Rachael Ray dons her culinary beret and waves the Italian flag, but not literally, in the next episode of Rachael Ray’s Meals in Minutes. This time, the flag’s colors provide the inspiration for a trio of pasta dishes. Carb-loading enthusiasts, get your forks ready.
The culinary sprint starts with a creamy cacio e pepe, a Roman classic where pecorino romano and black pepper take center stage. It’s a testament to the power of simplicity, transforming humble ingredients into a dish worthy of a Caesar (or at least a quick weeknight dinner).
Next, Ray tackles a vibrant pesto pasta, drawing inspiration from the flavors of Sicily. While pesto is often synonymous with basil, this version might explore other verdant possibilities, adding a twist to the familiar. It’s a safe bet, however, that the end result will be as flavorful as it is fast.
The final dish in Ray’s tricolor pasta parade remains a mystery, a culinary terra incognita shrouded in the red of the Italian flag. Will it be a fiery arrabbiata? A rich tomato-based sauce? Or something entirely unexpected? The suspense is almost as thick as a good Bolognese.
One thing’s certain: Ray’s emphasis will be on speed and efficiency. These aren’t recipes for leisurely Sunday afternoons; they’re designed for busy weeknights when time is of the essence and hunger pangs are looming.
Rachael Ray’s Meals in Minutes airs Monday, January 27, 2025, at 9:30 PM ET on FYI.