Pizzoccheri Valtellinesi is a traditional dish from the Valtellina region in Lombardy, Italy. This rustic, comforting recipe features buckwheat pasta tossed with potatoes, greens, and melted cheese, all brought together with a rich garlic and sage-infused butter. Pizzoccheri is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients and the alpine flavors of northern Italy.


What Are Pizzoccheri?

Pizzoccheri are short, flat strips of pasta made primarily from buckwheat flour mixed with a small amount of wheat flour. The buckwheat gives the pasta a nutty flavor and darker color, making it distinct from other Italian pastas.

This pasta serves as the base for Pizzoccheri alla Valtellinese, a dish traditionally prepared with local vegetables like Swiss chard or cabbage, starchy potatoes, and creamy Valtellina Casera cheese. It’s a hearty, warming dish, perfect for cold winter days in the mountains.


A Brief History of Pizzoccheri

The origins of Pizzoccheri can be traced back centuries to the Valtellina valley, a region nestled in the Alps near the Swiss border. Buckwheat, which thrives in the region’s cool climate and poor soil, became a staple crop, and locals used it to make pasta, bread, and other dishes.

Pizzoccheri evolved as a way to combine this nutrient-rich grain with other local ingredients, creating a dish that reflects the resourcefulness and simplicity of Valtellinese cuisine. Today, it’s a symbol of the region’s culinary identity.


How to Make Pizzoccheri alla Valtellinese

Here’s a simplified version of how this classic dish is prepared:

Cook the Pasta and Vegetables:

Boil diced potatoes and chopped greens (like Swiss chard or cabbage) in salted water.

Add the pizzoccheri pasta during the last 5–7 minutes of cooking.

Layer with Cheese:

Drain the pasta and vegetables, then layer them in a serving dish with generous slices of Valtellina Casera cheese or Fontina.

Prepare the Butter Sauce:

In a small pan, melt butter with minced garlic and fresh sage until fragrant.

Combine and Serve:

Pour the hot butter over the pasta and cheese. Toss gently to combine, allowing the cheese to melt into a creamy sauce. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Grana Padano.


Pairing Pizzoccheri Valtellinesi

To fully enjoy this dish, pair it with flavors that complement its rich, earthy profile:

Wine: Serve with a bold red wine from the region, such as Valtellina Superiore or Sforzato di Valtellina.

Bread: Crusty, rustic bread makes an excellent accompaniment to soak up the buttery sauce.

Salad: A light, crisp salad can balance the dish’s richness.


Why You’ll Love Pizzoccheri

Pizzoccheri alla Valtellinese is the epitome of Italian comfort food, combining hearty ingredients and rich flavors with a deep sense of tradition. It’s a dish that warms both the body and soul, bringing the taste of Lombardy’s alpine valleys to your table.


Where to Find Authentic Ingredients

Recreate this classic dish at home with authentic ingredients like buckwheat pizzoccheri pasta, Valtellina Casera cheese, and Italian sage. Find these and more at Bottega Italiana, where we source the finest products directly from Italy.


A Bowl of Tradition

Pizzoccheri Valtellinesi is more than just a meal—it’s a journey to the heart of Lombardy’s culinary heritage. Whether you make it at home or enjoy it in a traditional trattoria, this dish is sure to become a favorite for lovers of hearty, rustic cuisine.

Have you tried Pizzoccheri alla Valtellinese? Share your tips or variations in the comments below!

Photo by Aplasia, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons