Authentic Scarpariello: Traditional Neapolitan Pasta Recipe

Mastering Neapolitan Flavor: Authentic Scarpariello Pasta Recipe with Barbara from Bella Touring Tuscany

You want the taste of real Italy? In our latest video, we invite our friend and esteemed Italian cook, Barbara from Bella Touring Tuscany, into the kitchen to share a staple of the Neapolitan tradition: Scarpariello Pasta.

This dish, whose name charmingly translates to "shoemaker's pasta," originated in the Spanish Quarters of Naples as a simple, ingenious way to turn a few humble ingredients into an explosion of flavor. It perfectly embodies the cucina povera philosophy of Italian cooking.

What is Cucina Povera? The term Cucina Povera literally translates to "poor cooking," but its meaning is rich. It represents the resourceful, no-waste culinary tradition where everyday ingredients, often scraps or leftovers (like the shoemakers' leftover cheese!), are transformed into delicious, nourishing meals. It is a philosophy rooted in necessity and respect for ingredients. The result is the honest, simple, yet deeply flavorful cooking that defines authentic Italian cuisine.

The Secret is Simplicity and Quality

The key to mastering an Authentic Scarpariello Pasta Recipe lies in using minimal, yet high-quality, ingredients. Barbara shows us that you don't need dozens of components; you need integrity in the ones you choose.

• The Tomato Base: We use sweet, small cherry tomatoes (pomodorini), which burst to form a flavorful, light sauce with just garlic and fresh basil.

• The Creaminess: The defining feature of Scarpariello is the rich, creamy sauce achieved by using a generous amount of grated Pecorino Romano cheese and the starchy pasta water—never cream! Barbara walks you through this essential technique, known as mantecatura, to achieve that perfect, silky texture.

• The Pasta: We served this classic sauce with Paccheri pasta, whose large, wide tubes are ideal for capturing and delivering every drop of the tomato-cheese richness.

Essential Italian Cooking Techniques

In the video, Barbara doesn't just share a recipe; she shares essential Italian cooking techniques that will improve all your regional dishes:

1. Salting the Water: Learn exactly how much to salt your pasta water (it should taste like the sea!) and why adding oil is a major faux pas in authentic Italian cooking.

2. The Mantecatura Method: See a step-by-step guide on how to toss the pasta and cheese with the reserved pasta water off the heat, creating that irresistible, creamy sauce without adding butter or cream.

Artisan Tools and Ingredients: Made in Italy

To achieve this level of flavor and artistry, we relied on exceptional products, reinforcing the value of Made in Italy craftsmanship:

• Tenuta Esse Extra Virgin Olive Oil: We began the sauce with this delicious, high-quality organic Italian olive oil from Puglia, its fruity notes laying the perfect foundation for the sweet tomatoes.

• Zen Murano Glass Plates: The stunning, handmade Murano Glass Plates from Venice made the final presentation truly artful.

• Fontani Santoku Knife: Our favorite handmade Italian knife from Scarperia, Tuscany, made quick work of the tomatoes and basil.

This quick and easy meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or for impressing friends with authentic Neapolitan pasta expertise! Find all these authentic Italian products, curated especially for your kitchen, on our website, ArtfulItalia.com.

Join the Kitchen: Watch the Video and Start Cooking!

Ready to see how simple it is to bring the authentic flavor of Naples right to your dinner table? We invite you to watch the full video on YouTube! You'll not only see Barbara master the mantecatura technique for that creamy finish, but you'll also pick up countless insider tips—like why the quality of your Extra Virgin Olive Oil matters so much to the final taste.

This is more than just a recipe; it’s a quick lesson in real Italian flavor. After you’ve mastered this Authentic Scarpariello Pasta Recipe, be sure to check out our growing library of Italian cooking videos on our channel.

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