May 20, 2025

Creamy Zucchini Pasta with Grana Padano Sauce – A Budget-Friendly Family Classic

A Taste of My Childhood with a Creamy Twist

This dish takes me right back to my childhood in Italy.

My mom used to make this simple but delicious pasta by just grating cheese on top of fried zucchini and spaghetti.

Now that I’m a busy mom myself, I’ve revisited her version to make it even creamier and a little more indulgent by turning the cheese into a luscious Grana Padano sauce.

Quick, Healthy, and Budget-Friendly: The Perfect Weeknight Meal

You'll love this recipe if you're like me, juggling a million things, trying to cook healthy meals, and not breaking the bank.

It’s quick, affordable, and perfect for feeding hungry kids (or even impressing your partner after a long day).

Ingredients

300g spaghetti
2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds
Olive oil for frying
200ml milk (any kind you prefer)
80g grated Grana Padano cheese
Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Boil the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti in it until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Fry the Zucchini: While the pasta cooks, heat a little olive oil in a pan and lightly fry the zucchini slices until golden. Don’t overcook them—you want them soft but not mushy.
Make the Grana Padano Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat the milk over low heat. Slowly whisk in the grated Grana Padano until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Stir continuously to avoid clumps. Add a pinch of black pepper if you like.
Combine Everything: In a large pan or pot, combine the cooked spaghetti, fried zucchini, and the cheesy sauce. Toss everything together over low heat for a minute or two until well coated.
Serve Hot: Dish it up immediately. Optional: Add extra cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as basil or mint.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Super affordable: just a few basic ingredients.
Ready in 20 minutes: perfect for busy weekdays.
Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love it.
Healthy twist: Zucchini brings nutrients and fiber, and Grana Padano adds protein.
Comforting and nostalgic: It feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Final Thoughts

This creamy zucchini pasta with Grana Padano sauce is more than just dinner—it’s a little piece of home. It’s a recipe born out of simplicity, love, and practicality. Whether you're feeding kids or just looking for a satisfying meal after a long day, this dish checks all the boxes: cheap, easy, healthy, and absolutely delicious.

Buon appetito!

March 11, 2025

Pane e Pomodoro: A Classic Italian Comfort Food

The Scent of an Italian Summer

Photo by Alexandr Istomin on Unsplash

This is one of the simplest yet most delicious recipes you can find in Southern Italian rustic cuisine.
We're not really sure where it came from, but it's definitely from after the 1500s, when tomatoes arrived in Spain from the Americas.

Pane e Pomodoro, which translates to "bread and tomatoes," is now considered the best comfort food in the kitchens of Apulian grandmothers.

In my house, we used to enjoy Pane e Pomodoro as a snack on summer afternoons. I still remember the crisp fragrance of the slice of bread, the rich taste of olive oil accompanied by light salty notes, and the sweet yet sour and savoury flavour of tomatoes.

It's a mix of flavours and contrasts that will win you over at first bite.

3-Ingredient Magic: 4 Quick and Easy Mediterranean Dishes in 10 Minutes!

Cooking with Less: Simple Tips from Italian Grandmothers

Photo by Wilfred Wong on Unsplash

My childhood is closely tied to the smells and tastes of my land and the Mediterranean cuisine I grew up with.

Every time I cook, the smells of my regional culinary tradition bring back memories of my childhood.

One smell in particular reminds me of warm summer afternoons at my grandparents' house: cherry tomatoes spread on bread with salt, oregano, and olive oil. My grandmother made this snack for me and my sisters before we went to the park to play.

It has a unique, fresh, fragrant, and savory flavor and is packed with nutrients from the cherry tomatoes, oregano, and oil.

Why is it healthy?

Low in calories: it is a light mix with a low calorie intake (especially thanks to the cherry tomatoes and wheat bread)

Rich in antioxidants: The cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and oregano contain powerful antioxidants, such as lycopene and polyphenols, which help protect the body from free radical damage.

Source of fiber: Wheat bread and cherry tomatoes provide a good amount of fiber, which supports digestion and helps keep blood sugar levels stable.

Heart benefits: Extra virgin olive oil, rich in healthy fats, contributes to cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Properties of oregano: Oregano has anti-inflammatory properties due to its essential oils. In addition, it is rich in vitamins A and K, which support skin and bone health, and antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system.

Welcome to My Italian Kitchen

Healthy, Easy, and Affordable Italian Recipes

Photo by Heather Ford on Unsplash

Hi there!

My name is Elisa and I am a mother, writer, and passionate home cook.

I was born in Apulia, a beautiful region in the south of Italy, but my roots stretch to Sicily. Growing up, my family brought together the best of both culinary worlds—from the bold flavors of Sicilian cuisine to the fresh, rustic dishes of Apulia.

My love for cooking began in childhood, watching my grandmother and aunt prepare Sunday lunches and festive meals. I learned to make handmade pasta, rich sauces, and delicate desserts from scratch. What fascinated me most was how simple, humble ingredients could be transformed into something both beautiful and incredibly delicious with just a bit of care and creativity.

In the last few years, I often found myself struggling to find the time to cook proper meals. So, I had to find new ways to organize my pantry and make the most of the little time I had to prepare a good Italian dish.

I started this blog to help others like me—people who want to enjoy healthy, tasty, and affordable Italian recipes but are short on time. Whether you're busy, on a budget, or just looking for some good, hearty meals for your family, I hope you'll find my recipes, which are all straight from Italy, to be a helpful resource.

So, let’s grab some fresh ingredients, roll up our sleeves, and discover how to bring real Italian flavors into your home—without breaking the bank.

Buon appetito!

Eli