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 216 recipes
Skillet Gnocchi with Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic Ricotta
One-pan skillet gnocchi with ricotta in a rich, sun-dried tomato sauce is a satisfying one-pan, 30-minute dinner! Serve on its own or with crusty bread to scoop up the delicious sauce.
Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Bowls
This recipe marries Italian patience with Southwestern flavors, using a slow cooker to infuse chicken with spices while remaining tender and juicy. The final bowls reflect the Italian tradition of combining proteins with fresh toppings for a hearty meal.
Slow Cooker Jambalaya
This easy Slow Cooker Jambalaya recipe is a Louisiana classic made simple, with all the big flavor and half the effort.
Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
Juicy Italian sausage slow-cooks on a bed of peppers and onions, all simmered in marinara for a cozy, hands-off dinner. Perfect for hoagies or pasta.
Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oatmeal
Steel cut oats provide a simple, hearty breakfast that respects their natural texture. This slow cooker method ensures creamy yet chewy oats with subtle cinnamon and vanilla flavors.
Soboro Don (Ground Chicken Bowl)
Craving a quick and comforting meal? Try Soboro Don, sweet-savory ground chicken and fluffy scrambled eggs over a bowl of rice. It's a simple bento lunch classic that’s just as delicious for weeknight dinners.
Soupless Tom Yum Noodles
A burst of spicy, sour, and sweet flavors in every bite! Perfect for a noodle bar party!
Cheesy Spaetzle and Leek Casserole
Creamy German spaetzle casserole with softened leek and savory cheese, prepared in 15 minutes and baked until golden.
Spaghetti alla Puttanesca
Spaghetti alla puttanesca is a delicious pasta dish with tomato, olives, anchovies, and capers, easy and quick to prepare! Discover the ingredients and recipe.
Spaghetti Frittata
A complete dish that combines simplicity and depth of flavor, perfect for picnics or using up leftover pasta!
Spaghetti with Asparagus
Cooking is a constant surprise; you never stop discovering new things, even in the simplest preparations. This dish gives the spaghetti the flavor of asparagus, and, in addition, the combination with a carrot cream is truly delicious.
Spaghetti with Clams
A classic of Italian cuisine, Spaghetti with clams is a comforting first course dish from the Campania region. Cooked throughout Italy and the world!
Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna Roll Ups
Transform classic layered lasagna into elegant, individual portions that are perfect for meal prep. This format respects each ingredient while offering a fuss-free way to enjoy traditional Italian cuisine.
Squid Ink Risotto
Squid ink risotto with sautéed squid is a truly flavorful seafood appetizer, perfect for many occasions!
Steamed Ribs with Pumpkin
Sweet, savory steamed ribs with pumpkin
Stewed Cuttlefish
A simple yet delicious seafood dish, stewed cuttlefish is perfect for pasta seasoning. The rich flavors make it a delightful choice.
Stuffed Zucchini Flowers: Fried or Baked?
Discover the perfect stuffed zucchini flowers, prepared with a classic ricotta filling and two cooking methods.
Supplì al Telefono
Supplì al telefono, also known as supplì alla romana, get their name from the mozzarella inside, which melts into golden strands.
Sweet and Savory Crepes
With the basic batter for sweet and savory crepes, you can finally prepare perfect crepes to fill as you like! Here's the recipe.
Tagliatelle with White Ragù
Egg tagliatelle coated in a slow-cooked tomato-free ragù of beef, fresh sausage, pancetta, vegetables, white wine and herbs.
Tagliolini Tart
Tagliolini Tart is an easy, impressive baked pasta tart with puff pastry, peas, ham, and cheese that slices neatly for serving.
Taiwanese Three Cup Chicken
Tender chicken thigh pieces braised with soy, rice wine, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and Thai basil until coated in a glossy mahogany sauce.
Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
This dish reimagines classic Thai chicken satay by simmering tender chicken breast pieces directly in a rich, creamy peanut sauce. Instead of the traditional skewered grilling, gentle baking infuses flavors of garlic, ginger, soy, lime, and heat, simplifying the process while enhancing the taste.
Thai Grilled Chicken (Gai Yang)
Recipe video above. This Thai Chicken recipe is an easy way to make Gai Yang at home, Thailand’s famous barbecue chicken. It uses a fragrant Thai marinade that delivers street-stall delicious – without pounding pastes, lighting coals or wrestling a whole chicken! Cook on the stove though it's especially great on the BBQ. A dipping sauce isn’t essential because the marinade already brings big flavor and keeps the chicken super juicy. But in Thailand it’s traditional, so why not? Spoon it over or dunk away!