If you haven’t met The Pasta Queen yet, let me introduce you to a true pasta icon! Nadia Caterina Munno, aka The Pasta Queen, is sweeping the world with her show-stopping pasta recipes, witty Italian charm, and pro tips. Her new Amazon show, The Pasta Queen’s Guide to Making Pasta Dreams Come True, is filled with secrets that can transform your cooking.
Look, I'm no chef, i'm not even Italian but I was gifted a pasta maker (get one here) for Christmas last year and let me tell you...I feel like a pro! Now it's not because I became an avid cook. No! It's because making homemade pasta is like, one of the easiest dishes you can make. Shocking right?? A year later I’ve picked up some of Nadia's tricks and they've made pasta tastier than ever—and I’ve found a few must-have Amazon products to help bring her magic to your kitchen. Let’s dig in!
1. Lemon Peels in Boiling Water: A Zesty Pasta Secret
A surprising favorite from The Pasta Queen: toss a few lemon peels into the boiling water. It gives your pasta a subtle citrus hint, which adds brightness and complexity to lighter sauces like aglio e olio or seafood pasta. Just be sure to use organic lemons to avoid any wax or pesticide residue!
My Pick: Citrus Zester & Grater - Use this grater for fresh lemon zest in sauces, cocktails, or desserts to add that extra zing.
2. Whole Dried Chili Peppers for Authentic Spice
Forget chili flakes! The Pasta Queen prefers whole dried chili peppers for a deeper, more authentic heat. She suggests letting the dried peppers simmer in your sauce to release a warm, smoky spice that’s way more nuanced than flakes. Then, just remove the pepper before serving for the perfect balance of heat.
My Pick: Dried Calabrian Chili Peppers - These dried Italian chilis bring bold heat with a touch of smokiness, just like The Pasta Queen uses.
3. Smash the Garlic with the Skin On (Trust Me!)
The Pasta Queen has changed the way I use garlic! Instead of peeling each clove, just smash it with the skin on. This trick releases extra garlic oils and flavors without the mess, and the skin peels off easily after cooking. It’s a faster, cleaner way to get all that delicious garlic flavor. Cooking the garlic in the pan with the skin still on keeps the garlic from burning, who knew?
My Pick: Garlic Press and Peeler- If you absolutely must have a press, this one makes it easy to mince garlic and keep the skin intact with zero hassle.
4. “Save the Pasta Water!” (It’s Liquid Gold)
One of the biggest Pasta Queen tips: never pour out all your pasta water! This starchy, salty water thickens the sauce and helps it stick to the noodles. Save about a cup before you drain, then slowly add it to your sauce until it’s just right. This small step brings a creamy texture and a beautifully blended sauce every time.
My Pick: Pasta Pot with Built-In Strainer - This multi-functional pot makes it easy to save pasta water; just lift, pour, and keep the liquid gold for the sauce.
5. Let the Pasta and Sauce “Marry” Together
To The Pasta Queen, it’s more than just pasta and sauce—it’s a marriage! Rather than serving the sauce separately, let the pasta and sauce cook together on low heat for a couple of minutes. This step allows the pasta to absorb the sauce’s flavors and brings harmony to the dish.
My Pick: Staub Cast Iron Skillet - This pan is perfect for letting the pasta and sauce meld, locking in flavor and moisture.
6. Butter Is Better (Because… Why Not?)
One of The Pasta Queen’s best tricks? A final touch of butter. Whether it’s a simple marinara or a rich ragù, adding a pat of butter at the end gives the sauce a silky texture and richer flavor. If you want your pasta to taste like an Italian dream, butter is a must.
My Pick: European-Style Butter Dish - For the best results, try high-quality butter. You’ll notice the difference in both taste and texture! When storing European butter you'll notice it's a different size so snag this butter dish.
7. Fresh Herbs for the Perfect Garnish
A sprinkle of fresh herbs isn’t just decorative in The Pasta Queen’s world; it’s essential. Basil, parsley, or thyme adds an aromatic lift and a vibrant color to your pasta dish. Fresh herbs are a small step that makes a huge difference.
My Pick: Kitchen Herb Garden - You can't beat fresh herbs for taste and convenience. Not to mention they look beautiful in your kitchen.
8. The Power of Olive Oil: Finish Strong
The Pasta Queen loves finishing pasta with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. This last step adds a fresh, rich note that elevates the entire dish. It’s especially amazing on lighter pastas, where you can really taste the smooth, fruity flavor of the oil.
My Pick: Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil - The best olive oils are a touch pricey but worth it. This Italian EVOO brings an authentic, rich finish to any pasta dish.
Take Your Pasta Obsession Further with The Pasta Queen’s Cookbooks
If you’re as captivated by The Pasta Queen’s magic as I am, you’ll be thrilled to know she’s shared her secrets in not one but two incredible cookbooks! Her first book, "The Pasta Queen: A Just Gorgeous Cookbook: 100+ Recipes and Stories", is packed with her most beloved recipes and personal stories that will make you feel like you’re right in her kitchen. It’s the perfect blend of tradition, storytelling, and—of course—just gorgeous pasta.
And if you’re looking to take your Italian cooking to the next level, get ready to pre-order her new book, "The Pasta Queen: The Art of Italian Cooking," inspired by her hit Amazon show! This upcoming cookbook dives even deeper into authentic Italian cooking, filled with the wisdom, tips, and recipes she shares on screen.
With these cookbooks, you can bring The Pasta Queen’s Italian charm, humor, and expertise into your home every day. Trust me—you’ll never look at pasta the same way again!
Whether you’re a pasta beginner or a seasoned home cook, these books will help you master pasta, make it fabulous, and channel your inner Pasta Queen every time you step into the kitchen. Buon appetito!
Wrap-Up: Transform Your Pasta Game with The Pasta Queen’s Best Tips
These tips from The Pasta Queen aren’t just fun; they’re transformative. By using tricks like smashing garlic, adding dried chili peppers, and letting pasta and sauce “marry,” you’ll be making pasta that tastes and feels like it’s straight from an Italian kitchen. Next time you cook, channel The Pasta Queen’s style and make it fabulous!
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