Why is extra virgin olive oil important in Pasta all'Arrabbiata?

It adds authentic Mediterranean flavor, carries the garlic and chili aromas, and helps create a rich tomato sauce.

What ingredients are traditionally used in Pasta e Fagioli?

Traditional versions combine pasta, beans, olive oil, aromatics, and often tomato, though recipes vary by Italian region.

What cheese is traditionally used for Pasta all'Amatriciana?

Pecorino Romano is the traditional cheese, adding a sharp, salty flavor to the sauce.

Free online course Italian cooking class

Duration of the online course: 36 minutes

4.8

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Cook authentic Italian pasta with confidence in this free online course—olive oil, classic sauces, and pro techniques. Learn fast and earn a certificate.

In this free course, learn about

Italian Pasta Classics

About the free online course

Bring authentic Italian flavors into your kitchen by learning the core techniques that make classic pasta dishes taste truly restaurant-worthy. In this free online course, you will build practical culinary skills you can use right away, from choosing the right ingredients to understanding why traditional methods matter. It is designed for anyone who wants more than a recipe: you will learn the reasoning behind key steps, so you can adapt, troubleshoot, and cook with confidence.

You will explore what makes Italian pasta sauces vibrant and balanced, with special attention to the role of extra virgin olive oil and how it shapes aroma, texture, and finish. Along the way, you will sharpen your ability to recognize what belongs in a traditional preparation and what does not, an essential skill for consistent results. This understanding helps you avoid common mistakes such as overpowering a sauce, missing a foundational ingredient, or using substitutions that change the dish’s character.

The course guides you through iconic styles of pasta, including spicy and rustic favorites, hearty bean-based comfort dishes, and bold, briny combinations. You will also learn to identify classic pairings like the cheeses commonly used in time-tested recipes. Short exercises reinforce the techniques and culinary vocabulary, helping you move from following instructions to cooking with intention.

Whether you are cooking for family, building a professional skill set, or simply expanding your kitchen repertoire, this course gives you a strong foundation in Italian culinary tradition. Complete the activities at your own pace, apply what you learn immediately, and finish with skills that elevate everyday meals into memorable Italian classics.

Course content

Video class: Italian Cooking Class with Nick Stellino 36m
Exercise: What are the fundamental reasons for using extra virgin olive oil in the Pasta all'Arrabbiata recipe?
Exercise: Which of the following is NOT a traditional ingredient in the pasta recipe shared by Nick Stellino?
Exercise: Which ingredient does not traditionally belong to Pasta e Fagioli?
Exercise: Which ingredient is NOT traditionally used when making pasta alla puttanesca?
Exercise: What is a traditional cheese used in making Pasta all'Amatriciana?

Learn aboutItalian food

Explore free online Italian food courses and learn to prepare authentic pasta, pizza, risotto, sauces, breads, and classic regional dishes. Study Italian cooking techniques, ingredients, menu planning, and culinary traditions at your own pace. Enroll today, build practical kitchen skills, and earn a certificate upon completion.