Italian Food Recipes
Authentic Italian recipes from Sal De Forte's Ristorante, perfected over 39 years of serving our community. Now you can bring our flavors home.
Why We're Sharing Our Recipes
For 39 years, the Vizzini family has been serving authentic Italian cuisine at Sal De Forte's Ristorante in Ewing Township, New Jersey. Our recipes have brought joy to thousands of guests, from intimate family dinners to grand celebrations. Now, we want to share that joy with you.
These aren't just recipes from a cookbook—they're the actual dishes we prepare in our restaurant kitchen every day. The same Chicken Marsala that has been a customer favorite since 1985. The same Tiramisu that guests request for special occasions. The same Veal Saltimbocca that earned us a loyal following in Princeton and Trenton.
Whether you're an experienced home cook or just starting your Italian cooking journey, these recipes will guide you through authentic preparations with techniques perfected over decades. And when you want the full experience—the ambiance, the service, the freshly made pasta—we'll be here waiting for you.
Chef's Favorites
Featured Recipes
Start with our most beloved dishes—the ones that keep guests coming back for decades
Chicken Marsala
Tender chicken in rich Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms
Eggplant Parmigiana
Crispy breaded eggplant layered with marinara and mozzarella
Veal Saltimbocca
Roman-style veal with prosciutto, sage, and white wine
Spaghetti Carbonara
Classic Roman pasta with eggs, pecorino, guanciale, and black pepper
Tiramisu
Traditional Italian dessert with espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone
Explore Our Collection
Recipe Categories
Browse by category to find the perfect Italian dish for any occasion
Pasta Recipes
Handmade pasta dishes from simple weeknight dinners to elegant classics
Chicken Recipes
From Marsala to Parmigiana - our most beloved chicken preparations
Veal Recipes
Premium veal dishes prepared with traditional Italian techniques
Seafood Recipes
Fresh catches prepared in authentic Italian coastal styles
Appetizer Recipes
Traditional Italian starters to begin your meal
Dessert Recipes
Sweet endings from tiramisu to cannoli
From Our Chef
Pro Tips for Italian Cooking
Quality Ingredients Matter
Italian cooking is built on simplicity, which means every ingredient needs to shine. Use San Marzano tomatoes for sauces, real Parmigiano-Reggiano (not the pre-grated kind), and good quality extra virgin olive oil. The difference is noticeable.
Salt Your Pasta Water
Your pasta water should taste like the sea. This is your only chance to season the pasta itself. Use about 1 tablespoon of kosher salt per quart of water. And don't forget to save some pasta water—it's liquid gold for finishing sauces.
Don't Rush the Sauté
Whether it's onions for a soffritto or garlic for aglio e olio, patience creates flavor. Low and slow develops sweetness and depth. High heat creates bitterness. Take your time.
Finish Pasta in the Sauce
Never drain pasta and top with sauce. Instead, transfer slightly underdone pasta directly into the sauce and finish cooking together for 1-2 minutes. This lets the pasta absorb flavor and creates a beautiful emulsion.
Can't Wait to Cook?
While nothing beats cooking at home, sometimes you want the full experience. Visit Sal De Forte's and let us do the cooking—with fresh ingredients, full bar service, and the warm hospitality we've been known for since 1985.
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Food Recipes
Are these the actual recipes from your restaurant?
Yes! These are the same recipes our chefs use in our kitchen every day. We've adapted them for home cooking with equipment and ingredients you can find at any grocery store, while maintaining the authentic flavors that have made our dishes favorites since 1985.
What makes Italian food recipes different from Italian-American recipes?
Traditional Italian food recipes emphasize simplicity, quality ingredients, and regional authenticity. Italian-American recipes often evolved with ingredients available to immigrants. At Sal De Forte's, we honor both traditions - our recipes draw from classic Italian techniques while embracing beloved Italian-American favorites like Chicken Parmigiana.
Can I adjust the recipes for dietary restrictions?
Many of our recipes can be adapted for dietary needs. Check each recipe for notes on gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian modifications. For example, our Eggplant Parmigiana is naturally vegetarian, and many pasta dishes can be made gluten-free with the right pasta substitute.
What are the essential ingredients for Italian cooking?
Stock your pantry with quality extra virgin olive oil, San Marzano tomatoes, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, good dried pasta, garlic, fresh herbs (basil, oregano, parsley), and quality salt. With these basics, you can make dozens of authentic Italian dishes.
What if my dish doesn't turn out like the restaurant version?
Restaurant cooking involves years of practice, commercial equipment, and daily access to fresh ingredients. Don't be discouraged if your first attempt isn't perfect—cooking is a skill that improves with practice. Focus on technique and quality ingredients, and you'll see improvement with each dish. And you can always visit us to taste the original!
How do I know when pasta is cooked al dente?
Al dente pasta should be tender but still have a slight firmness when bitten. Test by cutting a piece - you should see a thin white line in the center. Start testing 1-2 minutes before the package time, and remember: pasta will continue cooking when added to sauce, so slightly undercook when finishing in the pan.
Do you offer cooking classes at the restaurant?
We occasionally host special cooking events and demonstrations. Follow us on social media or contact the restaurant directly at (609) 406-0123 to learn about upcoming classes and events. These are great opportunities to learn techniques hands-on from our experienced chefs.
Where can I find Italian specialty ingredients in New Jersey?
Most major grocery stores carry Italian staples. For specialty items, check local Italian markets in the Princeton and Trenton areas. Wegmans and Whole Foods have excellent selections of imported Italian products. For harder-to-find items like guanciale or specialty flours, online retailers like Eataly ship nationwide.
Why do Italian recipes often have so few ingredients?
Italian cooking philosophy centers on letting quality ingredients shine rather than masking flavors with complexity. A perfect Cacio e Pepe uses just three ingredients because when each is excellent, nothing more is needed. This simplicity demands better technique and ingredients - there's nowhere to hide mistakes.
Can I order these dishes for takeout instead of cooking?
Absolutely! All the dishes featured in our recipe collection are available for takeout and delivery. Order online at order.tbdine.com or call us at (609) 406-0123. Sometimes it's nice to let us do the cooking while you enjoy the flavors you love.