When Renée Cardaci found herself adjusting to an empty nest, she turned to the one thing that had always brought her joy—cooking. What started as a way to fill her time quickly evolved into a thriving social media presence, with thousands of followers eager to recreate her signature dishes.
“I love to cook. Everyone loves to come to my house, and I love to entertain,” Cardaci said. “So I thought, let me give this a try.”
Since launching her TikTok account, Cooking with Renée, in August 2023, Cardaci has built an engaged community from her home in Franklin Lakes, sharing Italian-inspired recipes and creative twists on classic dishes. Among her biggest hits are chicken meatballs Marsala with orzo and her unique take on chicken cordon bleu pot pie.
Her success has extended beyond the digital world. Cardaci has hosted sold-out charcuterie workshops, including a 95-person event at Volino’s Meat Market in Wayne and another at Uncorked in Totowa. She also caters custom grazing tables, bringing her culinary expertise to private events.
“I’ve had so much support from my family, friends, and community,” she said. “At first, my kids were skeptical, but now they’re really proud.”
With more than 46,000 TikTok followers and a growing fan base, Cardaci continues to inspire home cooks with her approachable style. Though social media has brought its share of challenges—like online criticism—she remains focused on sharing her passion.
“You have to have thick skin,” she said. “But I’ve connected with so many amazing people, and that makes it all worth it.”
Cardaci attributes much of her love for cooking to her upbringing. Growing up in a household where both her grandmother and mother were avid cooks, she developed an appreciation for homemade meals and traditional recipes. Now, she balances honoring those old-world techniques while incorporating modern twists to keep things fresh and exciting.
“I don’t always follow exact measurements—I cook by feel,” she said. “But for my followers, I make sure to break things down step by step so they can recreate everything at home.”
Looking ahead, Cardaci has big plans. By the end of 2025, she hopes to publish her first cookbook, compiling her most popular recipes in one place. She’s also interested in expanding her in-person workshops, giving more people the chance to experience her passion for food firsthand.
For now, she’s savoring the journey, one dish at a time.
One of her most requested recipes is her Linguine and Clam Sauce, a simple yet flavorful dish that embodies her love for traditional Italian cooking. Keep reading for the full recipe and bring a taste of Cooking with Renée into your own kitchen.
Renée's Linguine with Clam Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 dozen Little Neck clams, soaked and cleaned
- 1 lb linguine
- 3 anchovy fillets
- 8-10 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¾ cup white wine (Pinot Grigio)
- 3 tbsp salted butter
- Fresh cracked pepper
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup fresh chopped clams with juice (or 3 cans of chopped clams)
Instructions:
- Cook linguine al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add anchovies, garlic, and a handful of parsley. Sauté until anchovies dissolve.
- Add Little Neck clams, white wine, and lemon juice. Cover and let the clams open (about 5 minutes).
- Once clams open, add chopped clams with their juice, fresh cracked pepper, and butter. Stir and let simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Add drained linguine to a serving bowl. Arrange Little Neck clams on top and pour the sauce over.
- Garnish with remaining parsley and serve immediately.
Follow Along!
TikTok: @cooking_with_renee_
Instagram: @cooking_with_renee_
Facebook: Renee Marchetti Cardaci
YouTube: @cooking_with_renee_