When the rain falls and the air grows chilly, few things bring more comfort and cheer than a warm, hearty plate of pasta
Our four adopted kids were pasta lovers from day one. The only problem was their definition of pasta was soggy spaghetti drowning in sweet banana ketchup. It took many months and dozens of meals before they learned to love pasta’s varied shapes and colorful, flavorful sauces.
These days, the biggest problems when making pasta at home are the availability of ingredients and the prohibitive prices of vegetables. Green pepper, onions, and garlic are priced at P300-P400 per kilo. Fortunately for us amateur and professional cooks, there is a product in the market that makes real Italian pasta using genuine Italian ingredients without paying astronomical prices for herbs and vegetables. We are actually greeting the holidays with real Italian pasta sauces that are cheaper than if we bought the ingredients at local supermarkets and veggie stores.
On rainy days, there’s nothing quite like a plate of pasta to warm your heart and soul. With Filippo Berio’s range of authentic Italian sauces and pestos, you can bring the flavors of Italy into your home with ease. Whether you crave a spicy Arrabbiata, the freshness of Basilico, or the luxury of Truffle Pesto, these recipes are perfect for turning any meal into a comforting, satisfying experience.
Pasta: Ultimate comfort food on rainy days
As the rain pours outside and the air turns cooler, nothing beats the comforting warmth of a hearty plate of pasta to brighten up your day. With a collection of versatile and authentic Italian pasta sauces, you can easily elevate your home-cooked meals, transforming even the gloomiest day into a cozy, satisfying experience. Let’s explore several exceptional products, each paired with a quick and easy recipe for a heartwarming meal.
Arrabbiata pasta sauce
For those who crave a spicy kick, this sauce is made from 100% Italian tomatoes, fiery red chili peppers, and extra virgin olive oil. It is the ideal choice to add a burst of bold, spicy flavor to their pasta.
Recipe to try: Penne arrabbiata
This quick and simple dish hails from the Lazio region of Italy. The spicy arrabbiata sauce paired with penne pasta creates a delicious, vegetarian meal in minutes
Serves: 2 | Prep time: 15 to 20 minutes
Ingredients:
160g penne pasta
Filippo Berio Arrabbiata Pasta Sauce
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Salt
Procedure:
Cook the penne in salted water according to the pack instructions.
In a pan, warm the arrabbiata pasta sauce.
Once the pasta is ready, drain and stir it into the sauce.
Serve in warm bowls, garnished with fresh basil.
Basilico pasta sauce
A taste of Italian tradition, this sauce captures the essence of Italy’s culinary heritage. Made with 100% Italian tomatoes, fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil, it’s a delightful, vegan-friendly sauce that brings a refreshing touch to your meals.
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Recipe to try: Tomato basil soup with grilled cheese
Enjoy the ultimate comfort food combo with this rich and creamy tomato basil soup, paired with a perfectly golden grilled cheese. Using Basilico Pasta Sauce, this quick soup is packed with authentic Italian flavors and is ideal for cozying up on a rainy day.
Serves: 2 to 3 | Prep time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
1 jar Filippo Berio Basilico Pasta Sauce
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 tbsp Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 cup water
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tsp sugar
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 slices thick bread
2 tbsp garlic butter
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Procedure:
In a large pot, sauté onions, garlic, and bell pepper in olive oil until softened.
Add the Basilico pasta sauce and water, stirring well. Let simmer, then add cream, sugar, salt, and pepper to taste.
For the grilled cheese, spread garlic butter on bread slices, add shredded cheddar, and cook in a buttered pan until golden brown.
Serve the soup hot alongside the grilled cheese and enjoy this comforting duo warm.
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Truffle Pesto
For a Luxurious truffle indulgence and a unique and elevated twist on a classic pesto, the truffle pesto sauce combines summer truffles' rich, earthy flavor with other high-quality ingredients. Perfect for adding a touch of luxury to everyday meals, it beautifully pairs with everything from pasta to grilled sandwiches.
Recipe to try: Tagliolini with truffle pesto
This simple yet luxurious pasta dish from Piemonte brings together the creamy richness of truffle pesto with delicate tagliolini pasta for a meal that feels both hearty and indulgent.
Serves: 2 | Prep time: 10 to 15 minutes
Ingredients:
500g tagliolini pasta
2-3 heaping teaspoons of Filippo Berio Truffle Pesto
50g parmesan (grated or shaved)
Procedure:
Boil tagliolini in salted water until al dente, then drain.
Stir in the Filippo Berio Truffle Pesto and toss well.
Serve topped with shaved parmesan.
Classic Pesto
A traditional Ligurian delight made with fresh Italian basil following an authentic Ligurian recipe, This classic pesto recipe is a versatile and flavorful addition to any pasta dish. It offers the essence of Italy’s pesto in every jar.
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Recipe to try: Avocado and pesto grilled cheese—This decadent sandwich combines creamy avocado and mozzarella with the rich flavors of truffle pesto for a gourmet take on a beloved comfort food.
Serves: 4 | Prep time: 10 to 15 minutes
Ingredients:
8 slices Italian loaf bread
1/4 cup Filippo Berio Truffle Pesto
1 ripe avocado, sliced
6 oz mozzarella, sliced
1/4 tsp each of salt and pepper
2 tbsp Filippo Berio Olive Oil
Procedure:
Spread pesto on one side of each slice of bread. Layer avocado and mozzarella, then top with the remaining bread slices.
Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the sandwiches for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and melty.
