Barefoot Contessa Season 5 Episode 11 Pasta Bella

In this episode of Barefoot Contessa, titled "Pasta Bella," Ina Garten shares her secrets for making mouthwatering pasta dishes. First, she heads to a local shop to pick up some fresh pasta and other ingredients for her meal. Back in her kitchen, she gets started on her first dish - baked pasta with eggplant and ricotta. Ina shows how to make a homemade tomato sauce and layers it with the pasta, roasted eggplant, and ricotta cheese. She finishes the dish off with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Next up, Ina demonstrates how to make a simple yet delicious pasta dish using fresh cherry tomatoes. She sautés the tomatoes in olive oil and garlic before tossing them with cooked pasta and fresh basil. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer gathering with friends.

For her final pasta dish, Ina puts a spin on the classic meatball sub by creating a meatball pasta bake. She makes homemade meatballs using a combination of beef, pork, and veal, and seasons them with garlic, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese. Ina then bakes the meatballs in a tomato sauce and tops them with mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. She serves the meatballs over pasta for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Throughout the episode, Ina shares tips and tricks for cooking pasta, including how to salt the cooking water, how to properly cook and drain the pasta, and how to sauce it correctly. She also offers ideas for serving pasta, such as adding fresh herbs, serving it with a simple salad, or pairing it with a glass of red wine.

Overall, "Pasta Bella" is a delicious and informative episode of Barefoot Contessa that will leave viewers feeling inspired to cook up some tasty pasta dishes in their own kitchens.