When it comes to healthy eating, celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito is a household name. With his passion for nutritious cooking and dedication to sharing delicious, wholesome meals with the world, it’s no wonder he’s become a go-to source for anyone looking to upgrade their diet. In this article, we’re excited to share 20 of Rocco’s most flavorful recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
From savory meatball wraps to indulgent desserts, these dishes showcase Rocco’s creative take on healthy cooking. Whether you’re a busy professional looking for quick and easy meals or a foodie seeking inspiration for your next dinner party, there’s something here for everyone.
Rocco DiSpirito’s Turkey Meatball Lettuce Wraps
A fresh take on traditional meatball subs, these wraps are a flavorful and healthy twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4-6 lettuce leaves
– 1/4 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 4-6 slices of prosciutto or turkey bacon (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the lettuce wraps by placing a few leaves on each plate.
5. Once meatballs are done, place one or two (depending on size) onto each lettuce wrap. Drizzle with marinara sauce and top with prosciutto or turkey bacon if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Rocco’s Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi
A classic Italian dish that’s ready in no time! This recipe is a flavorful and light take on traditional shrimp scampi, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and let it melt.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re pink and cooked through.
4. If using white wine, add it to the skillet and simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Rocco DiSpirito’s Skinny Chicken Parmesan
Get ready to devour a flavorful and healthy take on the Italian-American staple, chicken parmesan. Rocco DiSpirito’s Skinny Chicken Parmesan is a clever reworking of the classic dish that replaces heavy breadcrumbs with crispy panko and uses leaner chicken breasts.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated part-skim mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg white
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Dip each chicken breast in the egg white, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot with marinara sauce and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Rocco’s Low-Carb Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
A delicious and healthy twist on traditional pasta dishes, this recipe uses zucchini noodles instead of traditional spaghetti. The creamy pesto sauce adds rich flavor without sacrificing the low-carb aspect.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium-sized zucchinis
– 1/4 cup freshly made pesto (see note)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spiralize the zucchinis into noodle-like strands.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
4. Add the zucchini noodles and cook for 3-4 minutes or until slightly tender.
5. Stir in the pesto sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Rocco DiSpirito’s Spicy Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry
A flavorful and healthy twist on traditional stir-fries, this recipe combines the nutty taste of cauliflower with a kick of spice. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1-2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (depending on desired level of heat)
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Pulse the cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles rice.
3. Add the olive oil to the preheated skillet and sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the ginger, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Add the cauliflower “rice” and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
6. Stir in sriracha sauce to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Rocco’s Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa
A flavorful and refreshing twist on traditional grilled salmon, this dish combines the richness of pan-seared fish with the creamy texture of avocado salsa. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/2 red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Grill salmon for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, combine avocado, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and garlic in a bowl.
5. Serve grilled salmon with avocado salsa spooned on top.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Rocco DiSpirito’s Lean Beef and Broccoli
Get lean without sacrificing flavor with this quick and easy recipe from Rocco DiSpirito.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lean beef (90% lean), sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.
3. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside. Leave the drippings in the pan.
4. Add the broccoli to the same skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
5. Stir in the garlic, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
6. Serve the beef on top of the broccoli mixture.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Rocco’s Lightened-Up Mac and Cheese
Rocco’s Lightened-Up Mac and Cheese: A creamy, comforting classic with a healthier twist!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 2 cups reduced-fat milk (2% or skim)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in milk and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
4. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with whole wheat breadcrumbs.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Rocco DiSpirito’s Protein-Packed Egg White Omelette
A protein-rich breakfast option that’s perfect for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals alike. This egg white omelette is a great way to start your day with a boost of energy and nutrition.
Ingredients:
– 4 large egg whites
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
– 1/2 cup diced mushrooms
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together egg whites until frothy.
2. Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Pour in the egg mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the edges start to set.
4. Add diced bell peppers and mushrooms; stir gently to combine.
5. Use a spatula to fold the omelette in half; cook for an additional minute.
6. Slide the omelette out of the skillet onto a plate.
7. Sprinkle with feta cheese (if using) and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Rocco’s Guilt-Free Chocolate Avocado Mousse
Rich, creamy, and decadent, this chocolate mousse is a game-changer for those looking to indulge in a healthier dessert option. With the natural creaminess of avocados and a hint of cocoa powder, you’ll be hooked from the first bite.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe avocados
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 1/4 cup heavy cream (or non-dairy alternative)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– 1 ounce high-quality dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa), melted
Instructions:
1. Peel and pit the avocados, then place them in a blender or food processor.
2. Add the cocoa powder, maple syrup, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt to the blender.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
4. Melt the chocolate chips and fold them into the avocado mixture until well combined.
5. Spoon the mousse into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours (chilling time)
Rocco DiSpirito’s Herb-Roasted Chicken Thighs
A flavorful and aromatic twist on traditional roasted chicken, this recipe infuses tender chicken thighs with the essence of fresh herbs.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder.
3. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
4. Place the chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush the herb mixture evenly over both sides of each thigh.
5. Roast for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Rocco’s Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce
This recipe is a creative twist on traditional spaghetti, using roasted squash as the “noodles” and serving it with a rich marinara sauce. The result is a flavorful and nutritious vegetarian dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium spaghetti squash
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 jar of homemade or store-bought marinara sauce (about 1 cup)
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
3. Place the squash on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cut side up.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the squash, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
5. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until the squash is tender and shreds easily.
6. While the squash is cooking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
7. Once the squash is done, use a fork to scrape out the flesh into strands.
8. Serve the spaghetti squash with the warmed marinara sauce and garnish with chopped basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Rocco DiSpirito’s Quinoa and Black Bean Salad
This hearty salad is a perfect blend of protein-rich quinoa, fiber-packed black beans, and crunchy veggies, all topped with a zesty lime dressing. A great side dish or light lunch option.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, red bell pepper, onion, and garlic.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lime juice.
3. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Rocco’s Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Garlic Aioli
Get ready to elevate your snack game with these crispy, flavorful sweet potato fries and a rich garlic aioli dip!
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large sweet potatoes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt, to taste
– 1 head of garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut sweet potatoes into fry shapes and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the sweet potato fries and sprinkle with salt.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
5. Meanwhile, mix minced garlic with mayonnaise, lemon juice, and paprika in a bowl.
6. Serve warm sweet potato fries with garlic aioli dip.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Rocco DiSpirito’s Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken
This mouthwatering dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, with tender chicken breast filled with a savory spinach and feta mixture. It’s an easy yet impressive recipe to serve at your next dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together spinach, feta cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket. Stuff each breast with the spinach-feta mixture.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed chicken and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Rocco’s Light Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
A refreshing twist on classic shrimp pasta, this dish combines the brightness of lemon with the richness of garlic and succulent shrimp. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
4. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium-low.
5. Pour in lemon juice and stir to combine with any remaining garlic oil.
6. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat with the lemon-garlic sauce.
7. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to combine.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
10. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Rocco DiSpirito’s Mushroom and Spinach Frittata
A classic Italian dish gets a boost from earthy mushrooms and nutrient-rich spinach, making this frittata perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 6 eggs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Add fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and a pinch of salt. Pour the egg mixture over the mushroom and spinach mixture in the skillet.
6. Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until the edges start to set.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the frittata is golden brown and cooked through.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Slice and serve with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Rocco’s Healthy Turkey Chili
This hearty turkey chili recipe is a perfect blend of flavors and nutrients, making it a great option for a quick and easy dinner. With lean turkey and plenty of vegetables, this dish is both healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium bell peppers, diced
– 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brown the turkey in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and bell peppers to the pot and cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in the chili powder and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let chili cook for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Rocco DiSpirito’s Almond Flour Pancakes
For a delicious breakfast or brunch that’s also gluten-free and paleo-friendly, try Rocco DiSpirito’s Almond Flour Pancakes. These pancakes are moist, flavorful, and packed with nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups almond flour
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, coconut milk, and honey or maple syrup (if using).
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until combined. The batter should still be slightly lumpy.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
5. Drop the batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet or griddle.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges start to dry.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes total per batch of 4-6 pancakes.
Rocco’s Fresh Berry Chia Pudding
Start your day with a nutritious and delicious breakfast that’s bursting with flavor! This recipe combines the benefits of chia seeds with the sweetness of fresh berries, all wrapped up in a creamy pudding.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup chia seeds
– 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
– Optional: chopped fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together chia seeds, almond milk, honey, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir well to combine.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Just before serving, stir in the mixed berries.
4. Spoon the pudding into individual servings and garnish with chopped fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Servings: 1-2
Summary
Get ready to elevate your cooking game with these 20 mouth-watering recipes from celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito! From healthy twists on classic dishes like turkey meatball lettuce wraps and skinny chicken parmesan, to innovative vegetarian options like zucchini noodles with pesto and spicy cauliflower rice stir-fry, there’s something for everyone. Plus, indulge in guilt-free treats like chocolate avocado mousse and baked sweet potato fries with garlic aioli. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for quick and easy meals, Rocco’s recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
