Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics Season 17 Episode 5 Cook Like a Pro: Italian

In season 17 episode 5 of Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics, titled "Cook Like a Pro: Italian," host Ina Garten takes viewers on a culinary journey through the flavors and techniques of Italian cooking.

Throughout the episode, Ina shares her tips and tricks for creating classic Italian dishes that are sure to impress. She starts off by making a hearty and comforting Pasta e Fagioli soup, which she says is one of her favorite meals to make on a chilly day. Ina walks viewers through the process of cooking the beans, making the broth, and combining the ingredients for a flavorful and filling bowl of soup.

Next, Ina demonstrates how to make homemade pasta, using just flour, eggs, and a few basic kitchen tools. She stresses the importance of kneading the dough until it's smooth and elastic, and gives tips on how to roll it out and cut it into shapes. Pasta can be intimidating for some home cooks, but Ina's step-by-step instructions make it seem easy and approachable.

For the main course, Ina prepares a mouthwatering Chicken Scarpariello, a classic Italian-American dish that features tender chicken cooked in white wine, lemon juice, and lots of garlic and herbs. Ina explains how to brown the chicken and build layers of flavor with the other ingredients, resulting in a dish that's both tangy and savory.

To round out the meal, Ina makes a simple yet delicious side dish of Roasted Broccolini with Lemon and Parmesan. She shows viewers how to roast the broccolini until it's crispy and caramelized, then tosses it with lemon zest and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a bright and cheesy finish.

Throughout the episode, Ina shares her love of Italian food and emphasizes the importance of fresh, high-quality ingredients. She also offers plenty of cooking tips and techniques that viewers can apply to other dishes in their own kitchens.

Whether you're an aspiring chef or just love the flavors of Italian cuisine, "Cook Like a Pro: Italian" is sure to inspire you to get in the kitchen and start cooking.