About Lidia Bastianich

Lidia Bastianich is an Emmy award-winning public television host, cookbook author, and restaurateur. She’s the chef/owner of four acclaimed restaurants in New York City—Felidia, Becco, Esca, and Del Posto—as well as Lidia’s Pittsburgh and Lidia’s Kansas City. She’s also written more than a dozen cookbooks, including her most recent title, Lidia’s Commonsense Italian Cooking. @lidiabastianich

A white plate filled with shrimp and leek pasta on a multi-colored woven placemat.

Shrimp and Leek Pasta

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So long, noodles that are buried beneath heavy cream sauces. This shrimp and leek pasta is made with a barely-there broth enhanced by the sweetness of leeks.

Skillet on the stove filled with risotto alla Milanese, a pile of cheese, and a wooden spoon.

Risotto Alla Milanese

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Lidia—yes, THAT Lidia—shares her classic risotto as it’s made back in Italy. Gather your saffron, shallots, white wine, and Parmesan.

A potato masher pressing down in a pot of olive oil mashed potatoes.

Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes

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We swoon to recipes that indulge us in the pretense of being healthful as we douse food in our preferred fruity olive oil. Thank you, Italy.

Chicken, potatoes, and bacon in a cast-iron skillet, garnished with rosemary sprigs.

My Mother’s Chicken and Potatoes

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An Italian classic that’s woo’d would-be-husbands for generations, this single-skillet supper melds meat, potatoes, bacon, and onion to moist, crisp effect.