Italian Entrees

This easy recipe lends itself to endless variations. In place of fresh basil, try 1/4 cup chopped cilantro or parsley, 2 Tbs. chopped fresh tarragon, or 1 Tbs. finely minced fresh rosemary or oregano.

A creamy-garlicky cashew ricotta complements the sweet flavors of beets and caramelized onions in this colorful dish.

For an extra kick of flavor, sprinkle this spicy-smoky dish with quartered Kalamata olives.

It's recommended to cook the crust on a pizza stone before adding the toppings. This will ensure crispiness.

Penne is a good pasta choice with pesto because the sauce gets into the grooves on the medium-size tubes.

Olive oil–poached garlic gives tofu a deep, mellow flavor, while miso and vinegar provide a cheese-like tang.

Spinach adds a modern note to this classic Italian dish.

Grilled zucchini and garlic get puréed with toasted sunflower seeds, fresh basil, and Parmesan to make a rich, mellow pesto. If storing pesto in the fridge, top the sauce with a thin layer of olive oil to preserve its bright-green color.

This versatile sauce also works great spread on crostini, spooned over soft polenta, or served with poached eggs.