Find peace and joy in life's tumultuous journey through the delicate art of pasta-making. Written by the Instagram influencer behind Isabella.Sicily, discover over 100 recipes to slow down - knead, roll, craft, stir and simmer your way to a sense of tranquility.
When Isabella Barbato was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 she discovered the healing power of pasta-making. Grounded in tradition, nourishment and care, this ancient art offers a chance to pause, to breathe, and to delight in creating a warming bowl of delicious comfort food. Chapters include:
• The Art of Pasta-Making: Take a crash-course in the world of pasta shapes as an art form and a means of healing. Select the right ingredients and master basic techniques. Get started with beginner-friendly recipes like Pappardelle with Lemon and Parmesan.
• The Therapy of Tradition: family heirloom recipes from the heart of Sicily, including classic dishes that have been passed through the generations like Nonna's Pasta al Forno coi Broccoli.
• Mediterranean Mosaic: a showcase of flavours from across the Med, known for its nourishing diet, like Burnt Aubergine Tahini Casarecce.
• The Spice of Life: pasta to celebrate herbs and spices - and their therapeutic qualities. Discover these powerhouses with dishes like Radicchio and Caraway-Spiced Bechamel Lasagna.
• Mindful Preparation: these dishes require a gentle touch and grounding in the moment, like Beet-filled Ravioli with Poppy Seed and Butter.
• Healing Through Food: guest stories and voices share recipes of courage and transformation, such as Quinoa Flour Tortelloni with Sweet Potato and Miso.
• Beyond Nourishment: recipes that are perfect for gathering with loved ones like sumptuous Chicche with Saffron Cream, Chilli and Wild Mushrooms.
• Recipes for a Lazy Day: for the really difficult days, these are the easy recipes that are ready in minutes like Creamy Spinach and Lemon Bucatini.
No matter what life throws at you, savour the simplicity and self-care of Pasta Therapy. "Isabella is the best teacher and a most talented chef. I adore her fennel pasta and think about how delicious it is all the time."
– Melissa Hemsley, cookbook author & Sunday Times bestseller Isabella Barbato is a self-taught cook and food writer whose roots run deep in the rich, multicultural soil of Sicily. Now based in London, she balances a successful marketing career with her passion for cooking and storytelling. In 2018, Isabella was diagnosed with breast cancer and began chronicling her experience on her blog A Taste of Sicily. During that time, she also launched Pasta Therapy workshops for Future Dreams – a charity that provides practical, emotional, and psychological support to those affected by breast cancer. She has since completed a second master's degree at the University of Oxford. Through her Instagram community (@Isabella.Sicily), her blog, and her supper clubs, she has created a warm and supportive platform that offers not just recipes, but stories of resilience, healing, and the joy of cooking.
