This Week in the Market: A Taste of Sicily— Sicilian Pest Dinner, Bread, Wine & Dessert Made Easy
One of our favorite things about expanding into an Italian Market has been helping customers discover just how simple authentic Italian cooking can be.
A memorable meal doesn’t require dozens of ingredients or hours in the kitchen. In Italy, some of the best dinners are built around quality ingredients, good company, and a bottle of wine shared around the table.
This week, we’re taking inspiration from Sicily with a simple Sicilian Pesto Pasta recipe, paired with fresh-baked Italian bread from our bakery, a crisp Italian wine, and a sweet ending from our dessert case. Best of all, you can find everything you need right here at Cinotti’s Bakery & Italian Market.
This Week’s Market Pick: Sicilian Pesto
Many people are familiar with traditional basil pesto, but Sicilian pesto offers a delicious twist on the classic.
Made with tomatoes, almonds, basil, olive oil, and cheese, Sicilian pesto is bright, flavorful, and perfect for summer meals. It’s the kind of sauce that turns a simple bowl of pasta into something special without requiring much effort.
Pair it with imported Italian pasta, a little Parmigiano Reggiano, and a drizzle of good olive oil, and dinner is practically done.
Sicilian Pesto Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound imported Italian pasta (fusilli, penne, or rigatoni)
- 1 jar Sicilian pesto
- ½ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Return the pasta to the pot and stir in the Sicilian pesto.
- Add a splash of reserved pasta water until the sauce becomes silky and coats the pasta evenly.
- Stir in the Parmigiano Reggiano.
- Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed summer dinners.
Bakery Pairing: Fresh Italian Bread
Every pasta dinner deserves great bread.
Our fresh-baked Italian bread is the perfect companion to this Sicilian-inspired meal. Warm, crusty, and baked right here in our bakery, it’s ideal for soaking up every last bit of pesto sauce.
Sometimes the simplest addition can make a meal feel complete, and a fresh loaf of bread turns an ordinary dinner into something worth gathering around.
Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
A bright Italian white wine is the perfect match for Sicilian pesto.
We recommend a white wine from Pierpaolo Pecorari. Try the Sauvignon Blanc, known for refreshing citrus notes and crisp finish. Pecorari’s Pinot Grigio is another excellent choice that complements the flavors of the pesto beautifully.
Not sure which bottle to bring home? Just ask. We love helping customers discover new wines and pairings.
Save Room for Dessert
One of the best parts of an Italian meal is that it encourages you to slow down and enjoy a little something sweet before the evening ends.
Italian Cream Cake
If you’re looking for an easy dessert, take home an Italian Cream Cake.
Rich layers of cake, cream cheese icing, coconut, and pecans create a sweet finish that’s indulgent without feeling too heavy after dinner.
It’s a simple way to make dinner feel like a special occasion.
Build Your Own Italian Dessert Board
Hosting friends or family? Create an Italian-inspired dessert board using some of your bakery favorites.
Start with fresh cannoli and lobster tails. Then add a selection of Italian cookies and finish with chocolate treats. Add a bag of Italian espresso beans to complete your Italian dessert.
It’s a fun, shareable dessert that encourages everyone to linger around the table just a little longer.
The best part is that you can mix and match your favorites and make it your own.
One Stop Shopping for an Italian-Inspired Evening
This week’s dinner comes together with just a few stops around the store:
Imported Italian Pasta
Authentic Sicilian Pesto
Parmigiano Reggiano
Fresh-Baked Italian Bread
Italian Wine
Italian Cream Cake
Cannoli, Biscotti, and Italian Cookies for a Dessert Board
From dinner to dessert, everything you need is waiting right here at Cinotti’s
For five generations, our family has believed that food brings people together. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal, hosting friends for dinner, or simply looking for a new ingredient to try, we’re honored to be part of your table.
Visit Cinotti’s This Week
Looking for authentic Italian ingredients? Explore our Italian Market for imported pasta, sauces, cheeses, olive oils, and specialty foods.
Need the perfect wine pairing? Browse our wine selection or join us for an upcoming wine tasting event.
Don’t forget to stop by the bakery for fresh bread, Italian desserts, cakes, pastries, and all the sweet finishing touches that make a meal memorable.
We look forward to seeing you this week and helping you create your next favorite dinner.