Recipes & Entertaining
Chef Marco's own recipes, serving ideas, and family-table traditions — built around the Vodka Sauce and Marinara.
20 Minutes • Serves 4
Chef Marco's signature dish — the fastest way to get Della Nonna Pina on the table on a weeknight.
You'll Need
1 jar Della Nonna Pina Vodka Sauce, 1 lb rigatoni, 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, grated Parmesan, fresh basil.
Method
Cook rigatoni until al dente. Warm the vodka sauce in a wide pan over medium heat. Add drained pasta and a splash of pasta water, tossing until the sauce clings to every piece. Finish with Parmesan and torn basil.
2 Hours • Serves 6–8
A full spread for the table, Sicilian-style — built around both sauces.
You'll Need
1 jar each Vodka Sauce and Marinara, baked ziti, meatballs or sausage, a green salad, crusty bread, and your family's favorite wine.
Method
Simmer meatballs or sausage in the Marinara while the ziti bakes with the Vodka Sauce and mozzarella. Serve everything family-style, straight from the pans, the way Nonna Pina always did.
1 Hour • Serves 6
Marinara-forward, comforting, and simple — a Sicilian staple made easy.
You'll Need
2 jars Della Nonna Pina Marinara, 2 large eggplants, mozzarella, Parmesan, fresh basil, olive oil.
Method
Layer roasted eggplant slices with Marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Bake until bubbling and golden, then finish with fresh basil before serving.
45 Minutes • Serves 4
A heartier, baked take on the signature sauce — made for leftovers.
You'll Need
1 jar Della Nonna Pina Vodka Sauce, chicken thighs, 1 sliced eggplant, mozzarella, fresh oregano.
Method
Sear the chicken, layer with roasted eggplant and Vodka Sauce in a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake until golden and bubbling.
30 Minutes • Serves 4
A quick weeknight version of a Sicilian coastal classic.
You'll Need
1 jar Della Nonna Pina Vodka Sauce, 1 lb linguine, shrimp and/or mussels, garlic, white wine, parsley.
Method
Sauté seafood with garlic and a splash of white wine, then stir in the Vodka Sauce and toss with cooked linguine. Finish with fresh parsley.
15 Minutes • Serves 4
Straight from the jar to a quick, honest pasta dinner.
You'll Need
1 jar Della Nonna Pina Marinara, 1 lb spaghetti, olive oil, Parmesan, fresh basil.
Method
Warm the Marinara while the spaghetti cooks. Toss together with a drizzle of olive oil, top with Parmesan and basil, and serve.