Menu
Sfoglini
0
  • Shop
    • Shop All
    • Durum Wheat Semolina Pasta
    • Organic Pastas Made with Whole Grains
    • Pasta Shapes from The Sporkful
    • Specialty & Limited-Edition Pastas
    • Sets & Gifts
    • The Sfoglini Pasta Club
  • Pasta Club
  • Recipes
  • Pasta Stories
  • About Us
    • Our Story
    • Our Techniques
    • FAQs
    • Wholesale
  • Where to Buy
  • Sign in
  • Your Cart is Empty
Sfoglini
  • Shop
    • Shop All
    • Durum Wheat Semolina Pasta
    • Organic Pastas Made with Whole Grains
    • Pasta Shapes from The Sporkful
    • Specialty & Limited-Edition Pastas
    • Sets & Gifts
    • The Sfoglini Pasta Club
  • Pasta Club
  • Recipes
  • Pasta Stories
  • About Us
    • Our Story
    • Our Techniques
    • FAQs
    • Wholesale
  • Where to Buy
  • 0 0
Access Denied
IMPORTANT! If you’re a store owner, please make sure you have Customer accounts enabled in your Store Admin, as you have customer based locks set up with EasyLockdown app. Enable Customer Accounts

Pasta Stories

Home   Pasta Stories   Page 1 of 2
Reviving the Retro Pasta Salad

Reviving the Retro Pasta Salad

May 12, 2026

There was a time when no summer gathering was complete without a pasta salad sitting somewhere beside the burgers, chips, and watermelon slices. Elbow macaroni coated in mayo-heavy dressing. Tri-color fusilli tossed with bottled Italian vinaigrette, olives, cubes of cheese, and maybe a handful of cherry tomatoes if someone was feeling ambitious. Big bowls appeared at backyard cookouts, family reunions, neighborhood block parties, and Memorial Day picnics. Packed into coolers for beach days or spooned onto paper plates at outdoor gatherings, pasta salad was less of a recipe and more of a summer ritual.

Colorful pasta salad made with Sfoglini Ziti  in a yellow bowl on a checkered tablecloth

While modern elevated pasta salads certainly have their place, sometimes nothing hits quite like a classic. And honestly? Those retro pasta salads still deserve a spot at the table.

Because beneath the nostalgia, pasta salad has always had something going for it: it’s practical, endlessly customizable, easy to make ahead, and built for gathering.

Are they slightly overdressed? Yes.

Can they be made even better today? Also yes, with the right pasta.

The secret to a truly good pasta salad isn’t just the dressing or the vegetables. It’s the pasta itself. Shape matters. Texture matters. The way sauce clings to ridges and folds matters.

That’s where Sfoglini pasta shines.

Our bronze-cut pasta with ridges, curves, and ruffles catches dressing in a way smooth, shiny teflon-cut pasta simply can’t. Shapes like Radiators, Cascatelli, and Vesuvio bring structure and texture to cold pasta dishes, helping every bite stay flavorful instead of slipping into blandness.

Sfoglini Cascatelli Pasta salad with peas and bacon in a bowl on a checkered tablecloth

Think of Cascatelli in a classic creamy ranch-style pasta salad. Its ruffled edges effortlessly cling to dressing, while bits of crispy bacon, peas, and red onion settle naturally into the curved sauce trough. The shape lends itself especially well to make-ahead salads, keeping that signature toothsome texture in every bite.

To revive the classic Italian dressing antipasto salad, try Whole Grain Radiators tossed with salami, provolone, black olives, pepperoncini, and chopped parsley. Whether you make an herby homemade vinaigrette or reach for a bottle of zesty Italian dressing, the deep grooves catch dressing and bits of chopped vegetables beautifully, making every forkful feel loaded and flavorful.

Sfoglini Whole Grain Radiators Pasta salad with various ingredients in a decorative bowl, featuring ITALIAN DRESSING bottle in the background.

Even an old-school macaroni salad gets an upgrade with Einkorn Ziti. Its nutty flavor and firmer bite bring depth to creamy mayo-laced dressings tossed with crunchy celery and bits of bell pepper. We’ll let you debate whether hard-boiled eggs belong in pasta salad… and take no official position.

The beauty of retro pasta salad is that it was never meant to be precious. It’s generous food. Make-ahead food. Second-helping food. The kind of dish meant for crowded tables and warm afternoons.

But a few small details can make a big difference:

  • Salt pasta water generously so the pasta itself is flavorful.

  • Choose a Sfoglini pasta shape with curves, ridges, or hollows to catch dressing.

  • Dress the pasta while slightly warm so it absorbs more flavor.

  • Mix in crunchy ingredients for balance and texture.

  • Save a little extra dressing to refresh leftovers the next day.

  • Don’t be afraid of bold flavors. Pasta salad should taste lively and bright when served cold.

Colorful Sfoglini Vesuvio pasta salad with vegetables in a bowl on a wooden table

Retro pasta salads also happen to be one of the few dishes that genuinely improve with a little time. The dressing settles in. The flavors meld together. The slightly chilled leftovers the next day somehow taste even better straight from the fridge.

And maybe that’s why they’re worth revisiting now.

Not because they’re trendy or ironic. But because they’ve always been exactly what summer cooking should be: easy, satisfying, shareable, and full of personality.

Especially when the pasta brings a little extra texture to the party.

Read More

Get Saucy, Senza Pomodori

Get Saucy, Senza Pomodori

April 15, 2026

Tomatoes may take the spotlight in many pasta sauces, but they’re far from the only way to bring bold, satisfying flavor to your dish. Italy has a deep tradition of rich, vibrant sauces that don’t rely on a single tomato—from silky cheese-based emulsions to herbaceous pestos and briny seafood classics. 

We offer a few quick, classic Italian sauce techniques that complement our pastas and other equally flavorful ingredients. All are senza pomodori (without tomatoes). Several involve cooking pasta in minimal water, which creates an extra-starchy pasta water for your sauce. (For details, see our Pancetta and Pea Cacio e Pepe.) Mastering these techniques means unlocking the power of pasta water—it binds, thickens, and enriches, transforming simple ingredients into velvety, full-bodied sauces.

So, if you’ve ever wondered how Italian cooks create magic without tomatoes, here’s your answer. Let’s get saucy!

Aglio e Olio (Garlic and Oil)

This barely-there sauce almost transparently coats pasta so that flavorful ingredients shine through. Melt a few thinly sliced garlic cloves (per serving) in olive oil until soft but uncolored. Stir in cooked pasta with just enough pasta water to loosen the oil and coat the pasta. Toss in a few tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese until it just melts, loosening with more pasta water if needed. Garnish as desired. Try this technique in our recipe for Aglio e Olio with Pepperoncini.

pasta dish aglio e olio with garlic and red pepper flakes in a black bowl on a wooden surface.

Salsa al Limone (Lemon Sauce)

Our rough pasta texture loves soaking up this bright, creamy five-minute sauce. Cook your pasta to just under al dente. As it cooks, infuse fresh lemon juice and zest into melted butter or heavy cream, whisking to emulsify. Stir in a cup or so of pasta water, then the pasta and a few handfuls of grated Parmesan, moving the pasta continually until the sauce thickens and coats. 

Pasta Primavera

Bright, fresh, and effortlessly elegant, pasta primavera celebrates the natural sweetness and texture of seasonal vegetables in a light, silky sauce. Think tender-crisp asparagus, peas, zucchini, and herbs gently tossed with pasta and just enough olive oil, cheese, and starchy pasta water to bring everything together. The result is a delicate, glossy coating that lets each ingredient shine—never heavy, always vibrant. It’s a true showcase of senza pomodori cooking, where peak produce and thoughtful technique transform simplicity into something deeply satisfying. For an intricate barely-there sauce, try our Pasta Primavera.

Pasta Primavera dish with broccoli and asparagus on a wooden table with a green napkin.

Pesto

Pesto translates as bruised or crushed. When basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese become pesto, they deliver a sauce that sings with fresh flavors. Because pesto is preserved uncooked, adding it to cooked pasta taken off the heat yields the brightest flavor. Stir just enough pesto over pasta to lightly coat, adding a little pasta water to emulsify until glossy. Or for an herb free approach, try our Rye Trumpets with Kale Pesto.

Cacio e Pepe (Cheese and Pepper)

One of Rome’s infamous dishes, this simple sauce requires quickly combined ingredients. While pasta cooks to al dente, toast freshly ground peppercorns in a dry skillet. Add a few tablespoons of pasta water and simmer until fragrant. In a small bowl, grate about a cup of Pecorino Romano, then whisk in enough hot pasta water to melt and emulsify. In the skillet, quickly toss together the pasta and cream sauce, cooking for a few minutes to coat, thinning with pasta water as necessary. for another approach, try our Peas and Pancetta Cacio e Pepe.

Pasta dish with peas in a pan and bowl on a dark surface

Vongole (Clams)

With a romantic Neapolitan history, this bright and briny sauce sings of the sea—no matter where you eat it. Simply sauté fresh garlic and chili slices in olive oil until soft. Then add scrubbed clams and white wine, cover, and steam for 2-3 minutes until the clams are just tender. Toss in cooked Bigoli, and you’ll feel transported to Naples!

Carbonara and Cacio e Uova (Cheese and Egg)

Egg yolks add richness to these beloved classics. While cooking your pasta, brown cured pork in olive oil for carbonara; soften garlic in oil for cacio e uova. Separately, whisk egg yolks into grated Pecorino Romano and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheeses, along with some cracked pepper. Add al dente pasta and about half a cup of pasta water to the skillet (set on low heat), then quickly add the cheese and egg mixture. Cook, tossing constantly, until thickened, adding more water if clumpy. For two twists on these classics, head to our Vodka Carbonara Quattrotini alla Nerano or Bourbon Carbonara Whole Grain Trumpets.

Plate of pasta with vegetables and bacon on a black plate with a fork and knife.

Sugo di Noci (Walnut Sauce)

This uncooked, creamy, slightly sweet sauce is almost as traditional in Liguria as pesto! Soak some uncrusted white bread in milk. Blend with toasted walnuts, a tiny bit of raw garlic, olive oil, and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese until smooth, adding more milk if necessary. Try it over stuffed pasta, gnocchi, our Bigoli, or even as a cold dip!

Pasta alla Gricia (Pasta with Guanciale)

One of the oldest dishes of Rome, this tomato-less Amatriciana (or an eggless carbonara) requires only pork fat and starchy water to create a thick, slick sauce. Given its simplicity, sourcing flavorful guanciale (cured pork jowl) is key, as is cooking pasta halfway through in minimal water. As the pasta cooks, crisp cubed guanciale in a large skillet, then remove the meat. Whisk in a few cups of pasta water to emulsify the fat. Then add the half cooked pasta, stirring to coat and finish cooking. When nearly done, remove from heat, add the meat, gradually fold in a few handfuls of grated Pecorino Romano, and finish with freshly cracked pepper. Try this technique in our recipe for Rigatoni alla Gricia.

Pasta on a plate with a fork, next to uncooked pasta and a box of rigatoni pasta.

Whether you’re seeking something bright, rich, or briny, these senza pomodori sauces prove that you don’t need tomatoes to create deeply flavorful pasta. From silky emulsions to crisp, fresh vegetables, from bold cheeses to delicate seafood, every technique celebrates the magic of pasta itself. Keep your pasta water close, your ingredients simple, and your palate adventurous—because the next time you cook, you might just discover a new favorite sauce, tomato-free and unforgettable.

Read More

A Taste of Spring: Vegetable-Forward Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

A Taste of Spring: Vegetable-Forward Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

March 27, 2026

Spring is a season of renewal, and nothing celebrates it quite like fresh vegetables at the market. From tender asparagus to sweet peas, fragrant ramps to delicate herbs, spring produce is vibrant, versatile, and perfect for pasta.

This spring, take inspiration from what’s growing around you and let vegetables and herbs lead the way, turning simple meals into a celebration of flavor, color, and texture.

Peas & Mint

Sweet, tender peas add pops of flavor and vibrant color, while cooling mint lifts the dish and balances richer components like sausage or cheese. Whole Grain Trumpets carry the combination beautifully, adding a subtle nuttiness that complements the sweetness of the peas.

Try our recipe for Whole Grain Trumpets with Sausage, Peas & Mint →

Bonus idea: Blanch peas until bright green, then blend with olive oil, a splash of pasta water, fresh mint, and a handful of Parmesan until smooth and creamy. Toss the purée with cooked Bucatini, loosening with a touch of  pasta water as needed to coat every strand. Finish with cracked black pepper and a few whole peas for texture.

Pasta dish with Whole Grain Trumpets with Sausage, Peas & Mint on a plate with a fork

Leeks, Asparagus & Broccoli

Radiators Primavera highlights spring’s crisp, green flavors. Sweet, tender leeks, crisp asparagus, and slightly earthy broccoli combine with bursts of peas, all enhanced by a white-wine sauce and finished with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan. The Radiators cook right in the sauce, soaking up all the brothy deliciousness.

Try our recipe for Radiators Primavera →

Bonus idea: Sauté sliced leeks in olive oil until soft and fragrant, then add chopped asparagus and broccoli and cook until just tender. Transfer to a blender with warm broth and a handful of Parmesan, puréeing until silky and vibrant green. Serve as a light soup with cooked Cavatelli stirred in, letting the pasta add texture and make it a satisfying, spring-forward bowl.

Pasta dish with Leeks, Asparagus & Broccoli and radiators  on a wooden table

Ricotta & Mint

Creamy ricotta, sharp Pecorino, and cool mint elevate golden Saffron Malloreddus into a fragrant, spring-forward dish. The pasta’s tiny outer grooves and curved center cradle every bit of herby, cheesy sauce, ensuring each bite is aromatic and satisfying.

Try our recipe for Saffron Malloreddus with Ricotta, Pecorino & Mint →

Bonus idea: Simmer cherry tomatoes in olive oil with garlic until they burst and create a light, saucy base. Toss with Vesuvio, then finish each bowl with a generous dollop of ricotta mixed with finely chopped mint, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. The cool, herby ricotta melts slightly into the warm tomatoes, creating a bright, creamy contrast.

Pasta dish with ricotta and herbs in a white bowl on a marble surface with a gold fork.

Asparagus & Ramps

Two of spring’s first arrivals! Tender asparagus offers subtle sweetness and a crisp snap when quickly sautéed, while ramps bring a mild, garlicky aroma that infuses dishes with depth. Together, they shine with fluted, ruffled Trumpets, which cradle the sauce and vegetables, ensuring every bite captures the bright, fresh flavors of spring.

Try our recipe for Trumpets with Asparagus and Ramps →

Bonus idea: Grill whole asparagus and halved ramps over high heat until lightly charred and tender, about 3–5 minutes. Chop into bite-sized pieces and toss with cooked Radiators, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon, letting the smoky edges contrast with the fresh, green flavor. Finish with grated Pecorino and a drizzle of good olive oil for a simple, fire-kissed spring pasta.

Two bowls of Trumpet pasta with asparagus on a wooden table.

Spinach & Cream

Tender spinach adds vibrant color and a delicate, earthy flavor that melts seamlessly into creamy pasta dishes. In this recipe, it’s blended with cream into a silky sauce that clings to long strands of Bigoli, coating each bite without feeling heavy. It’s a simple, comforting combination that still feels bright and distinctly spring-ready.

Try our recipe for Bigoli with Spinach Cream Sauce →

Bonus idea: Toss hot, freshly drained Einkorn Ziti with a few handfuls of baby spinach, letting the residual heat gently wilt the leaves. Add olive oil, lemon zest, and shaved Parmesan, stirring until the spinach softens but stays vibrant. Let cool slightly and finish with toasted nuts or breadcrumbs for a simple, spring pasta salad that’s both fresh and satisfying.

Bowl of green pasta with toppings on a wooden table with a package of bigoli pasta  and cheese in the background.

Lemon & Mint 

Fresh mint and lemon zest brings brightness and lift, transforming traditional pesto into something distinctly spring-forward. Paired with Whole Grain Radiators, it creates a balance of herbaceous flavor and hearty texture.

Try our recipe for Whole Grain Radiators with Mint Pistachio Pesto →

Bonus idea: Make a quick mint gremolata by finely chopping mint, parsley, garlic, and lemon zest, then stirring in olive oil. Spoon it over warm Quattrotini with roasted vegetables or grilled sausage, letting the herbs stay bright. It adds a fresh, slightly sharp finish that cuts through richness and makes the whole dish feel lighter and more spring-forward.

Pasta dish with radiators and pesto in a gray bowl on a green napkin.

Cooking with Spring Produce

Spring pasta recipes are the perfect way to showcase the season’s bounty. Tender vegetables like asparagus, ramps, peas, spinach, leeks, and broccoli paired with aromatic herbs such as mint, parsley, and chives transform pasta into dishes that are vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying.

Experimenting with different techniques—from grilling and roasting to blending and blanching—brings out new textures and layers of flavor. Explore these spring pasta recipes to celebrate fresh vegetables, embrace creative cooking methods, and bring the bright, colorful taste of spring to your table.

Read More

Sunday Sauce, Six Ways

Sunday Sauce, Six Ways

March 19, 2026

If you’re craving a feast that encourages savoring the moment, look no further than the slow, steady simmer of a Sunday sauce. 

Once a staple in Italian-American families, the leisurely meal of braised meats, sausages, and meatballs in slow-cooked tomato gravy often feels less feasible in our hectic modern lives. But gathering at the table with loved ones is always something to treasure.

To help reinvigorate the tradition, we offer six delicious variations more than worth the time and effort.

Sfoglini pasta box surrounded by ingredients on a white surface

Tradition, Made Flexible

Whether a family calls it sauce, sugo, or gravy, the term defines a process more than a recipe. Most families start by sautéeing onions and garlic (sometimes deglazing with red wine), then add a combination of whole, crushed, puréed, or tomato paste. Pork loin, shoulder, ribs, veal shank, brisket, or braciole may be browned and then simmered in the sauce for several hours. Sausages and meatballs are then seared and added for the last hour or two. These components are served separately or with pasta tossed in, depending on preference. 

Give this technique a try with a  traditional Sunday sauce recipe, Reginetti with Sunday Gravy.

 

Reginetti with Sunday Gravy - Pasta dish with meatballs and vegetables in a gray bowl

 

A Simpler Slow

Nonnas of yore spent much of the weekend standing guard at the stove. To achieve similarly flavorful results, combine the above sautéed aromatics and tomato ingredients in a slow cooker. Nestle large browned meats in the bottom, then float seared sausages and meatballs up top. Set on low and cook for up to 8 hours. It’s a hands-off way to bring slow, developed flavor back into a busy Sunday.

Umami Without Meat

Mushrooms are rich in glutamates, the amino acids that make foods savory. Drying mushrooms intensifies that umami quality, making them ideal for satisfying vegan sauces. To harness their potential, sauté chopped fresh and reconstituted dry mushrooms with aromatics, then simmer them into the sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy touch. For a creamy vegetarian sauce with a mushroom mirepoix, try our Bucatini with Mushroom Bolognese or double down on fungi with our Porcini Trumpets and Mushroom Ragu.

 

Bucatini pasta with mushroom sauce in a pan next to a package of Pasta

 

Slow-Cooked and Preserved

That’s the definition of confit, and slowly caramelizing tomatoes lets their sweetness sing. For a confit sauce, halve cherry, grape, or plum tomatoes and toss them with olive oil, salt, and herbs like basil and oregano. Roast at 250°F for two hours until caramelized, or blister them in a Dutch oven on high heat, then simmer on low for an hour, stirring every ten minutes, until jammy. Toss with pasta and light produce, spiced meats or sharp cheeses. Or try our Saffron Malloreddus with Tomato Confit for a bright, luxurious dish. 

Global Inspirations

For meatball connoisseurs seeking inspiration, consider trying your hand at Middle Eastern lamb meatballs seasoned with za’atar, a blend of sumac, sesame seeds, marjoram, thyme, and oregano. Or look to the keema of India, made with beef or lamb and fragrant with coriander, ginger, cumin, turmeric, chili peppers, and sweet-spicy garam masala. For a recipe that blends India and Italy, try our Rigatoni with Butter Chicken Meatballs, where homemade garam masala meets Parmigiano Reggiano and breadcrumbs in a fragrant, creamy tomato sauce.

 

Pasta dish with butter chicken meatballs and herbs on a white plate, served on a blue tablecloth.

 

Sunday, Short on Time

Not every Sunday calls for an all-day simmer, but you can still build deep, satisfying flavor in under two hours. Start with sausage to create a rich foundation, sautéing it with onions and garlic before deglazing with red wine and adding tomatoes. Let it bubble for 60 to 90 minutes, allowing the flavors to come together without the long wait. For a streamlined take on tradition, try our Whole Grain Reginetti with Italian Sausage and Peppers, a hearty, sauce-forward dish that delivers all the comfort of Sunday, on a shorter timeline.

Sunday sauce isn’t one recipe—it’s a ritual. Whether it simmers all day or comes together in a few hours, what matters most is the time carved out to gather, cook, and share. However you make it, make it your own.

 

Pasta dish with sausage and peppers in a red pot with a marble background

Read More

Shape Meets Sauce: A Quick and Easy Guide to Pairing Pasta Shapes with Any Sauce

Shape Meets Sauce: A Quick and Easy Guide to Pairing Pasta Shapes with Any Sauce

March 06, 2026

When it comes to pasta, shape isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about how your pasta holds and delivers sauce. Each curve, ridge, hollow, or twist changes how sauce clings, pools, and balances in every bite. Whether you’re baking, twirling, or tossing, knowing the strengths of each shape transforms a simple pasta dish into a perfectly composed experience. From silky creams to hearty ragùs, the right shape can make every bite more satisfying.

Here’s our guide to help you pair your favorite shapes with the perfect sauce.

Assorted pasta dishes with herbs on a wooden surfaceHollow Tubes

These shapes trap sauce inside, delivering flavor in every bite.

Best With: Hearty Meat Ragùs • Chunky Tomato Sauces • Thick & Cheesy Sauces • Bakes

  • Rigatoni – Wide tube + exterior ridges make it ideal for thick ragùs and baked dishes.

  • Ziti – Smooth tubes shine in baked pasta, mac and cheese, and hearty soups.

  • Quattrotini – Structured, ridged tube with defined edges that grip chunky sauces and hold up beautifully in baked dishes.

Twisted Spirals

Twists create natural pockets that hold sauce without heaviness.

Best With: Silky Sauces • Light Creams • Pestos • Small-Cut Vegetables & Meats

  • Vesuvio – Twisted spiral that carries light sauces and small vegetables effortlessly.

  • Trumpets – Fluted, horn-shaped opening captures everything from delicate sauces to heartier ingredients.

Rustic Strands

Long, sturdy strands are perfect for twirling and fully coating with robust sauces.

Best With: Rich Meat Sauces • Olive Oil & Butter–Based Sauces • Cheese-Forward Classics • Twirlable Sauces

  • Bigoli – Thick, rustic strand ideal for deeply savory ragùs and rich, silky, robust sauces.

  • Bucatini – Long strand with a hollow center that excels with carbonara, cacio e pepe, and amatriciana-style sauces.

Ruffled Ribbons

Elegant edges increase surface area, making this pasta perfect for clinging creamy sauces.

Best With: Creamy Sauces • Vegetable-Forward Dishes • Any Ragù • Light Tomato Sauces

  • Reginetti – Ruffled ribbons that shine with creamy sauces and lighter ragùs.

Deeply Ridged

Pronounced ridges and grooves help these pastas hold textured sauces beautifully.

Best With: Thick & Chunky Sauces • Pestos • Bits of Vegetables • Creamy Sauces 

  • Radiators – Compact groves built for everything from pestos and pasta salads to chunky tomato sauces, hearty blends, and bubbly bakes.

  • Cavatelli – Ridges hold thicker textures while the curved center traps small ingredients like vegetables and bits of meat.

  • Saffron Malloreddus – Ridged saffron-kissed shells that cradle sausage ragùs, luscious creams, and rustic tomato sauces.

Sauce Troughs

Deep sauce-gripping elements for maximum cling.

Best With: Thick, Clingy Sauces • Chunky Vegetables & Meats • Creamy Blends • Robust Tomato Sauces

  • Cascatelli – Central sauce trough, ruffled edges, and ridges engineered to hold thick, clingy sauces and thrive in textured dishes.

  • Zucca – Deeply curved pocket that traps hearty ragùs and textured sauces beautifully.

Ultimately, great pasta is about balance. The right shape helps sauce cling, ingredients distribute evenly, and texture come through in every bite. When you match the structure of the pasta to the style of sauce—whether chunky, silky, creamy, or robust—the dish comes together naturally. Keep these pairings in mind the next time you cook, and let the shape guide your sauce for a more satisfying bowl every time.

Sfoglini pasta packages on a wooden surface with ingredients like tomatoes and cheese.

Read More

Sauced Up: A guide to using alcohol in pasta dishes.

Sauced Up: A guide to using alcohol in pasta dishes.

February 16, 2026

When it comes to alcohol and pasta, most conversations revolve around pairing alcoholic beverages with finished dishes. But alcohol plays a vital role in the cooking process, too. 

Yes, alcoholic beverages can add flavor and aroma. But beyond that, the ethanol in alcohol can transform other ingredients. So, let’s explore how wine, beer, brandy, and more can help us out at the stove.

Platter of pasta with tomatoes and herbs on a textured surfaceBrandy

Made from fruit wine that’s distilled and sometimes aged, brandies have a high alcohol content. They may offer sweet, smoky, earthy notes to dishes, and often work well against salty and tart finishing ingredients. Because of their potency, classic applications include using brandy to deglaze onions and mushrooms for steak sauces, caramelizing crusts, or deglazing pans for chicken or veal piccata. Try our Porcini Trumpet Tallarin Saltado recipe, which uses Peruvian pisco to enhance tomatoes, mushrooms, oyster sauce, and ginger for a truly transportive flavor experience.

Wine

Wine tenderizes meat, keeps proteins moist, and dissolves in both oil and water-soluble compounds. So it’s often used to deglaze pans, make finishing sauces, and bind cheese sauces. A general rule of thumb? Only cook with wine you’d gladly drink and stick with dry whites and reds—sweetness and oakiness concentrate during the cooking process, throwing off other flavors. Otherwise, use wine where you would water or stock. Our recipes for Cavatelli with Mini Meatballs and Zucca with Creamy Prosecco and Mushroom Sauce can help you get started. 

 

Pasta dish with pretzels and green onions on a blue plate, with a glass of beer and napkin in the background.Beer

Like wine, beer can pierce through fat to brine meat or emulsify soups and sauces. Stay away from overtly hoppy beers. Otherwise, cooking with beer is less about adding flavor and more about taking advantage of its weight and intensity. Light/medium ales and wheat beers add effervescence to pasta dishes with shrimp, shellfish, and pillowy cheeses. Porters, lagers, and stouts work well with loud ingredients like tomatoes, sausages, mustard, and sharp cheeses, some of which you’ll find in our lager-infused Quattrotini and Beer Cheese recipe.

Spirits 

Light distilled spirits contain mostly water and ethanol, which deepen and transport aromas of other ingredients while adding subtle flavors. Those ethanols also help keep emulsified sauces from breaking so that they stay shiny and creamy. That’s why Pasta Alla Vodka is such a classic—clean vodka enhances the sweetness of tomatoes and creates a luscious cream sauce. Floral gin produces a particularly aromatic bouquet with basil and rosemary. Or try our Einkorn Ziti recipe, where slightly sweet soju balances out salty, briny ingredients.

Pasta dish with green herbs in a pink bowl on a marble surface

Whisky

While their high alcohol content means you can use them as you would other spirits, whiskies often have a greater depth of flavor, layering notes of smoke, pepper, oak, caramel, chocolate, and more. They work well in dishes that are equally loud and smoky, especially when finished with acid from lemon, pineapple, or grapefruit.  A splash or two will enhance the earthy flavors of our rye and whole wheat pasta or the smoke of bacon, prosciutto, or sausage. Try your favorite bourbon in our Bourbon Carbonara Trumpet recipe, where maple bacon and bourbon come together in smoky sweetness.

Beyond The Bar 101

The primary benefit of using alcohol in savory cooking? It cuts through fat, binds ingredients, and enhances their flavors. So when you go to scrape the sticky bits from the bottom of a sauté pan, reach for a bottle instead of broth. The next time, reach for a different bottle. And repeat.

Pasta dish with bacon and cheese on a black plate, placed on a blue towel.

 

Read More

Cook Something You Love: Recipes Made for Sharing.

Cook Something You Love: Recipes Made for Sharing.

February 03, 2026

February invites us to slow down and gather around the table. It is a time for lingering dinners, cozy brunches, and meals that feel a little more thoughtful. Valentine’s Day is part of it, of course, but so is celebrating friends, family, and anyone you love cooking for, including yourself.

At Sfoglini, we believe pasta is one of the easiest ways to show care. One pot on the stove, one platter in the center of the table, and a meal that encourages conversation and second helpings. These seven recipes are made for sharing, whether you are planning a romantic dinner, a casual get together, or a relaxed weekend brunch.

Swiss Chard Bigoli Pie

This savory pie is perfect for a Valentine’s weekend brunch or a cozy afternoon meal. Swiss chard and Bigoli come together in a dish that slices beautifully and invites everyone to dig in.

Why it is perfect for sharing: Easy to portion, easy to pass, and perfect for lingering around the table.

Cook something you love: Make this recipe →

Reginetti Lasagna

This take on lasagna swaps traditional sheets for elegant Reginetti ribbons that layer beautifully with sauce and cheese. It bakes up bubbling and golden, ready to be set in the center of the table and sliced generously.

Why it is perfect for sharing: Lasagna is meant to be shared, and the ruffled edges of Reginetti make every portion feel special.

Cook something you love: Make this recipe →

Saffron Malloreddus alla Campidanese

Saffron kissed Malloreddus paired with a savory sausage sauce creates a dish that feels celebratory without being fussy. Warm spices, rich aroma, and beautiful color make it a standout for February meals.

Why it is perfect for sharing: Deeply comforting flavors that invite lingering at the table and second servings.

Cook something you love: Make this recipe →

Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese

Creamy, cheesy, and just spicy enough, this playful take on mac and cheese brings comfort with a little attitude. It is familiar, fun, and always a crowd pleaser.

Why it is perfect for sharing: A dish everyone gravitates toward, perfect for casual gatherings and relaxed nights in.

Cook something you love: Make this recipe →

Calabrian Chili Cascatelli with Marcella’s Marinara

A classic marinara gets a gentle kick from Calabrian chili, brought to life by Cascatelli’s playful curves and sauce loving curves. It is bold, comforting, and familiar in the best way, with just enough heat to keep things interesting.

Why it is perfect for sharing: A big platter, a generous ladle of sauce, and a shape that holds onto every bite make this ideal for passing around the table.

Cook something you love: Make this recipe →

Chicken Cacciatore with Einkorn Ziti

Tender chicken simmered in a tomato rich sauce meets hearty Einkorn Ziti in this rustic classic. It is nourishing, satisfying, and full of comforting, familiar flavors.

Why it is perfect for sharing: A one bowl meal that feels generous and grounding, ideal for slow dinners together.

Cook something you love: Make this recipe →

Quattrotini with Sausage Ragu

Quattrotini’s sculpted shape captures every bit of rich sausage ragu, delivering a satisfying bite every time. This is a hearty, cozy dish that feels just right for a shared meal.

Why it is perfect for sharing: Built for sauce lovers and family style serving, it rewards every scoop.

Cook something you love: Make this recipe →

This February, let pasta be your love language!

Cooking is one of the simplest ways to show love, including love for yourself. It does not have to be complicated or perfect. It just has to come from a place of care. This month, cook something you truly love, whether it is for a full table or just for you, and share the love one plate, one table, at a time.

Read More

Pictures of Sfoglini pasta in bowls of soups and stews with text "Winter Comfort, One Bowl at a Time"

Winter Comfort, One Bowl at a Time

January 16, 2026

Few dishes sing of winter quite like a steaming bowl of soup, especially when the pasta itself is built to hold up in a simmering pot. Sfoglini shapes are bronze-cut and slow-dried, giving them the structure and texture needed for soups and stews, where pasta should stay pleasantly al dente, never mushy, and capture broth in every bite.

Unlike delicate pastas that soften too quickly, Sfoglini’s thoughtfully designed pasta shapes are made to cook slowly and evenly, maintaining their integrity even as they soak up flavor. Each curve, ridge, and hollow serves a purpose, holding onto rich, savory broth, scooping up beans and vegetables, and delivering a balanced bite from the first spoonful to the last.

From curved shapes that cradle broths to ridged grooves that gather beans and greens, Sfoglini pasta turns simple soup into something deeply satisfying. When the weather turns cold, these are the kinds of bowls we reach for, hearty, flexible recipes that simmer gently on the stove and warm you from the inside out.

Cavatelli alla Minestrone Verti

Cavatelli alla Minestrone Verdi

This bowl is all about balance: tender pasta, silky beans, and a medley of green vegetables that feel fresh even on the coldest days. Cavatelli’s slightly curved shape is ideal here—it catches bits of vegetables and beans while holding its own in a brothy soup without turning soft.

This version of minestrone verdi leans into hearty winter greens, specifically kale and spinach, which soften beautifully into the broth while still keeping their character. What really brings the whole pot together is the finish: a generous spoonful of pesto, stirred in just before serving. It adds richness, herbal depth, and a hit of brightness that lifts the soup beyond the expected.

The result is a bowl that’s deeply nourishing but never heavy—perfect for weeknight dinners, make-ahead lunches, or any night you want something comforting yet vibrant. Serve with crusty bread and grated cheese, or enjoy it just as it is.

Cook this one next. Get the recipe ➡️

Classic Chicken Soup with Whole Grain Reginetti

This is comfort cooking at its most intuitive—a soup built on technique rather than strict rules. Whole Grain Reginetti brings heartiness and structure to the bowl, holding up beautifully in a long-simmered broth while offering a nutty depth that makes the soup feel especially satisfying.

The foundation starts with winter aromatics like leeks, onions, and garlic, gently sautéed to coax out sweetness. From there, the pot is open to interpretation: Italian sausage, smoked ham, or shredded chicken add richness; leafy greens, squash, or potatoes bring body and balance. Beans, tomatoes, and stock round everything out, creating a soup that’s both nourishing and endlessly adaptable.

It’s the kind of recipe that invites you to cook by feel—using what you have, tasting as you go, and ending with a bowl that feels personal every time.

Build your own bowl. Get the recipe ➡️

 

Classic Chicken Soup with Whole Grain ReginettiMore Bowls Worth Simmering

If Cavatelli alla Minestrone Verdi sparks your craving for spoonable comfort, these recipes are perfect companions for the season:

 

Lasagna Stew with Whipped Ricotta

This dish delivers everything you love about lasagna in a more relaxed, spoonable form. Our regal ribbons of Reginetti simmer directly in a tomato-rich broth layered with familiar Italian flavors, creating a stew that’s bold, comforting, and deeply satisfying.

The finishing touch is whipped ricotta, added just before serving. As it melts into the hot stew, it creates pockets of creaminess that echo the richness of a baked lasagna—without the layering or oven time. It’s a cozy, one-pot answer to lasagna cravings and a perfect choice for weekend cooking or casual entertaining.

Turn lasagna into a stew . Get the recipe ➡️

Sfoglini Lasagna Stew with Whipped Ricotta

Turkey Noodle Soup with Fennel and Lemon

This soup takes familiar comfort and brightens it with thoughtful, aromatic touches. Hearty whole grain noodles and leftover turkey form the heart of the dish, while fennel adds gentle sweetness and complexity as it softens into the broth.

A finish of fresh lemon brings lift and clarity, balancing the richness and keeping the bowl feeling light yet satisfying. It’s especially welcome after heavy meals or holiday cooking—a restorative soup that still delivers warmth, depth, and comfort with every bite.

Warm up with this bowl. Get the recipe ➡️ 

Turkey Noodle Soup with Fennel and Lemon

Saffron Malloreddus with White Beans, Preserved Lemon, and Greens

This fragrant, golden-hued dish sits somewhere between soup and stew, offering richness without heaviness. Malloreddus pasta provides a sturdy, toothsome base, while white beans add creaminess and staying power.

Saffron infuses the broth with warmth and subtle floral notes, and preserved lemon cuts through with a gentle, savory acidity that keeps the dish lively. Finished with greens that wilt softly into the pot, this is a pantry-driven winter recipe that feels both comforting and quietly elegant.

Try this pantry favorite. Get the recipe ➡️ 

Pasta e Fagioli

Few dishes capture rustic comfort quite like this classic pairing of pasta and beans. Cavatelli’s curved shape is perfect for scooping up creamy beans and broth, ensuring every spoonful feels substantial and warming.

Slow-simmered and deeply savory, this dish relies on simple ingredients and patient cooking to build flavor. The beans soften and enrich the broth, while the pasta provides a satisfying chew that turns a humble pot into a full, comforting meal. It’s the kind of soup-stew hybrid that feels timeless—ideal for cold evenings when you want something unfussy but deeply rewarding.

Simmer something cozy. Get the recipe ➡️

Pasta e Fagioli

The Season for Simmering

Winter is the season for letting a pot bubble on the stove, transforming simple ingredients into something deeply comforting. Whether you start with one of these recipes or follow the inspiration to create your own cozy bowl, each is designed to make cold days feel warmer—and dinner feel truly rewarding.

Read More

Whole Grain Pasta Recipes to Cook in 2026

Whole Grain Pasta Recipes to Cook in 2026

January 05, 2026

If your plans for 2026 include adding more whole grains and vegetables to your table, you are in the right place. Whole grain pasta is an easy, satisfying way to build meals that feel nourishing without giving up comfort or flavor. These recipes lean into hearty shapes, bold sauces, and plenty of vegetables, making them perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or cozy weekends in the kitchen.

A Better Way to Do Whole Grains

So what makes Sfoglini's whole grain pasta different? Our Organic Whole Grain Collection is made from a thoughtful blend of premium semolina flour and stone-milled whole grain flours. This balance is key. The whole grains, including hard red wheat and ancient grains like einkorn, bring fiber, nutrients, and rich nutty flavor. The semolina, milled from the heart of durum wheat, ensures the pasta keeps its shape and delivers that essential al dente bite.

Each shape is bronze-cut and slow-dried at low temperatures for over nine hours. The result is pasta with excellent texture, deep flavor, and a surface that truly hugs sauce. It is a smart, easy upgrade to everyday meals without sacrificing the flavors you love.

Now, on to the recipes.

Whole Grain Radiator Cauliflower Cacio e Pepe

Whole Grain Radiators with Cauliflower Cacio e Pepe

This vegetable-forward take on a Roman classic proves that comfort food and whole grains go hand in hand. Roasted cauliflower adds nutty depth and texture, while Whole Grain Radiators grab onto every bit of the peppery, cheesy sauce. It is simple, satisfying, and a great reminder that vegetables can absolutely be the star of the plate. 

Get the Recipe →

Whole Grain Reginetti with Italian Sausage and Peppers

Sweet peppers, savory sausage, and ruffled Reginetti make this dish a weeknight staple with a whole grain boost. The sturdy ribbons hold up beautifully to bold flavors, while the peppers bring color and freshness to every bite. It is a balanced, hearty meal that feels classic and comforting.

Get the Recipe →

Whole Grain Reginetti with Italian Sausage and Peppers

Vegetarian Banh Mi Whole Grain Trumpets

This recipe brings bright vegetables and bold flavors together in a way that feels fresh and exciting. Pickled veggies, herbs, and a punchy sauce fill Whole Grain Trumpets, creating a plant-forward dish that is anything but boring. It is a great option when you want to add more vegetables without sacrificing big flavor.

Get the Recipe →

Chicken Cacciatore with Einkorn Ziti

Einkorn pasta brings a slightly nutty flavor to this comforting classic. Simmered tomatoes, peppers, and herbs create a sauce that feels rustic and warming, perfect for slower nights and big bowls. It is a reminder that whole grains fit just as easily into traditional, cozy dishes.

Get the Recipe →

Chicken Cacciatore with Einkorn Ziti

Rye Trumpets with Eggplant Parmesan Sauce

If you are looking to add more vegetables while trying something a little different, this one delivers. Tender eggplant is simmered into a rich, savory sauce that pairs beautifully with the earthy flavor of Rye Trumpets. It is deeply satisfying and a great example of how whole grain pasta can elevate vegetable-forward cooking.

Get the Recipe →

Rye Trumpet with Eggplant Parmesan Sauce

A Delicious Way to Start 2026

Adding more grains and vegetables does not have to mean reinventing how you cook. With the right balance of whole grains and semolina, these pastas deliver flavor, texture, and comfort in every bite. Whether you are cooking for yourself, your family, or friends around the table, these recipes make it easy to start 2026 feeling good and eating well.

Read More

Five Holiday Pasta Dishes from Around the World

Five Holiday Pasta Dishes from Around the World

November 25, 2025

The holidays are a time when tradition takes center stage—recipes passed down through generations, dishes that signal celebration, and flavors that feel like home. Many of these festive favorites involve pasta, though most of us return year after year to the versions we know best.

But this season, as we gather around the table and raise a glass to good company, it’s worth looking beyond the familiar. Around the world, pasta plays a starring role in holiday feasts in ways that are creative, comforting, and downright inspiring. If you’re ready to rethink your menu—or just add something unexpected to the spread—here are five pasta dishes rich in culture, history, and unforgettable flavor.

Frutti di Mare – Italy / Italian American Tradition

In the early 1900s, Italian Americans longing for the flavors of home created what we now know as The Feast of Seven Fishes. A vibrant display of seafood-centered dishes, the Christmas Eve table is traditionally filled with either seven distinct courses or multiple fish prepared seven ways—a nod to the Catholic custom of abstaining from meat on Christmas Eve.

One of the feast’s most beloved dishes is frutti di mare, a pasta swirled with a briny, tomato-based sauce and overflowing with the chef’s choice of seafood—white fish, clams, shrimp, scallops, mussels, and more. Whether made with bigoli, bucatini, linguine, or whatever pasta is on hand, it’s a showstopper that brings the ocean’s bounty to the holiday table.

Want to host your own Feast of Seven Fishes? Explore our menu guide and recipe ideas >

Frutti di MareLasagne da Fornel – Northern Italy

When most of us picture lasagna, we imagine a hearty, red-sauced, cheese-laden bake. But in Northern Italy, the season begins with lasagne da fornel, a sweet-and-savory Christmas Eve specialty with roots in the region’s Germanic neighbors.

This delicate dish starts with raisins and figs simmered in white wine until plump and fragrant. They’re folded together with grated apples, ground walnuts, and melted butter—an aromatic mixture layered between sheets of pasta. A sprinkle of semi di papavero (poppy seeds) on top creates a nod to traditional strudel, delivering a comforting, unexpected lasagna that bridges cultures and celebrates winter’s flavors.

Lokshen Kugel – Jewish Ashkenazi Tradition

Lokshen (noodle) kugel traces its history back to Jewish travelers who carried pasta from Italy to Franco-Germany in the 14th century. Early versions were savory, steamed noodle puddings enriched with cottage cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, onions, and garlic.

Everything changed in the early 1800s, when Polish Jews began refining beet sugar—the kugel transformed from savory to sweet. Today’s holiday and Sabbath tables often feature the dessert-like version: creamy noodles baked with sugar, raisins, cinnamon, and nuts.

Sweet, comforting, and celebratory, it’s a beloved counterpoint to salty Hanukkah latkes and hearty winter dishes.

Try our take on this classic with the Reginetti Kugel recipe >

Maccheroni con le Noci – Central Italy (Umbria)

Chocolate and pasta may sound unconventional today, but Italians have blended the two since the 16th century, when Columbus’s voyages brought cacao to Europe. Early savory recipes combined cocoa pasta with mushrooms, anchovies, and sharp cheeses for an umami-rich dish.

But during the Christmas season, Umbrian cooks take a sweeter approach with maccheroni con le noci. Cooked pasta—such as linguine or reginetti—is mixed with chopped walnuts, sugar, cinnamon, cookie or bread crumbs, cocoa powder, and a splash of anise liqueur. Pressed into a loaf or pie pan, then served warm or chilled, it’s a rustic, comforting dessert that feels tailor-made for cold winter nights.

Longevity Noodles

Longevity Noodles – Chinese Lunar New Year

During Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations, longevity noodles symbolize the wish for a long, healthy life. These extra-long strands—often made with wheat flour—must remain unbroken from the pot to the plate to preserve their lucky meaning.

Once cooked with care, the noodles are tossed in a simple but deeply flavorful dressing: soy sauce, black vinegar or sesame oil, garlic, and finished with green onions and sesame seeds.

The challenge? Eat them without biting through the strands. The reward: even more good fortune for the year ahead.


If you’re looking to add a global flourish to your holiday menu—or simply want to bring new stories to the table—these dishes offer a delicious way to celebrate tradition, culture, and the many ways pasta brings people together.

Read More

A Pasta-Lover’s Guide to the Feast of Seven Fishes

A Pasta-Lover’s Guide to the Feast of Seven Fishes

November 21, 2025

Celebrate Christmas Eve the Italian American way—with seafood, tradition, and unforgettable pasta.

Every December, Italian American households across the country gather for one of the most iconic holiday meals: The Feast of Seven Fishes. Its origins trace back to Italian immigrants of the early 1900s who longed for the flavors of home. In Italy, Catholics traditionally abstained from eating meat on Christmas Eve, turning instead to the bounty of the sea. When those families arrived in America, they faithfully carried the custom with them—expanding and adapting it into the lavish seafood celebration we know today.

Some families serve seven distinct seafood dishes, each meant to honor the number’s religious symbolism. Others take a more modern route: preparing one or two types of fish in seven different ways. Either way, the table brims with abundance—clams, shrimp, scallops, lobster, and white fish—often served in generous bowls of frutti di mare tossed with pasta like bigoli, bucatini, or one of Sfoglini’s signature short shapes.

It’s a feast rooted in devotion, nostalgia, and culinary craftsmanship. And whether your tradition is centuries old or brand-new, pairing premium bronze-cut pasta with stunning seafood dishes is a beautiful way to honor it.

Below, discover four standout recipes that bring the Feast of Seven Fishes to life—each one elegant, approachable, and full of holiday magic.

✨ Saffron Vesuvio with Crab and Herbs

A celebration of color and aroma, this recipe transforms Sfoglini’s Saffron Vesuvio into a golden, aromatic centerpiece. Delicate crab mingles with fresh herbs and the warm notes of saffron, creating a dish that feels both festive and luxurious. Perfect as a first course—or as a show-stopping star on your seafood spread

Get the Recipe> Saffron Vesuvio with Crab and Herbs

✨ Crab Fra Diavolo with Calabrian Chili Pasta

For those who want fiery flavor and bold holiday energy, this dish delivers. Sweet crab meets a tomato-rich Fra Diavolo sauce, clinging beautifully to Sfoglini Calabrian Chili Lumache or Calabrian Chili Cascatelli. It’s festive, vibrant, and exactly the kind of pasta that wakes up the table.

Get the Recipe> Crab Fra Diavolo with Calabrian Chili Pasta

✨ Shrimp Scampi with Whole Grain Reginetti

Light, bright, and irresistibly garlicky, this Shrimp Scampi is a gorgeous option for balancing out a seafood-heavy feast. Whole Grain Reginetti brings a nutty depth and hearty bite, while lemon, butter, and white wine create a sauce that sings. A perfect addition to any seven-fish menu.

Get the Recipe> Shrimp Scampi with Whole Grain Reginetti

✨ Reginetti with Spicy Lobster Sauce

For those who want a dish that leans into richness, heat, and pure holiday indulgence, this Spicy Lobster Sauce is the one. Velvety tomato, sweet lobster meat, and a gentle kick of chile coat every regal ribbons of bronze-cut Reginetti. It’s the kind of pasta that turns Christmas Eve into an event.

Get the Recipe> Reginetti with Spicy Lobster Sauce

How to Build Your Feast: From Full Spread to Simple Celebration

Whether you're hosting a bustling, multi-course gathering or keeping things intimate this year, the Feast of Seven Fishes is beautifully flexible. At its heart, it’s about honoring tradition, savoring seafood, and creating a sense of abundance—no matter how many dishes are on the table.

Below are two inspired ways to structure your Christmas Eve meal: a classic, coursed-out feast and a pared-down version that captures the essence with just one pasta and a small bite.

🍽 The Full Seven-Course Spread

For those who want to embrace the full ritual, a well-paced menu helps the meal unfold like a story—from light and briny to rich and celebratory.

1. Antipasto / Light Bite
 Start with something chilled or simply prepared to open the palate.
• Marinated anchovies
• Smoked salmon crostini
• Lemon–garlic shrimp

2. Seafood Salad
A refreshing interlude featuring the clean flavors of the sea.
• Insalata di mare with octopus and squid
• Citrus-poached scallops with fennel

3. Brothy Course
Warm, aromatic, and perfect for winter.
• Clam or mussel brodetto
 • Saffron seafood zuppa - add Saffron Malloreddus for an extra depth of flavor

4. Fried Course
Crispy, festive, crowd-pleasing.
• Fritto misto
• Baccalà fritters

5. Pasta Course #1
A delicate transition into richer flavors.
• Saffron Vesuvio with Crab and Herbs

6. Pasta Course #2
Bolder, saucier, and truly celebratory.
• Reginetti with Spicy Lobster Sauce
• Or Crab Fra Diavolo with Calabrian Chili Pasta 

7. Main Seafood Dish
The finale that anchors the meal.
• Whole roasted branzino
• Salt-baked white fish

Finish with panettone, espresso, or a splash of limoncello to complete the tradition.

🍝 A Pared-Down Feast (For Smaller Tables)

If a full seven-course procession feels like too much this year, you can still enjoy the spirit of the tradition with a simpler format. A single standout pasta paired with a small seafood appetizer delivers all the flavor and symbolism—without the hours of prep.

Option 1: Bright + Elegant
• Appetizer: Lemon–garlic sautéed shrimp
• Main: Saffron Vesuvio with Crab and Herbs

Option 2: Spicy + Festive
• Appetizer: Shrimp cocktail with Calabrian chili sauce
• Main: Reginetti with Spicy Lobster Sauce
• Or: Crab Fra Diavolo with Calabrian Chili Pasta

Option 3: Light + Comforting
• Appetizer: Crispy calamari or burrata with citrus
• Main: Shrimp Scampi with Whole Grain Reginetti

A pared-down feast is perfect for yourself, small group, busy families, or anyone who wants the warmth of the tradition without the marathon of cooking. With one thoughtfully chosen pasta and a simple seaside starter, your table still sings with the spirit of Christmas Eve.


Bringing the Feast Home

Whether you prepare all seven dishes or choose just one unforgettable showpiece, the Feast of Seven Fishes is ultimately about togetherness—gathering around the table, sharing stories, and savoring the flavors that connect generations.

With exceptional pasta, thoughtfully sourced seafood, and a touch of holiday spirit, your Christmas Eve celebration becomes more than a meal—it becomes a memory.

Buon Natale, and happy feasting. 🍝🐟✨

Read More

Collage of Italian food and Sfoglini pasta with text 'Entertaining, THE ITALIAN WAY!' and 'Sfoglini Pasta' branding.

Entertain the Italian Way This Holiday Season

November 13, 2025

Delicious food, lively conversation, and plenty of laughter — that’s the Italian way to celebrate the holidays. This year, embrace a relaxed, joy-filled approach to entertaining with recipes and tips that bring warmth and togetherness to your table.

Set the Scene for Togetherness

Create a cozy, welcoming ambiance. Mix and match your favorite tableware, light a few candles, and serve dinner family-style so guests can laugh, share stories, and enjoy second helpings.

Pour a festive cocktail or mulled wine as everyone gathers — a simple way to set a cheerful, celebratory mood while keeping the atmosphere relaxed.

Keep the Menu Simple — and Special

Italian hosts rely on trusted recipes made with high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques to guarantee deliciousness without stress.

The Perfect Antipasto Platter

Antipasto platters are reliable crowd-pleasers, and the most satisfying ones combine several snackable ingredients. Make high-quality cheeses and cured meats the star. Then add bread, olives, bowls of olive oil and pesto, cured artichokes, roasted peppers, whatever nuts you have on hand, random crackers, and even chips to the spread. Have fun!

Try our Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto — tangy tomatoes and almonds make a vibrant spread that works for pasta, bruschetta, or as a dip for vegetables. Let guests help themselves while you finish the main dishes. Or create festive skewers with a hearty pasta (such as Quattrotini) cooked and seasoned with bright olive oil, then stacked with meat, cheese, and olives.

Focus on Family-Style Dishes

Family-style dining is the heart of Italian hospitality. Choose dishes that are easy to pass, encourage conversation, and keep the energy lively. Pasta is perfect for this — it’s hearty, comforting, and can be prepared ahead of time.

Here are a few that work particularly well for family-style gatherings:

  • Whole Grain Reginetti with Italian Sausage and Peppers — a rustic crowd-pleaser that’s hearty, colorful, and ready in under an hour Get the recipe >

  • Cascatelli al Forno — bubbling, golden, and ideal for a warm, holiday table Get the recipe >

  • Zucca Bolognese — richly layered with meat, wine, and tomatoes; a show-stopping dish that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas Get the recipe >

  • Saffron Malloreddus alla Campidanese — saffron-infused pasta meets slow-simmered pork ragu for a comforting, festive bite Get the recipe >

  • Reginetti Lasagna — layers of rich béchamel, fragrant tomato sauce, two cheeses, and pasta ribbons baked to bubbly perfection Get the recipe >

Finish with Festive Sweets

Part of the family-style fun is digging into desserts like tiramisu, a sweet kugel dusted with cinnamon, fruit tarts, or cookie trays rather than fancily plated ones. Offer guests a little pungent limoncello or bitter amaro to drink alongside or in their coffee — the perfect toast to friendship and the season.

Attending Instead of Hosting? Don’t Forget the Hostess Gift

Bring a little Sfoglini to every celebration. A few of our bronze-cut pastas paired with a jar of sauce or a bottle of olive oil makes a thoughtful gift that feels personal and purposeful. Or go all out with a Sfoglini Pasta Club Subscription — a quarterly delivery of artisanal pastas and curated recipes. It’s a gift that celebrates hospitality all year long.

Read More


1 2 Next »
Invalid password
Enter
Follow
  • Home
  • Shop
  • Where to buy
  • FAQS
  • Press
  • Wholesale
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Return & Refund Policy

Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more…

Translation missing: en.general.country.dropdown_label

© 2026 Sfoglini.
Powered by Shopify