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How Fresh Pasta Elevates Your Spring Menu: Chef Tips for Phoenix Restaurants

Spring is the season of renewal and for Phoenix restaurants, that means fresh menus and lighter, brighter flavors. If you’re planning your spring offerings, now’s the perfect time to make the switch to fresh pasta supplier from a local wholesaler like Pasta Rea.

Here’s why more Valley chefs are choosing our handcrafted pasta to bring their seasonal dishes to life.

Fresh Pasta = Fresh Inspiration

Fresh pasta gives you a canvas for creativity. Its delicate texture and flavor pair perfectly with spring ingredients like asparagus, peas, lemon, and herbs.

From penne primavera to ravioli stuffed with roasted vegetables, locally made pasta allows you to showcase Arizona’s seasonal produce with Italian authenticity.

tricolor-fiori | Pasta Rea fresh pasta supplier in PhoenixKeep It Light, Keep It Local

Guests crave freshness this time of year — and they notice when it’s genuine. By sourcing your pasta locally, you’re delivering a product that’s made days (not weeks) before it hits the plate.

That freshness translates into:
• Faster cooking times
• Better sauce absorption
• Silky texture and authentic taste

It’s an easy upgrade that instantly elevates your menu.

Customize Your Pasta, Customize Your Brand

Chef Tony and the team at Pasta Rea work directly with restaurants to create pasta that fits their exact needs — from custom cuts to filled ravioli for seasonal features.

Whether you run a fine dining establishment or a cozy neighborhood bistro, we’ll help you craft pasta that enhances your culinary identity.

The Local Advantage

When you choose a fresh pasta supplier in Phoenix, you’re not just improving your menu — you’re investing in your community. Local sourcing strengthens Arizona’s food ecosystem and gives your guests a story to connect with.

Spring forward with flavor.

Call 602-485-9924 to discuss wholesale options and bring locally made pasta to your spring menu.

Note: Availability may vary. Certain pasta shapes and fillings are available by special order. Contact us for current offerings.

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Date Night Done Right: Create an Italian-Inspired Valentine’s Dinner with Pasta Rea

Forget crowded restaurants and overpriced prix fixe menus — this Valentine’s Day, bring the romance home with fresh pasta from Pasta Rea.

Handmade with love (and a whole lot of Italian heart), our pasta makes it easy to create a meal that feels indulgent but effortless. Whether you’re cooking for two or treating yourself to something special, here’s how to make this Valentine’s one to remember.

housemade Alfredo sauce by Pasta Rea fresh pasta in Phoenix. Step 1: Pick Up the Pasta

Find us at the Uptown Farmers Market in Phoenix or the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market. Each week, Chef Tony and the team bring a rotating selection of fresh pastas, sauces, and Italian favorites — all made by hand.

Our selection changes weekly, but you’ll often find:
• Fresh-cut pastas like pappardelle, spaghetti, or rigatoni
• Filled ravioli with seasonal ingredients
• Housemade sauces like Alfredo, Bolognese, or marinara

For larger orders, call 602-485-9924 to arrange pickup from our kitchen at 1825 W. Crest Ln., Phoenix, AZ 85027.

Step 2: Set the Scene

Italian dining is all about atmosphere. Dim the lights, put on a little Andrea Bocelli, and set the table with your favorite wine and candles. A simple meal of fresh pasta, sauce, and a sprinkle of parmesan can feel like a fine dining experience when made with care.

Step 3: Don’t Forget Dessert

While you’re at the market, pick up some local sweets or chocolate-covered strawberries. Nothing complements a bowl of creamy pasta like a sweet finish — and a toast to amore.

Why Pasta Rea Makes It Special

Pasta Rea is more than pasta — it’s a story of family, tradition, and food made with heart. Chef Tony Rea founded Pasta Rea in 2016 to bring handcrafted Italian comfort food to Phoenix, one batch at a time.

This Valentine’s, skip the stress and savor the moment. Let us handle the pasta — you handle the romance.

Note: Product availability varies weekly. Some pastas and sauces are seasonal or available by special order. For current offerings, visit pasta-rea.com/buy-fresh-pasta-in-phoenix or call 602-485-9924.

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Why Phoenix Restaurants Are Choosing Local Fresh Pasta Suppliers in 2026

Gemelli | Fresh Pasta Suppliers

If you’re a chef or restaurant owner in Phoenix, you already know one truth: great pasta makes great dishes. And in 2026, more local restaurants than ever are switching to fresh pasta suppliers in Phoenix who can deliver quality, consistency, and true Italian flavor — without compromise.

At Pasta Rea, we’ve seen the shift firsthand. For years, restaurants across the Valley have chosen our handmade pastas to elevate their menus. Here’s why this trend toward local sourcing is here to stay — and how it’s making Arizona’s culinary scene more delicious than ever.

Baked Penne made with fresh pasta suppliers Pasta ReaFreshness Makes All the Difference

There’s a world of difference between pasta that’s been shipped across the country and pasta made right here in Phoenix. Fresh pasta cooks faster, absorbs sauce beautifully, and has that tender bite that turns a simple dish into something special.

When you partner with a local pasta supplier like Pasta Rea, your kitchen benefits from:
• Small-batch production for superior texture and flavor
• No preservatives or additives — just pure, honest ingredients
• The flexibility to create custom pasta shapes and cuts

For a chef, that means reliable quality every time.

Local Means Responsive

Restaurant kitchens move fast — and when you need a last-minute order, there’s no time to wait on national distributors.

Working with a Phoenix-based pasta supplier gives you:
• Quick turnaround times
• Personalized service
• The ability to collaborate directly with Chef Tony and the team

Whether you need an extra batch of rigatoni before a busy weekend or want to test a new ravioli filling, we’ve got you covered.

Supporting Local is Good for Business

Consumers love supporting local, and sourcing from local Phoenix food suppliers gives your restaurant an easy, authentic story to share. It’s not just pasta — it’s a partnership rooted in community.

When your guests know their favorite fettuccine came from a small local kitchen dedicated to craft and flavor, it creates a genuine connection that big distributors can’t match.

Legacy of Quality

Chef Tony Rea has spent decades feeding Phoenix with passion, first through his full-service catering company and through Pasta Rea. His philosophy is simple: if you wouldn’t serve it to your family, it doesn’t leave the kitchen.

That commitment shows in every order we deliver to restaurants across the Valley.

Ready to bring authentic, handcrafted pasta to your menu?
Call 602-485-9924 to set up your wholesale account and taste the Pasta Rea difference.

Note: Availability may vary week to week. Some products are available by special order only. Call 602-485-9924 for current wholesale options.

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Where to Buy Fresh Pasta in Phoenix: From Pasta Rea’s Kitchen to your Plate

If you’re searching for the best fresh pasta in Phoenix, your quest ends here. Whether you’re a home cook ready to wow your dinner guests or a chef looking to upgrade your menu, Pasta Rea brings handcrafted Italian pasta straight from the kitchen of Chef Tony Rea to plates across the Valley.

At Pasta Rea, pasta isn’t just food — it’s tradition, family, and comfort. Every batch is made with care, passion, and recipes inspired by Chef Tony’s deep Italian roots.

pkgedFind Us at the Farmers Market (And Bring a Big Bag)

For area pasta lovers, we make it easy (and fun!) to get your hands on the freshest pasta in Phoenix.

Visit Us at These Weekly Markets:

  • Uptown Farmers Market – Central Phoenix, every Saturday
  • Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market – Seasonal Saturdays (October–May)

We’re stocked with a rotating menu of:

  • Fresh pasta like pappardelle, spaghetti, and gnocchi
  • Hand-filled ravioli
  • Rich, housemade sauces
  • Lasagna and other Italian specialties

Swing by, sample the selection, and bring home some Italian love.

Need a Larger Order?

Got a big dinner party coming up or prepping for a special event? For larger orders, call us at 602-485-9924 to arrange pickup at our commercial kitchen: 1825 W. Crest Ln., Phoenix, AZ 85027

Also available at Scottsdale Meat Market & Agritopia Farm.

Supplying Restaurants with the Valley’s Freshest Pasta

Running a restaurant, resort, or catering company in Arizona? Pasta Rea is your trusted partner for wholesale fresh pasta in Phoenix.

We supply:

  • Custom-cut pasta in various shapes and sizes
  • Handcrafted ravioli, cannelloni, and manicotti
  • Artisan gnocchi and filled shells
  • Authentic sauces made from scratch

Enjoy our pasta at these Phoenix-area restaurants: Saint Pasta, BobbyQ’s & El Chorro.

Chef Tony understands the foodservice world firsthand — alongside Pasta Rea, he also operates a full-service catering business, so we know what it takes to keep commercial kitchens running smoothly.

Call 602-485-9924 to talk wholesale and get your custom pasta order rolling.

From Our Kitchen to Yours, with Heart

Chef Tony Rea grew up in an Italian-American household where Sunday dinners were sacred and pasta was always homemade. His passion for Italian cuisine led him to open Pasta Rea in 2016, driven by the dream of delivering handcrafted comfort food across Arizona.

Whether you’re twirling linguine at your dinner table or plating tagliatelle in your restaurant kitchen, you’ll taste the tradition in every bite.

Pasta Rea = Fresh Pasta in Phoenix

  • Weekly markets for easy pickup
  • Custom wholesale for Arizona foodservice
  • Made by hand, true to Italian heritage

Ready to bring home (or serve up) something special?

Check our weekly menu & order online
Call us at 602-485-9924 for wholesale or large orders

Phoenix, your pasta just got personal.

Note: Availability of pasta, sauces, and prepared items may vary from week to week. Some products are seasonal or available by special order only. For the most up-to-date selection, please check our weekly menu or give us a call at 602-485-9924 — we’re always happy to help you find (or make!) exactly what you’re craving.

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Fresh & Organic Pasta | a Local Partnership with BKW Farms

BKW Farms

Know Your Farmer

Choosing a grain partner isn’t easy but PASTA REA is proud to introduce BKW Farms. Located between Phoenix & Tucson in a small town called Marana, BKW has a rich history in farming beginning in 1939. Their history of environmentally conscience farming practices and quality grain production sets them apart. They hold a USDA Organic Certification, and with that comes a huge commitment to use organic methods to produce their products while protecting the environment.

“By supporting local farmers today, you are helping to ensure that there will be farms and food security in your community tomorrow.”

We are thrilled to have a local provider of organic heritage grains and fresh blue oyster mushrooms. We look forward to seeing what they can offer next.  https://www.bkwazgrown.com/

Expanding our Offerings

PASTA REA has always offered a variety of specialty items to enhance our lineup of traditional fresh pasta, sauces, and entrees which has included pastas and sauce made with local ingredients. We think our organic – heritage grain pasta is delicious and knowing the commitment BKW has made to consistently provide locally produced and organic heritage grains we have decided to offer it to our customers so they may enjoy it as well.

There are many advantages to purchasing food produced locally, including:

Local food supports local families

Local farmers aren’t anonymous and they take their responsibility to the consumer seriously

Local food is an investment in the future

grains

Pasta made with heritage grains is not gluten free but will offer lower gluten content and a large variety of vitamins and minerals. As far as flavor, it is delicious with a slight nutty flavor and great texture able to stand with any hearty sauce or pesto.

Look for a variety of shapes and sizes, vegan and organic egg pastas in the coming weeks produced in small batches on a limited basis until demand increases.

Tradition, Freshness & Uncompromising Flavor

PASTA REA was created to introduce to the public our family recipes and cooking methods passed down from generation to generation. We never intended to change the Italian culinary landscape we just wanted to offer consistently great family style comfort food.

Varieties of Fresh Pasta Rea Pasta

PASTA REA pasta is made using imported machines and brass dies which gives the pasta a rough texture enabling it to hold on to your favorite sauce. Our handmade pastas are rolled cut shaped and cared for in the old traditions, just like my mother taught me. We simmer our sauce, roll our meatballs and layer our lasagna every Thursday for our Saturday markets. Same with our pasta, we do not make it until it is ordered, and we can’t keep enough of our 5-cheese ravioli in stock.

If you have not tried PASTA REA yet you don’t know what you are missing, there is nothing better than to walk into your kitchen and smell that sauce as it simmers on a Sunday afternoon. Connect with us on social media to see what we are making each week and take advantage of our special offers. We would love to hear from you so send a picture of your pasta plate and let us know what you think. Mangia Bene!

                                              

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Fresh Pasta – Shopping Local in Phoenix

Shopping Local from Home

Farmers Market Pick up and Delivery We have written about this subject before but can there ever be enough words written about the benefits of purchasing local and shopping at your neighborhood farmers markets, restaurants and family owned delis and grocery stores? With your support the demand has increased dramatically along with the number of producers. Today’s health concerns make us think twice about getting out of the house. It may not be our first choice but there are now several ways you can order and receive your favorites from the comfort of your home.

For over 5 years Pasta Rea has been producing family style meal packages and offering freshly made pastas and sauces all locally produced and distributed. For 24 years our local catering and parent company, Creations in Cuisine Catering has offered meal delivery and catering throughout the valley and surrounding towns. We are proud to be part of the support local movement and with the level of quality of our products and our unsurpassed customer service we are recognized  as one of the premier providers of meal delivery and catering services in Phoenix, Tucson, and northern Arizona. With that we wanted to share information on a growing trend, shopping local from home.

The Good Ol’ Days

Prior to COVID 19 your local Farmers Markets were not only a place to get great products, but it was also a social gathering of likeminded community members enjoying early morning social contact and conversations with friends, family, and vendors. If you were an early bird, you could be guaranteed the pick of the crop from your favorite produce stand and avoid disappointment if one if your favorite venders were to sellout. Even with a late morning arrival you could still find a hot, fresh brewed coffee or one of those delicious breakfast burritos or fresh pastries that are offered at almost every market we visit. It is also a great opportunity to spend time with your beloved pet.  Most markets are pet friendly and  are a great place for your pet to stretch its legs, (of course if the pavement isn’t too hot) and if they behaved maybe they could get a special treat from the pet friendly vendors. It is certainly a challenge now to be able to enjoy the things we have become accustomed to, but you can still shop local and continue your support.

Fresh & Local Products “Beet” the Competion

Before we tell you how and where you can get your Arizona favorites delivered market to door, lets talk about the benefits of fresh local produce beets the competitionshopping local. Items made locally obviously have less mileage to travel to get to your location. This helps to preserve the taste, quality, and freshness. You will mostly likely find fresher green beans, strawberries, and tomatoes then the ones sitting on a grocery store shelf and you will notice a huge difference in the taste. Hey, we all must purchase food, clothes, soaps, and at times splurge on a nice gift for yourself or a loved one so why not spend that money locally? Keeping the money “in the family” helps support the community and or local framers who may have a greater need then a large corporation. You may agree with me as I say that variety is the spice of life. You can easily find a new and creative spice blend at the market, but you also must be open to trying new food items with ethnic backgrounds you may have never heard of or tired before.

Feeding the family is easer too as the food vendors have recognized the need for meal delivery and catering and have created many different meal packages to feed 2, 4 or 6. Finding a handcrafted, one of a kind cutting board, piece of jewelry or art is not uncommon and could be the added bling you have been searching for. You are now probably real anxious to get to market but still concerned with the current health situation or may not have the time or resources to get there each week. Here are a few suggestions on how you can shop local from home.

 #Supportlocal #Shoplocal

Uptown Farmers Market / Gather Arizona ~ Offering curbside pick up and home delivery. Their vendor list keeps on growing so check back often to see who is new or to stay up on what your favorite vendor has on special. It is also important to know they have home delivery in refrigerated vehicles year-round so there will not be a concern about freshness or temperature control, perfect for meal delivery and catering orders. Markets hours vary by season, you can find current hours and other important information by visiting: https://uptownmarketaz.com/ Place a curbside pick up or delivery order easily online by visiting: https://gatherazexpress.com/

Humanity Hub ~ We are excited to see this come to not only the Phoenix area but Tucson as well. There are many high quality locally produced products and markets in Tucson and now conveniently we can experience both. Humanity Hub is scheduled to roll out in a few months but why wait, get on their list today, all the information you need can be found at: https://humanityhubnetwork.org/

Your Farm Foods ~ One of the first to offer online ordering and home delivery. Your Farm Foods works with a large variety of suppliers and sponsors educational events with information on healthy and nutritious food sources. This is a Chandler based business committed to providing locally grown food, farm to table, market to door with a focus on local products. Visit https://yourfarmfoods.com/to learn more!

With so many options, there is no reason not to take advantage of farm fresh locally produced goods in Phoenix.

Ways to support your community

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Fresh Pasta – Meal Delivery & Catering, a lasting Trend

Convenience From Your Home

Curbside Pickup Phoenix

Meal delivery and catering has taken on many forms in the last few years, but we have not seen the need increase in such volume as we

have since March of 2020. Restaurants, deli / grocery stores, local farmers market vendors and caterers are all offering some form of home meal delivery services. Here are a few options of what is available in and around your Arizona hometown and why supporting local not only helps benefit small business but may offer convenience and a healthy alternative when making your mealtime decision.

Restaurants are Still an Option

When ordering a meal from a restaurant you can mostly count on the fact that it will be fully cooked and packaged although some restaurants have set up an actual grocery store experience. These establishments have changed their model to offer whole or portioned proteins such as chicken, steaks, and seafood. They have also separated their bulk dry good products such eggs by the dozen, pasta, rice and flour by the pound and sauces to be sold by the pint, quart, or gallon. Produce was not forgotten. With a restaurants access to a wide variety of vegetables and frequent deliveries that ensure freshness it makes sense to purchase these items from them as well. Restaurant purveyors have recognized the need and increase in demand for meal delivery and catering. The manufacturers for packaging products have too and stepped up their game creating several new options to keep your foods hot or cold with safety seals and a contactless exchange in mind. These options are well suited for meal delivery and catering as well as bulk packaged foods for home delivery or on site pick up.

Deli & Grocery Stores are Trending

With the mention of grocery stores your fist though may be the big box chains that dot the valley from one street corner to another but that is not what I am talking about here. I am referring to the independently owned markets that are family owned and operated the ones that can be found tucked away in established neighborhoods, the ones where the local’s shop on a regular basis. You are almost guaranteed to find a quality home cooked meal ready for delivery or pick up. The trend now is for these markets to fill their shelves with locally produced items. It is not uncommon to find items such as peanut butter, jarred sauces, and salsa. You may not find everything you need while shopping at these locations but the quality of the purchased items you do find is what matters most. You are also supporting a business owner who maybe your neighbor, a parent of your child’s best friend or just an honest hard-working couple traying to make a living. Please consider (Please INSERT THE PROPER LINKS TO PROVISIONS, ARCADIA, THE FARM STORE)

Packaged Meals Delivered

Caterers Specialize in Food, Trust Us

When I plan to purchase an item or service, I look for the professionals who specialize in production of that product. That is why when it is time to order your meal delivery and catering you should look to the catering professional. This is what we do, we prepare meals designed for delivery, designed to travel and designed to travel while maintaining the integrity of the ingredient used so when you sit down to enjoy your meal you are guaranteed to enjoy your meal. We are set up with the proper equipment and have designed menus to meet all needs for events of all sizes. Catering companies are run by great chefs who do not miss an opportunity to work with unique products and are committed to supporting local. A well-prepared meal using fresh local ingredient, priceless!

Farmer Markets… Fresh, Local & Fun

I have been a producer and supporter of the local farmers markets for several years. I am amazed by the variety and creativity of the venders that participate each week and each week I am almost guaranteed to find something new that I have not tried before. Most of our PASTA REA clients make the Saturday morning trip each week and stock up on supplies just as they would if they were going to a full-scale grocery store. When COVID 19 struck this need was recognized, local farmers markets were considered essential and allowed to continue operations. Of course, there were several concerns regarding social distancing and how foods were to be handled at an open-air market. The organizers of the markets answered these concerns with distanced booths mandatory gloves and masks, and some monitored the number of shoppers allowed in the area at one time. Still with these precautions’ guests were continued to be concerned and preferred contactless transactions. This resulted in a huge increase in our online sales and preorders with payment over the phone or internet in the last 6 months. Some markets enhanced their existing pre order systems by allowing clients to place an order from several market venders at one time with just a phone call or click of the mouse days before the market opens. On market day clients can choose on site curb side pick up or even home delivery. Many markets now offer this type of service and more information can easily be found, visit:

https://gatherazexpress.com/

 

 

Farmers Market Delivery

Meal delivery and catering has never been easier, sit back in the comfort of your home and let us come to you.

 

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Fresh Pasta – Save Your Heart and Eat Local Pasta

Save Your Heart, Eat Fresh Local Pasta!

It has been common knowledge for decades that eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients made with natural fresh local ingredients can help you live a longer and healthier life but where does pasta fit into that? We will explore the treasured cuisine of Italy and how the culture and the way Italians really eat has a profound affect on the life expectancy, quality and happiness of its people. Is there science behind eating fresh local pasta and staying healthy or living longer? Not all pastas are created equal and the processes used to create different pastas can affect not only the quality of the product but the overall health benefits. Let’s dive in…

Fresh Local Pasta Heart HealthThe Italian Way of Life

If you have ever had the opportunity to travel to Italy the first thing you may notice is the culture. Italians are happy, loving and sometimes loud people, they enjoy talking with their hands, eating a lot and they live with passion abundant. How do Italians eat all day and still stay fit? The culture in Italy is “Tutto di Famiglia” which means all about family, gathering is just a way of life for most Italians. Meals are often cooked from scratch with local produce, meats and cheese. Americans think of Italian food as heavy pasta and lasagna, when in fact Italians in Italy eat very light, each meal may consist of grazing on cheese and antipasti, a pasta course which is always hand rolled by someone’s Nona, a fish course, and a meat course. They typically always have dessert and let’s not forget about the wine! Their portions are small, and their meals are slow and often take hours as they converse and share, never a mad dash to fit as much in as possible. The life expectancy of an Italian living in Italy is around 84 years old compared to around 75 in the United States. It is apparent that the close family environment and the fresh food, lots of activities, wine and walking have allowed Italians to thrive and live their best lives.

Where is the Proof?

The correlation between eating pasta and living a longer happier life is more than just a theory. The Cardiovascular Institute has been studying the affects of different foods on our bodies for quite some time now and a recent study conducted by U.S. National Institutes of Health-AARP of about 416,000 men and woman showed that over 16 years the people who had diets rich in plants and other complex proteins were in superior health to those who primarily consumed meats and processed foods. Pasta in general is a plant-based process and yes while some pasta’s do have eggs most pasta, especially fresh handmade pasta like Pasta Rea is made up of a mix of flours, purified water & sea salt. Also, in general people who primarily ate things like fresh pasta, vegetables, eggs, cheese and fish lived a more active lifestyle than those who ate mostly red meats and processed dinners. The actual energy and overall feeling of well-being was greater among those people who consumed these nutrient rich foods that were made with simple ingredients and prepared at home.

So Pasta is Good for You, Now What?

Fresh Ingredients Fresh Pasta PhoenixNot all pasta is the same, in fact, pasta that is produced in factory’s, dried and boxed and sitting on your grocery shelf is not quite the same as the fresh pasta we make here at Pasta Rea. You will notice a night and day difference upon inspecting the ingredient list on your favorite store brand pasta vs. our label. If only three simple ingredients produce amazing pasta then why do some big companies and manufacturers put things like calcium propionate, potassium sorbate, and sodium dithioacetate in their pastas? That’s not all, a blind taste test showed that 9/10 people preferred fresh whole pasta than boxed/processed pasta. It cooks faster and has a purity in taste that just can’t be manufactured. The best pastas are extruded on Italian machines operated by hand like ours. Semolina and Durham flours create an amazing balance of texture and when made properly with the correct pure water ratio and sea salt it’s a straightforward process. Making pasta at home is easy and fun as well if you have the correct tools. Pasta of any kind really does allow you to live a longer and healthy life, but fresh local pasta will always be our choice!

Eat local fresh pasta, stay healthy & Vive Bene!

Learn More: https://www.newsweek.com/pasta-bread-lower-risk-death-1517549

By: Sasha Holt

Pasta Rea-Fresh-Pasta-Phoenix

Italian Food Delivery & Catering in Phoenix

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Fresh Pasta – Light and Delicious Cavatelli with Italian Association of Arizona

Ricotta Cavatelli with Broccoli Rabe, Tomatoes & Italian Sausage 

Ingredients                Yield: 2-4 servings

4-5 oz. blanched broccolini spears

Light and Delicious Cavatelli with Braccoli Rabe Tomatoes and a White Sauce

16 each ripe tear drop tomatoes, cut in half

1 quality olive oil

4 Italian sausage, hot or mild your choice

2 finely minced shallots

4-5 garlic clove, shaved thin like in Goodfella’s

2-ounce white wine (something you enjoy drinking)

10 ounces PASTA REA Cavatelli

5 oz. Whole butter

3 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

TT sea salt

TT freshly ground black pepper

3- 4 ounces grated fresh grated Romano cheese

Follow These Simple Steps…. 

  1. Clean broccolini of any excess leaves and cut in spears about 3” long.
  2. Bring 2 quarts salted water to a roaring boil and blanch broccolini in boiling water until al dente. Drain and immediately submerge in cold ice bath to chill then drain well.
  3. Rinse out pot and bring 3 quarts of salted water to a boil and hold
  4. Remove sausage from casing. Heat oil in a nonstick skillet, lightly brown sausage, and crumble with fork as it browns
  5. Add garlic and shallots to the sausage and saute until translucent. Then add tomatoes and saute to blister followed by broccolini.  Toss to warm.
  6. Deglaze with wine and reduce by ½ to remove alcohol, hold on a very low simmer.
  7. Drop pasta in water and cook to desired consistency. Your Cavatelli should float when it is nearly done.
  8. Drain the Cavatelli well, reserving some pasta water.
  9. Combine your pasta to the simmering sauce pan and toss it altogether.
  10. Throw in whole butter and toss again until the butter is melted. You can add small amounts of pasta water if needed.
  11. Add parsley and season to taste with salt, pepper and ½ the Romano cheese.
  12. Toss on medium heat to make sure all is hot.
  13. Plate and garnish with remaining cheese.

 

To Enjoy a Cooking Demo with Chef Rea and our Visitor Frank Guzzo with the Italian Association of Arizona Click the Photo Above, Mangia Bene!

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Fresh Pasta – Have You Heard of Gargati?

gargati pasta

Gargati Pasta

Have you heard of Gargati? For the past few weeks I have been experimenting with freshly made extruded pastas using eggs and different flour blends. We are famous for our standard semolina blend, but I wanted to try something new. I was aware that adding eggs to extruded pasta had been done before, but I was hoping to discover some new pasta shapes that would match the texture of the dough. While doing some research online for our Italian Catering Menu, I discovered a pasta shape called “gargati”.

What is Gargati?

Gargati pasta hails from the Veneto region in northern Italy. It is a relatively short-cut pasta with ridged, rough edges, and a small, hollow center. The ridged, rough edges allow sauce to cling to the pasta, adding flavor to each bite. Well-salted water will course through the hollow center of the pasta while cooking, adding a great depth of flavor. The hollow center also offers a place where a flavorful sauce can hide out waiting to please your palate. I really enjoy the fact that the sides of this pasta are thick and the length short. When cooked to a proper al dente, the results are simply delicious.

How is Gargati Pasta Made?

Traditionally, this shape of pasta is made using a bigolaro – a type of hand-cranked pasta machine. Since I do not own a traditional bigolaro, I would have to use my standard extruder. I use my standard extruder daily to produce all our other pastas, so I wasn’t intimidated by the challenge, and I soon got to work.  Fortunately, I realized that I had the imported bronze die needed to make a very similar shape, so that wasn’t an issue. I just wanted to be sure I could create the perfect blend of egg, semolina and wheat flours. The correct blend of flour – mixed to perfection – will be integral to the final texture. The use of eggs will add depth and richness. I must admit I was very proud of myself when I was successful on the first try! There is nothing I hate more then wasting a batch of dough. The extruded results were well-formed and slightly curved, forming and holding those perfect textured ridges I was looking for. Now for a recipe!

Cooking with Gargati Pasta

With a little more research, I found most recipes for gargati used meat and seasonal vegetables. This was another plus for my Italian catering clients because I could create several recipes using this shape around seasonal ingredients. For instance, during the spring and summer months I could use garden fresh zucchini, asparagus, basil, fresh peas or green beans. I would pair these vegetables with lighter meats such as chicken and pork. I imagined those ingredients in a quick sauté then finished with whole butter, cracked black pepper and local EVOO. During the cooler months I would pair this pasta with braised meats, earthy flavored mushrooms and tomatoes. You would probably find me topping both with shaved Romano cheese. So, when you are in need of Italian catering for any occasion, weddings, a family gathering or a celebration at work be sure to ask for an Italian menu item prepared with gargati pasta! Contact one of our Event Specialists to place your order today! 

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