Summer Italian Menu Dinner Party

A traditional summer Italian dinner perfect for alfresco dining. 

Starter

Crispy mozzarella sticks with a rich tomato sauce

Main

Italian chicken with mushroom & spinach risotto

Dessert

Strawberry mascarpone Tart with chocolate pastry


Mozzarella Sticks with Rich Tomato Sauce

A delicious starter of crispy mozzarella sticks with a tomato dip, mozzarella encased in crunchy breadcrumbs served with a rich tomato sauce flavoured with garlic, oregano and basil.

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Marinated Chicken with Spinach & Mushroom Risotto

Delicious chicken and mushroom risotto with spinach, chicken breast marinated in lemon, garlic, bay leaves, oregano, thyme and basil, served on a bed of creamy parmesan risotto flavored with  garlic, mushroom and spinach. 

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Strawberry Mascarpone Tart with Chocolate Pastry

A delicious strawberry mascarpone tart with a crispy chocolate shortcrust pastry, brimming with creamy mascarpone, vanilla, orange and honey filling and topped with sliced fresh strawberries. The tart is finished with a  glaze of apricot jam. 

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More about  our summer Italian dinner menu

A traditional summer Italian menu perfect for alfresco dining. the starter is a gooey rich melted mozzarella sticks coated in crunchy panko breadcrumbs served with a rich tomato sauce flavoured with basil, oregano and garlic. The main course is chicken marinated in a classic Italian herb mix with lemon and garlic, griddled till golden brown, sliced and then served on a bed of rich mushroom and spinach risotto.The dessert is a melt in your mouth chocolate shortcrust tart, filled with a light and creamy honey flavoured mascarpone and topped with a layer of perfectly sliced strawberries glazed with apricot jam.

Difficulty level

This menu is medium difficulty

Cooking Order

Day before    
  • make the chocolate pastry
  • make the mozzarella stick but not the sauce store in the freezer
  • marinade the chicken
Morning before
  • Make the chocolate tart
  • make the sauce for the mozzarella sticks leave to cool and place in the fridge covered
20 minutes before
  • prepare the risotto and leave on a very low light to keep warm 
10 minutes before 
  • cook the mozzarella sticks 
  • heat the tomato sauce
5 minutes before
  • place the chicken on the griddle pan 

Top Tips

  • the chocolate pastry is very soft so handle carefully
  • don’t rush the risotto add the stock gradually

Keep an eye on

  • the risotto stir occasionally while keeping warm