Ep 1. 16 Minute Meals: Italian

In The Pioneer Woman season 26 episode 1, viewers are treated to a delicious Italian-themed episode centered around 16-minute meals. The episode opens with the host, Ree Drummond, in her signature rustic kitchen, introducing viewers to the ingredients she will be using to make three different meals in just 16 minutes each: chicken piccata, spaghetti carbonara, and penne alla vodka.

Drummond starts with the chicken piccata, which involves quickly pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness, dredging them in flour, and pan-frying them until golden brown. She then makes a quick pan sauce using chicken broth, white wine, lemon juice, and capers, which she pours over the cooked chicken. She finishes the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serves it with a side of crisp green beans. It's a simple dish that packs a lot of flavor in just 16 minutes.

Next up is the spaghetti carbonara, a classic Italian dish that relies on just a few key ingredients: spaghetti, bacon, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. Drummond starts by boiling the spaghetti and crisping up some bacon. She then combines eggs, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper in a bowl and adds them to the cooked spaghetti, with the heat from the pasta cooking the eggs and creating a creamy sauce. She tops the dish with the crispy bacon and serves it with a side salad for a balanced meal that can be made in a snap.

For her final dish, Drummond tackles penne alla vodka, a creamy tomato-based pasta dish with a little kick from the addition of vodka. She starts by sautéing garlic and crushed red pepper in olive oil before adding a can of crushed tomatoes and some vodka. She lets the mixture simmer for a few minutes before adding heavy cream and cooked penne pasta. She finishes the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. The result is a creamy, comforting pasta dish that looks and tastes like it took much longer to make than it actually did.

Throughout the episode, Drummond shares tips and tricks to help viewers make these meals quickly and easily. She stresses the importance of prepping ingredients in advance and staying organized in the kitchen to make the most of those 16 precious minutes. She also encourages viewers to experiment with different spices and ingredients to make each dish their own.

Overall, The Pioneer Woman season 26 episode 1 is a must-watch for Italian food lovers and anyone looking for quick and easy dinner ideas. The meals are approachable, yet impressive, and the step-by-step instructions make them accessible to even novice cooks. Whether you're cooking for one or a whole family, these 16-minute meals are sure to become go-to favorites.