Pastas and Risotto Daniella Mendicino Pastas and Risotto Daniella Mendicino

Sugo and Stracciatella Pasta

This Sugo & Stracciatella Pasta is the perfect balance of rich, garlicky tomato sauce and luxurious, creamy cheese. Inspired by classic Italian flavors, this dish comes together effortlessly, making it ideal for a cozy night in or a special dinner with loved ones.

The sugo—a simple yet flavorful tomato sauce—is infused with buttery garlic, a kick of chili, and aromatic Italian herbs, then simmered with white wine for depth. Tossed with your favorite pasta and finished with melt-in-your-mouth Stracciatella cheese (or a torn burrata), this dish transforms into a creamy, decadent masterpiece. A final sprinkle of parmesan and fresh basil ties everything together beautifully.

Every forkful is pure comfort—silky, cheesy, and bursting with bold, rich flavors. Serve it up, stir the cheese through, and enjoy a pasta dish that feels both indulgent and effortless.

Buon appetito! 🍝✨

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Salads and Sides Daniella Mendicino Salads and Sides Daniella Mendicino

Brown Rice Salad

This brown rice salad is a must-have in your recipe collection—whether you're entertaining guests or looking for a quick and wholesome side for weeknight meals. It’s packed with vibrant flavors and textures, from the nutty chew of brown rice to the sweet bursts of currants and the crunch of roasted cashews.

Best of all, this salad is incredibly easy to make. Using a microwave pouch of brown rice saves time without compromising on taste, and the rest of the ingredients require minimal prep. Serve it alongside grilled meats, add it to your potluck rotation, or enjoy it as a light, refreshing lunch. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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Mains, Appetisers and Entertaining Daniella Mendicino Mains, Appetisers and Entertaining Daniella Mendicino

Airfryer Crispy Sushi Tacos

Experience the perfect fusion of crunch, creaminess, and bold flavors with Air Fryer Crispy Sushi Tacos! These irresistible tacos feature crispy sushi rice shells cooked in an air fryer. I have filled with slices of salmon sashimi, avocado, and a drizzle of tangy kewpie mayo. A touch of spicy sriracha adds the perfect heat, while optional garnishes like sesame seeds, green onions, and nori strips bring an extra layer of umami. However, the fillings are endless - I am thinking tuna mayo mix, schniztel or even honey soy tofu - the world is your oyster!

This modern twist on sushi is perfect for entertaining, a unique appetizer, or a fun weeknight treat. With the air fryer ensuring a light and crispy texture, you'll love how easy it is to create gourmet-style sushi tacos at home. Ready in just minutes, these tacos are as beautiful as they are delicious!

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Mains Daniella Mendicino Mains Daniella Mendicino

Hearty Vegetable Soup

This hearty vegetable pasta is the perfect recipe for a cold rainy day, or when you need some veges in your life!

This recipe is on high rotation in my house during winter, it’s so warming and hearty and the perfect cozy night meal.

Packed with nutritious vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a satisfying grain, it’s a bowl of goodness that warms you from the inside out.

It is perfect for weekday meal prep and will keep in the fridge for 5 days, or as I like to do is batch cook and freeze portions!

The recipe has kaffir lime leaves in it, which gives an element of flavour you wouldn’t expect and it really takes it to the next level. If you cannot find them, you could use bay leaves or just leave it out.

Serve piping hot with a slice of crusty bread, a sprinkle of grated parmesan, or simply enjoy it on its own. This soup is as nourishing as it is delicious—perfect for sharing or savoring solo.

Pro Tip: Leftovers taste even better the next day, as the flavors continue to deepen.

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Pastas and Risotto Daniella Mendicino Pastas and Risotto Daniella Mendicino

Marry Me Pasta with a Twist

Could a pasta dish really be the secret to a proposal?

While I can’t guarantee a ring, this recipe just might have the power to woo anyone lucky enough to try it! Inspired by the viral “Marry Me Chicken” pasta on TikTok, this dish swaps the traditional chicken for spicy Italian sausage, taking the flavor to the next level.

The sundried tomatoes, mushroom and sausage pair perfectly together and the addition of sweet paprika gives it a little smokey element which elevates the dish.

I have used Farfalle (bow pasta) for this recipe and it works really well as the little grooves soak up that sauce, however feel free to use whatever your heart desires.

This is a super quick and easy weeknight dinner, that comes together in 20 minutes so a good one to have in your weeknight recipe repetoire, or great for when hosting a big group of people. Also, it’s one pot (well 2 including the pot to boil the pasta) which is a massive win!

As always, let me know if you try it in the comments or reach out to me on Instagram @cookingwithdanie if you have any questions!

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Pastas and Risotto Daniella Mendicino Pastas and Risotto Daniella Mendicino

Prawn Linguine

An easy but flavour packed recipe that everyone will love!

A prawn linguine is a must have in your recipe repetoire. It is easy to make, but super impressive and packed with flavour!

Where possible, purchase green king prawns that are still in their shell and peel them yourself - they are much fresher and leaving the shells on will add flavour to your sauce!

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Pastas and Risotto Daniella Mendicino Pastas and Risotto Daniella Mendicino

Ribs in Sugo

This recipe is something dear to my heart and takes me right back to my childhood!

The slow cooking of the pork ribs in the sauce creates the most delicious, deep and rich sauce. The longer you cook it for, the better but you at least need to let them cook for 2 hours so they fall off the bone!

The end result is definitely worth the wait, the sauce is so rich and pairs perfectly with freshly made pasta. An additional bowl of ribs on the side is a must, and if you have leftovers have it the next night on mash!

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