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

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

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

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

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.