This is our favorite part.
The Quanto Basta Digest
Ciao and welcome! We're so glad you're here. This little corner of our website is where a lot of magical (and delicious) stuff happens. Whether it be a recipe for an obscure Sardinian pasta dish, a tutorial on how to use one of our bestselling pasta tools, or a story about the legendary Marcella Hazan, the q.b. Digest is all about inspiring you to cook all'italiana. Check out the latest below!
Italian Recipes
Taleggio Caramelle with Cabbage and Leeks
Inspired by the hearty winter flavors of northern Italy, these candy-shaped caramelle are filled with tangy taleggio, then served over a bed of buttery cabbage sautèed with...
Silky Marinated Zucchini Pasta Salad
Rigatoni gets tossed with thinly sliced marinated zucchini, fresh mozzarella, and pine nuts in this summer-time pasta salad inspired by a Roman Jewish dish.
Corzetti Stampati with Seared Mushrooms, Marjoram & Pine Nuts
I’m a huge fan of Ligurian food. The flavors are, typically, light and refreshing—think Genovese pesto and focaccia, of course, but also vegetables and herbs,...
Basic Pasta Dough, Two Ways
Your pasta dough 101 guide, covering the basic ingredients and techniques for making fresh egg pasta dough and semolina pasta dough.
Italian Gin & Tonic
Sweet vermouth and Italian red bitters give this gin and tonic an Italian twist that's both refreshing and complex.
Spaghetti Chitarra alla Puttanesca
With cherry tomatoes, garlic, anchovies, capers, and chili pepper flakes, this classic Neapolitan pasta dish is unapologetic about its intense flavor.
Italian Cooking Tips
Five Pasta Shapes You Can Make with a Gnocchi Board
Gnocchi boards aren’t just for gnocchi. Here are 5 other pasta shapes you can make with this beloved ridged board.
Pasta dough gone wrong? Here's how to fix common issues.
Read our pasta dough troubleshooting guide, which addresses common problems like what to do when your pasta dough is too dry, too sticky, or too...
Everything You've Ever Wanted to Know About Pasta Boards
If you’re keen to elevate your pasta-making game, a key tool to consider is the pasta board—a staple in any serious pasta maker's kitchen. Here...
Embracing La Cucina Povera: Sustainable Living Starts with Using What You Have
Gillie Roberts, the founder of Ware, a sustainable essentials shop that specializes in low-waste home and body care, shares her thoughts on Italian resourcefulness in...
How to Cook Pasta: Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
We unravel the secrets to cooking and serving pasta so that you can ensure each bite is flavorful and full of life.
The Science Behind the Eggs in Your Pasta
They say pasta is an art, but it can be a science too. Here's an in-depth explanation of how eggs play a role in your...
Italian Stories
1% for AVL
A pledge to support our WNC community In late September, hurricane Helene came ripping through our hometown of Asheville, NC. This unexpected natural disaster devastated...
Interview with EXAU Olive Oil co-founder, Skyler Mapes
Skyler Mapes, co-founder of EXAU Olive Oil, shares the vision and mission for the family-owned olive oil company and gives us tips for buying, using,...
Father's Day Gift Guide for Pasta Dads
Not sure what to get your pasta-lovin papà for Father’s Day this year? We reached out to a few of our favorite “pasta dads” and...
Uncovering the Life of Marcella Hazan through Film
Get a sneak peek at a soon-to-be-released documentary that reveals the story of the beloved Italian cookbook writer, Marcella Hazan.
The Story Behind Pasta Grannies: An Interview with Vicky Bennison
The following is a partial transcript of our interview with Vicky Bennison. It has been lightly edited for content and clarity. Sarah Ubertaccio (S): Most people...
An interview with Chef Joe Sasto: Mastering the art of pasta from unexpected places
Chef Joe Sasto shares his Michelin-star advice for making better pasta and finding culinary inspiration in unusual ways.
