Channel 4 to prove you're never Pasta-it

Channel 4 has commissioned a brand new food series in homage to glorious Italian pasta dishes, fronted by new talent Michela Chiappa.

The channel press office says, “Forget about traditional dried spaghetti or fusilli, Pasta will take viewers on a step by step guide to creating authentic, delicious pasta dishes – from the most simple and basic right through to elaborate, complex creations.”

The series will see Michaela, a Welsh-born Italian, take viewers on a crash course in how to make the perfect fresh pasta based on recipes handed down through generations of her family, who originate from the Emilia Romagna region of Northern Italy.

“Michela and her two sisters, alongside their extended family, are extremely proud of their Italian Welsh roots and want to celebrate the humble, versatile and delicious pasta right through to the complex and celebrated dishes of their heritage.” The channel adds.

Filmed on location in South Wales and Italy, from their family home in Merthyr Tydfil, the Chiappas aim to teach viewers that fresh pasta is not something to shy away from, making simple stuffed pasta dishes and fresh homemade traditional sauces that once mastered will become firm favourites.

Starting with pasta recipes that require just a ball of dough and a rolling pin, they will teach viewers to do things they never thought possible, starting with dusting off the pasta machine. They will also travel back to their home town of Bardi in Italy to meet experts and learn even more about their much loved national dish.

The latest commission follows Channel 4’s recent venture into Chinese cooking with Gok Wan.

Pasta will be a four episode half hour series.

[Written by Mike Watkins]