Hi, I'm Tara!
Welcome to Al Dente Diva™! My name is Tara Ippolito, and I'm a self-taught home cook, cookbook author and New Jersey mom of two. I’ve found my passion in sharing these unique recipes with families everywhere.
Whether you’re looking for a fast and easy family dinner with the ingredients already in your pantry, or you want to spend the day raiding the grocery store and making something totally new, I’m sure there’s something amazing for you here! Who knows, it may even become a staple for family dinner time. So, take a look through my recipe collection — and see you in the kitchen!
From My Kitchen to Yours
For me, cooking has always been about bringing people together. I love entertaining, feeding the people I care about and finding easier ways to make familiar food taste incredible.
That is the idea behind every Al Dente Diva recipe: approachable ingredients, clear instructions, practical shortcuts and plenty of flavor.
What You'll Find Here
Family Dinners
Dependable meals that make busy weeknights easier.
Party Favorites
Crowd-pleasing appetizers, dips and entertaining ideas
Comfort Food
Familiar dishes with fun, flavorful twists.
Along the way, I share practical shortcuts and kitchen tips that make cooking easier.
A Few Proud Moments
PUBLISHED AUTHOR
Fast. Simple. Delicious.
Published by Page Street Publishing in 2022, the cookbook features 60 no-fuss, no-fail comfort-food recipes created for busy home cooks.
NETFLIX APPEARANCE
Easy-Bake Battle
Tara appeared as a contestant in Season 1, Episode 3, “Kids Eat the Darndest Things,” hosted by Antoni Porowski with Jacques Torres as guest judge.
Creator Council
Tara joined Pinterest’s Golden Recipe Contest Creator Council. Her first 30-minute live became the campaign’s top-performing broadcast, reaching 85,000 views.
In the Press
One of my Chicken Nugget Parmesan recipes actually caught Gordon Ramsay’s attention. He called it an “Italian tragedy.” I thought his reaction was hilarious, and I loved that so many people came to the recipe’s defense!
Follow Al Dente Diva
Al Dente Diva reaches millions of home cooks across Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and YouTube. Follow along for new recipes, cooking videos and everyday kitchen inspiration.
Start With a Reader Favorite
Not sure what to make first? These are a few of the recipes Al Dente Diva readers return to again and again.
Let's Get Cookin'
Get my newest recipes, easy dinner inspiration, and reader favorites delivered straight to your inbox.