchy note of walnuts. Don't be intimidated by the unusual combination (unusual, yes, but now quite common): I assure you that from the first bite, this focaccia will win over even the most traditional palates! Perfect for surprising guests during an aperitif, a casual dinner, or as a vegetarian main course alongside a beautiful salad. If you don't like gorgonzola, you can substitute it with milder cheeses, such as taleggio or brie, for a less intense but still very tasty version!
Peperonata
Peperonata is a delicious and flavorful side dish, perfect for accompanying various summer main courses and can be served hot or cold!
Pistachio Date Chocolate Balls
These Pistachio Date Chocolate Balls are a simple no bake treat made with just 4 ingredients. Sweet dates and pistachios are blended into a chewy center, rolled into bite sized balls, and dipped in rich chocolate. They’re easy to make, naturally sweet, and perfect when you want a quick snack or small chocolate treat.
Polenta concia
Polenta concia is a rich and hearty recipe from the rural tradition that encompasses the mountain areas of Northern Italy.
Polenta with Sausage and Cheese
Polenta with sausage and cheese is a hearty, traditional dish from the mountain regions. Perfect for enjoying during the winter season.
Polpettone
Discover the meatloaf recipe: slices of veal wrap a delicious meat filling for a second course ideal for special occasions.