This book is great for the pasta lover- it has recipes for those who want to introduce interesting ingredients into their cooking.

If you've ever wondered why Italians love pasta and serve it so frequently, best-selling author Giana De Laurentiis makes the reasons very clear here. There are light recipies, hearty recipies, traditional and creative ones, and a selection of complementary dishes to serve as well. What a treat! The photos and tips add to the useful ideas, as does the brief section on Italian wines, the suggested menus, and the index.

This book has wonderful recipes. The only downfall is they are not quick and easy. Lots of ingredients and time are needed.

The cover is nice - and the recipes look delicious, but still no pasta ona da table.

I confess that my husband and I have something of a cookbook fetish. We have, however, invested in some books that didn't prove worthwhile and so before shelling out the money for Giada's books, I decided I would check them out from the library, make some recipes, and go from there. I wanted to know if the recipes were as good as she makes them look on the show and if, upon tasting it, my husband and I would have expressions on our faces that mirror the food ecstasy Giada seems to experience. The answer to that question: Oh, yes! Today I've ordered all three of her books because I simply can't imagine living without them and not being able to make her delicious, heavenly recipes whenever I want. Here are my thoughts on a few of the recipes:

Rigatoni with Sausage, Peppers, and Onions - I come from an Italian family and grew up with Italian sausage on the grill, peppers and onions served alongside. I've never had it with pasta before but Giada's recipe is divine. I used chicken Italian sausage rather than the turkey and this dish was so tasty that I could hardly wait to eat the leftovers the next day.

Roman-Style Fettuccine with Chicken - This was another hit that even my rather picky daughter liked. The sweetness of the peppers blends well with the mustardy tang of the capers. The chicken was juicy and delicious and the sauce perfectly seasoned.

Turkey and Artichoke Stuffed Shells - My four-year-old daughter loved this one so much that as she was eating it, she was asking when we could have it again. I found the yield to be much higher than indicated in the recipe but this was a bonus as I was able to make an extra tray of the shells, freeze them, and then pop them into the oven one night for a quick dinner. The dish is savory and delicious and tastes very rich--even when using all white meat ground turkey.

Linguine and Lobster Fra Diavolo - My husband raved about this one and positively devoured it. I'm not as big of a seafood fan as he is but I liked it as well. It has a very nice bite to it and is surprisingly spicy for a dish with just a bit of red pepper. The cognac really brought out the bite of the pepper.

Basic Marinara - This is a tasty basic sauce that is easy to make and just takes a bit of time for the simmering. We made a double batch and frozen it and it was very good when thawed and used to make a quick baked penne with some mozzarella.

Pasta, pasta in unique ways. all tasty and easy to prepare. This author really has found a niche and knows what she is doing. Also try Finger Licking Different.

Love this cookbook! Seriously... every recipe I have tried, and there have been many, has turned out A-Maz-Ing!!! I really love the section on making your own pasta and the different types - kinda fun. Plus the recipes are E-Z!!! Always a plus! Practically perfect in every way!

I think Giada is wonderful! Every time I go to the food network to find a recipe it seems the ones I always picked were by Giada. So I decided to order a couple of her cookbooks. I'm glad I did because their great!

I love pasta and this book is right up my alley. Giada's recipes are simple and delicious and easy to follow. The results are always great. If you like a variety of pasta dishes, this book is your answer. Light and flavorful. I'm a vegetarian, and there are plenty of dishes here to choose from.

If you love pasta and need inspiration, this book is for you. The recipes are easy to follow, no tricky ingredients and every one I've tried has tasted really good. I have a pretty strong background in Italian cooking and while many have been Americanized I still wouldn't hesitate to serve up to my Italian friends.

I like the organization of the book into categories such as "quick and easy" which is the category I put pasta into in general. (I have mostly referenced this section so far). I do not tend toward the "quick and easy" with most dinners I prepare, but pasta is a great option to rely on when that's what's needed.

I'm not into the use of too many "prepared" ingredients, such as canned broth, wonton wrappers and frozen ravioli, but she advocates for fewer of these than I expected. Also, she introduced me to a few fun ingredients I didn't know existed: frozen artichokes, Meyer lemon oil, panko (Japanese bread crumbs).

The sheer number of recipes allows for a wide variety of ingredient choices. I have found the book fun, useful and worth having.

I originally saw this book by chance at the library, checked it out, and made her penne with roasted vegetables for a Christmas open house. WHAT a hit! So I started looking through and decided I HAD to own my own copy, even though I am under self-imposed cookbook probation. I've made several more of her dishes, and find that A) while a lot of prep work is requied, none are so "ornate" that I can't throw them together on weekday evenings, and B) I am eating much more healthily and eating a lot more vergetables than I usually do. I highly recommend her book!

I bought it because my husband loves pasta and I wanted something new other than the same few sauces we made. There are also pairings for pasta, appetizers and wine. There are tips along the way of preparing pasta and easy sauces. Some myths we have heard revealed. Still simple easy recipes and ingredients.

This cookbook is great!! Giada gives really creative and some easy recipe! If you like to cook or eat good food buy this cookbook..you won't be sorry!

I received this recently as a gift and have made a handful of the dishes contained which have all turned out exactly as I expected. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that almost all of the recipes looked appetizing and were simple to make. Giada does a wonderful job, both on her show, and in her book explaining in simple terms how to prepare her dishes.

If you love pasta, this is definitely the book for you.

We have a winner - very good recipes - it you love or even just like to cook - this is an excellent source. ENJOY!

Anything Giada makes is delicious. I had the opportunity to meet her. She's so nice and gorgeous in person.

Great book with some great tasting recipes. My wife and I have enjoyed it immensely.

Giada De Laurentiis has become quite well known as a result of her expertise in cooking. This cookbook is another among a number that she has authored. And it is a nice addition to the collection of cookbooks "out there."

We do a lot of pasta cooking and Italian cooking at home. We cook up a "gravy" each Sunday (tomato sauce and accompanying herbs and goodies). The recipes in this book will be solid additions to our repertoire.

The book begins with a nice, brief essay on the nature of pasta, concluding with the author's "Top 10 Pasta-Cooking Tips" (e.g., always cook pasta in a big enough pot; don't add olive oil while cooking; make sure that the end product is al dente; don't overdo portions when serving; etc.). The introductory part of the book concludes with a "dictionary" of types of pasta, from capellini/angel hair to spaghetti.

The first section of the book is what she calls "Pasta Go-Withs," antipasto, appetizers, side dishes. One dish in this section that resonates with me: "Sautéed spinach with red onion" (page 58). Easy to make and tasty! Ingredients are straightforward; the instructions are pretty easy to follow. A good antipasto is always a nice accompaniment to a meal. On page 81, the author presents a nice antipasto salad, complete with pasta (in this instance, fusilli).

Pasta main dishes? Some that strike my fancy: Roman-style fettuccine with chicken; Linguine with butter, pecorino, arugula, and black pepper; Spaghetti with sautéed onions and marjoram; Mini penne with parmesan chicken.

Sauces? I like marinara. The author provides her recipe for this redoubtable treat on page 224. Dressings? Take a look at her Roasted garlic vinaigrette on page 228.

All in all, for those who like pasta dishes, this is a very nice addition to one's culinary library.

I will keep my comments brief, because those reviews are the ones I like to read as well. This book had excellent ideas for a busy cook. Many of the recipes use common pantry ingredients and demand minimal effort. Can you boil water, chop garlic, squeeze a lemon, open a can? If so... Then open this book and enjoy the praises of those whom you love to feed.

Quickly I would recommend any of the Barefoot Contessa books, and anything by the amazing Debra Madison, especially "Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone".

Oh, the food of the Italians. Nobody does it better than Giada. There is a salad in this book with baby spinach, sliced toasted almonds, a citrus vinaigrette dressing with Parmesan crunchies that is just incredible. The one I want to try one day (I don't eat pasta anymore) is the baked tortellini with the marinara/mascarpone mix and mozarella cheese on top. Oh, YEAH!! Will invite my friends for that one.

I wanna be Italian!

Amy

I am not enjoying this book as much as the last one. Was hoping for more beef recipies
beautifully written and photographed though

This cookbook is great for people who want practical (yet slightly sophisticated), easy-to-cook, and tasty meals that will appeal to the entire family. The book is nicely illustrated, with easy-to-follow directions.

Giada makes cooking look easy this book has some great pasta's and one dish dinners and am looking forward to the next one I bought. Thanks Giada

....and she loves this book. She has prepared numerous dishes and they are all fabulous. It makes it very difficult when you are on a diet!!! If I ever decide to make a switch (after 23 years of marriage), look out Giada!!!!

Giada's recipes are so full of flavor! What's surprising is how simple some of the ingredients are! I have ALL of Giada's cookbooks! My husband loves it, too! You won't be disappointed!

This is the perfect book for impressing your dinner guests without having to graduate from culinary school, haha. I've already made a few of the dishes and they've turned out very well and tasted incredible. Further, Giada has a great sense of presentation. The photos of the dishes add a perfect appetizing accent. There are also some of her having fun while preparing the dishes. I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys cooking great tasting, Italian dishes.

This is the third book we have of Giada DeLaurentis. We love it! It's easy to follow receipes with ingredients you have in the house; nothing is out of the ordinary. So far everything we have made we have loved. I recommend this cook book.

Love this girl! I was so excited to get this book....and then deeply disappointed! DEEPLY!!! Nevermind, the running around to buy the ingredients...the time to make it....the time to throw it out and then the absolute worse part...CLEAN IT UP!! Sad faces from the family and the overwhelming feeling that I let everyone down. I am not a top chef but, I am very good. I wanted to spice up everyday pasta meals with a touch of authenticity. The recipes that I tried were relatively easy but, lacked flavor. At the same time, I purchased "Family Dinners" and that one rocks. Have made plenty out of there..received many compliements and saw only happy faces. Honestly, I could do better and use more imagination!

Giada makes everything look so easy! And guess what!? IT IS!!! Simplicity is key. This book brings back a lot of my childhood memories. Being from a VERY Italian family, I can relate to almost all the dishes. This book is worth every penny if you are looking for something simple and easy, yet classy and elegant.

Given some of the masterful texts out there on Italian cookery, it's hard to fathom why on earth anyone would waste his/her money on what is essentially a slick, lightweight series of glamourshots. (I'm guessing it's aimed at the same people who buy the stuff with that "Nigella" creature on the front.)

I have nothing against beautiful women, and if you're considering this book because you want to look at one, be my guest.

If, however, you want to learn something of Italian cooking, do yourself a favor and order "The Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking" by Marcella Hazan, or Elizabeth David's classic "Italian Food." Comparing Miss De Laurentils to either of these two kitchen icons is like comparing Britney Spears to Billie Holiday.

If you must have a newer, slicker, more graphically appealing work in your hands, at least go for Mario Batali's "Simple Italian Food," "Molto Italiano", or "Lidia's Italian-American Kitchen" by Lydia Bastianich.

I adore Giada and enjoy all of her recipes. She makes everything sound so delicious just from reading about it. My only problem is my favorite cookbook is one with a picture of every meal and this does not have it.

Giada does a great job with this book. The recipes are delicious and conquerable by even a beginning chef like myself. She utilizes herbs well, which is the essence of any great dish. Like any great chef or cook she gathers her inspiration from restaurants she patronizes as well as her family. Pasta was never so lucky.

What I like about this book is that the recipes are not too complicated to be done by a working person who might have little time to spend in the kitchen. If you are looking for cooking that will be loved by everyone in your family from grandpa down to your niece or nephew who is visiting and who are picky eaters, then this cookbook should do the trick. The photos are beautiful and the recipes are yummy.

Bentley/2007Everyday Pasta

Tried several of the dishes and each one was easy to follow, quick for dinner and a crowd pleaser. If you like pasta - this is a great weeknight cooking cookbook.

I have all of her books and this is my favorite. Very easy and delicious recipes. I am a mom of two very young children, and I have time to make these recipes for dinner.

This is one of the best Italian cookbooks I've purchased in years. I've owned it for only a few weeks and have already made and enjoyed many recipes. The recipes are well tested and delicious. I would recommend this cookbook to anyone who loves pasta!

We,my wfe and I, found many recipes in this book that we really wanted to try such as Rigatoni with sausage,peppers and onions;Linguine with turkey meatballs and Champagne Risotto. The book is very beautiful as are the photos of the food and Giada. Can be left out on your coffee table it is so well done!

I have had this book for about 3 weeks and just love it. My daughter even borrowed it and is also using the recipes. I have also recommended it to friends. Giada really did a good job on this one.

I love Everday Pasta. I have made 6 of the pasta dishes and all of them worked without me having to alter the recipe at all. They were all delicious, and the family loved them!

Giada gives common sense, easy recipes that will thrill your family and friendsand it's not just pasta...

This is a terrific book. It has interesting, tasty recipes that are pretty easy to make and virtually foolproof.

Giada's third entry into the cookbook theater is as good as her first two, and there seems to be no end to her culinary offerings to us. This time, she immerses herself into the somewhat crazy world of pasta and the many "clothes" it wears. Delicious to say the least!

I have to admit that one of the first things that grabs my attention when looking at cookbooks is its presentation; does it make me want to look at because it invites me with with something comfortable and familiar? Or is it something that jazzes up that same familiar look? With it's sharp, fresh, and detailed photography and simple, yet inviting writing, Giada brings to you a compendium of sorts in her ode to pasta.

She begins her introduction with "The Origins of Pasta" then goes into her "Top 10 Pasta-Cooking Tips" which is followed by "Matching Pasta Shapes to Sauces" (I never really thought of how the shape of the pasta actually influences the flavor depending how it attaches to the shape). The book then breaks down into 3 sections: Pasta Go-Withs, Pasta for All Seasons, and Pasta Basics.


(Pasta Go-Withs)
ANTIPASTI and APPETIZERS
Baked Caprese Salad (baguette slices w/ tomatoes, mozzarella)
Goat Cheese Toasts
Bruschetta w/ Frisee, Prosciutto, and Mozzarella
Toasted Ciabetta w/ Balsamic Syrup
Crostini w. Anchovy Butter and Cheese
Parmesan Popovers (definitely a big hit w/dinner)
Fried Ravioli (these were EXCELLENT!)
Zucchini and Carrot a Scapece (pickled veggies)
Fried Zucchini
Prosciutto-Wrapped Veggies w/ Parmesan

SOMETHING ON THE SIDE:
Cornbread Panzanella
Arugula Salad w/ Fried Gorgonzola
Spinach Salad w/ Citrus Vinaigrette and Frico (very light and healthy)
Insalata Mista w/ Basil Dressing
Hearty Winter Salad w/ Sherry Vinaigrette
Greens w/ Gorgonzola Dressing
Asparagus w/ Vin Santo Vinaigrette
Anytime Veggie Salad
Sauteed Spinach w/ Red Onion


(Pasta for All Seasons)
SOUPS AND PASTA SALADS
Italian White Bean, Pancetta, and Tortelini Soup
Pasta e Ceci (garbanzo beans)
*a small info section on "grating" types of cheese for the soup/pasta's
Italian Veggie Soup (perfect during winter!!)
Ribollita (soup)
Tuna, Green Bean, and Orzo Salad
Fusilli Salad w/ Seared Shrimp and Parsley Sauce
Neapolitan Calamari and Shrimp Salad
*tips for a perfect pasta salad
Mediterranean Salad
Antipasto Salad
Italian Chicken Salad in Lettuce Crisps

HEARTY PASTAS
Baked Penne w/ Roasted Veggies
Venetian "Mac and Cheese"
Crab and Ricotta Manicotti
Rigatoni w/ Sausage, Peppers, and Onions
Roman-Style Fettucine w/ Chicken
Farfalle w/ Creamy Mushroom Gorgonzola Sauce
Pappardelle w/ Lamb Stew
Cinnamon-Scented Ricotta Raviolo w/ Beef Ragu (very different/tasty)
Proscuitto Raviolo
Turkey and Artichoke Stuffed Shells (the artichokes add a nice twist)
Gnocchi with Thyme Butter Sauce
Ricotta Gnudi in Parmesan Broth
Tagliatelle w/ Short Rib Ragu
Penne w/ Swordfish and Eggplant
Baked Pastina Casserole
Baked Gnocchi (these are heavenly little dumplings)

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
Linguine w/ Better, Pecorini, Arugula, & Black Pepper
*no-cook pasta sauces
Saffron Orzo w/ Shrimp
Penne w/ Spicy Tomato Sauce
Spaghetti w/ Sauteed Onions and Marjoram
Eggplant Mezzaluna Ravioli
*stuffed pastas
Orecchiette w/ Mixed Greens and Goat Cheese
Capellini Piedmontese
Spaghetti alla Pirata
Spaghetti w/ Red and Yellow Peppers
Swordfish and Spaghetti w/ Citrus Pesto
Conghilie w/ Clams, Mussels, and Broccoli
Rotini w/ Salmon and Roasted Garlic
Rigatoni w/ Red Pepper, Almonds, and Bread Crumbs
Angel Hair Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Goat Cheese

QUICK AND EASY WEEKNIGHT PASTAS
Chicken in Lemon Cream w/ Penne
Little Stars w/ Butter and parmesan
Breakfast Scramble w/ Orzo, pancetta, and Asparagus
Creamy Orzo
Farfalle w/ Broccoli
Wagon Wheels w/ Artichoke Pesto
*flavored pastas
Spinach Fettuccine w/ a Quick Sugo or Salsa
Spicy Angel Hair Pasta
Rotelli w/ Walnut Sauce
Cheesy Baked Tortellini
Cinnamon Pancetta Carbonara
Rigatoni w/ Sausage, Artichokes, and Asparagus
Linguine w/ Turkey Meatballs and Quick Sauce
Ditalini w/ Mushrooms and Artichokes
Mini Penne w/ Parmesan Chicken (this is very tasty and very filling)
Farfalle w/ Spicy Sausage and Kale
Penne w/ Beef and Arugula
Capellini w/ Tomato and Peas

PASTA FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS:
Spicy Baked macaroni
Tagliatelle and Duck Ragu
Spaghetti w/ Eggplant, Butternut Squash, and hrimp
Crab Salad Napoleans w/ Fresh Pasta
Shrimp Lasagna Rolls w/ Creamy Marinara
Pork and Lemon Orzotto
Spaghetti w/ Pinot Grigio and Seafood (very romantic indeed)
Butternut Squash Tortelloni w/ Cranberry Walnut Sauce
Pappardelle w/ Seafood Cream Sauce
Champagne Risotto (light and flavorful)
*reimagining risotto
Linguine and Lobster Fra Diavolo
Corn Agnolotti w/ Tarragon Butter
Turkey and Cranberry Ravioli
*dried pasta versus fresh
Sweet Fresh Fettucine

PASTA BASICS (basic recipes):
Fresh Pasta
Basic Marinara Sauce
Bechamel Sauce
Arrabbiata Sauce
Chili Oil
Citrus Olive Oil
Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette
Red Wine Vinaigreet
Parmesan Frico (for the Spinach & Citrus Salad; they're pretty & tasty)

Italian Wine Course by Christian Navarro
Topic Menu's

This was a delight to go through in my initial run of cooking; I plan on going through more as the list of requests continues from those who know Giada from TV. Funny how I never seem to run out of volunteer taste-testers with her recipes! Enjoy!

This is a great book! I have already tried a few of the recipes and loved them, I told my neighbor about the book, and after looking at mine she bought it and has tried a few of the recipes and loves them too!
They are, as always with Giada, easy to follow, and yummy tasting. A must if you are a pasta person!

This book was good and I liked most of the dishes. I have Giada's other books. The only thing I didn't like about it was, some of the pasta recipes are not that appealing.

This book has brilliant pictures and delicious recipes. If you love pasta, then you'll love this book. It's a must buy.

Very easy recipes to follow and Giada's recipes make a beginner feel like an expert. I've used her other two books extensively and am sure I will use this one just as much. A book for any one who likes pasta.

I love to make any of Giada's recipes. My husband is thrilled when he knows that it's a Giada recipe. This cookbook is no exception. Everything I've made has been wonderful.

Another great cookbook! Giada's recipes are easy and wonderful! She even gives non-pasta recipes in here. Everything is wonderful! Can't wait for the next one!

This is a wonderful cookbook that beginning cooks or experienced cooks will enjoy. Giada makes everything seem easy. It shadows her TV program and now her spots on the Today Show.