Giada's third entry into the cookbook theater is as good as her first two, and there seems to be no end to her culinary offerings to us. This time, she immerses herself into the somewhat crazy world of pasta and the many "clothes" it wears. Delicious to say the least!

I have to admit that one of the first things that grabs my attention when looking at cookbooks is its presentation; does it make me want to look at because it invites me with with something comfortable and familiar? Or is it something that jazzes up that same familiar look? With it's sharp, fresh, and detailed photography and simple, yet inviting writing, Giada brings to you a compendium of sorts in her ode to pasta.

She begins her introduction with "The Origins of Pasta" then goes into her "Top 10 Pasta-Cooking Tips" which is followed by "Matching Pasta Shapes to Sauces" (I never really thought of how the shape of the pasta actually influences the flavor depending how it attaches to the shape). The book then breaks down into 3 sections: Pasta Go-Withs, Pasta for All Seasons, and Pasta Basics.

(Pasta Go-Withs)

ANTIPASTI and APPETIZERS

Baked Caprese Salad (baguette slices w/ tomatoes, mozzarella)

Goat Cheese Toasts

Bruschetta w/ Frisee, Prosciutto, and Mozzarella

Toasted Ciabetta w/ Balsamic Syrup

Crostini w. Anchovy Butter and Cheese

Parmesan Popovers (definitely a big hit w/dinner)

Fried Ravioli (these were EXCELLENT!)

Zucchini and Carrot a Scapece (pickled veggies)

Fried Zucchini

Prosciutto-Wrapped Veggies w/ Parmesan

SOMETHING ON THE SIDE:

Cornbread Panzanella

Arugula Salad w/ Fried Gorgonzola

Spinach Salad w/ Citrus Vinaigrette and Frico (very light and healthy)

Insalata Mista w/ Basil Dressing

Hearty Winter Salad w/ Sherry Vinaigrette

Greens w/ Gorgonzola Dressing

Asparagus w/ Vin Santo Vinaigrette

Anytime Veggie Salad

Sauteed Spinach w/ Red Onion

(Pasta for All Seasons)

SOUPS AND PASTA SALADS

Italian White Bean, Pancetta, and Tortelini Soup

Pasta e Ceci (garbanzo beans)

*a small info section on "grating" types of cheese for the soup/pasta's

Italian Veggie Soup (perfect during winter!!)

Ribollita (soup)

Tuna, Green Bean, and Orzo Salad

Fusilli Salad w/ Seared Shrimp and Parsley Sauce

Neapolitan Calamari and Shrimp Salad

*tips for a perfect pasta salad

Mediterranean Salad

Antipasto Salad

Italian Chicken Salad in Lettuce Crisps

HEARTY PASTAS

Baked Penne w/ Roasted Veggies

Venetian "Mac and Cheese"

Crab and Ricotta Manicotti

Rigatoni w/ Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

Roman-Style Fettucine w/ Chicken

Farfalle w/ Creamy Mushroom Gorgonzola Sauce

Pappardelle w/ Lamb Stew

Cinnamon-Scented Ricotta Raviolo w/ Beef Ragu (very different/tasty)

Proscuitto Raviolo

Turkey and Artichoke Stuffed Shells (the artichokes add a nice twist)

Gnocchi with Thyme Butter Sauce

Ricotta Gnudi in Parmesan Broth

Tagliatelle w/ Short Rib Ragu

Penne w/ Swordfish and Eggplant

Baked Pastina Casserole

Baked Gnocchi (these are heavenly little dumplings)

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

Linguine w/ Better, Pecorini, Arugula, & Black Pepper

*no-cook pasta sauces

Saffron Orzo w/ Shrimp

Penne w/ Spicy Tomato Sauce

Spaghetti w/ Sauteed Onions and Marjoram

Eggplant Mezzaluna Ravioli

*stuffed pastas

Orecchiette w/ Mixed Greens and Goat Cheese

Capellini Piedmontese

Spaghetti alla Pirata

Spaghetti w/ Red and Yellow Peppers

Swordfish and Spaghetti w/ Citrus Pesto

Conghilie w/ Clams, Mussels, and Broccoli

Rotini w/ Salmon and Roasted Garlic

Rigatoni w/ Red Pepper, Almonds, and Bread Crumbs

Angel Hair Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Goat Cheese

QUICK AND EASY WEEKNIGHT PASTAS

Chicken in Lemon Cream w/ Penne

Little Stars w/ Butter and parmesan

Breakfast Scramble w/ Orzo, pancetta, and Asparagus

Creamy Orzo

Farfalle w/ Broccoli

Wagon Wheels w/ Artichoke Pesto

*flavored pastas

Spinach Fettuccine w/ a Quick Sugo or Salsa

Spicy Angel Hair Pasta

Rotelli w/ Walnut Sauce

Cheesy Baked Tortellini

Cinnamon Pancetta Carbonara

Rigatoni w/ Sausage, Artichokes, and Asparagus

Linguine w/ Turkey Meatballs and Quick Sauce

Ditalini w/ Mushrooms and Artichokes... Read more

I swear by Giada's first 2 cookbooks and this one doesn't dissapoint at all! I am a newlywed and I haven't been cooking for very long and every recipe of Giada's has always come out wonderful. There are some basics in there, but tons of recipes that sound and taste much fancier and more difficult than they really are. My favorite thing about Giada's books is how exact her directions are, they really don't leave room for error. Honestly, when a cookbook just says to brown the pork chops, or sautee the veggies to crisp-tender, or whatever that is just SO meaningless to me. Giada lays it out perfectly, with specific directions like over medium heat cook the pork chops for 3 minutes on each side etc. She doesn't use any jargon or leave any guesswork to you so your meals will come out perfectly every time!! I recommend this book to people who want the most impact from their meals, with minimal amount of effort. Most of the meals in this book take under 15 minutes to prepare, and the rest only really take 15-30 minutes of hands on time. Amazing food that is healthy, and much less expensive than a trip to your favorite italian restaurant, can really be prepared VERY quickly with Giada's help. Oh, and it is great for entertaining since the recipes can easily be doubled or tripled.

I have been a fan of Giada de Laurentiis since watching her cooking show on the Food Network, and loved her cookbook, Everyday Italian, that had lots of interesting recipes, and were generally fuss-free. In her latest offering, Giada doesn't disappoint...the cookbook is filled with great, practical pasta recipes,and also recipes for sauces, salads, and side dishes.
There are useful tips interspersed throughout, for e.g. pasta-cooking tips, how to match pasta shapes to sauces, grating cheeses, no cook pasta sauces & different ways to dress up risotto.
The book itself is divided into several sections: antipasti & appetisers [e.g. parmesan popovers], side dishes [e.g. greens with gorgonzola dressing], soups and pasta salads, hearty pastas [e.g. crab & ricotta manicotti], lighter dishes [for the more health conscious, e.g. eggplant mezzaluna ravioli], stuffed pastas, quick & easy weeknight pastas [e.g. penne with beef and arugula], flavored pastas, pastas for special occasions [champagne risotto!], & even some basic recipes.
Best part is that most of them are easy to make, and in fact can be made with ingredients at hand. The pictures are a delight, and a feast for the eyes, and the recipes are mouthwatering indeed. Another winner from a lovely and talented chef!