Pasta is a versatile and comforting dish that can be adapted to suit any taste or occasion. Here are ten delicious pasta recipes that you should definitely add to your cooking repertoire:
1. Classic Spaghetti Carbonara
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook Pasta: Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain.
- Cook Pancetta: In a skillet, cook pancetta until crispy. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Combine: In a bowl, whisk together eggs and Parmesan cheese. Toss hot pasta with pancetta and garlic, then remove from heat and mix in the egg mixture, adding reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley if desired.
2. Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Ingredients:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook Pasta: Cook penne according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté garlic until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and basil.
- Combine: Toss cooked pasta with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Top with Parmesan cheese if desired.
3. Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Ingredients:
- 12 oz fusilli pasta
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook Pasta: Cook fusilli according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Combine: Toss cooked pasta with pesto sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and pine nuts.
- Serve: Garnish with Parmesan cheese if desired.
4. Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce
Ingredients:
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Instructions:
- Cook Pasta: Cook ziti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make Meat Sauce: Cook ground beef until browned. Stir in marinara sauce and oregano. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Combine: Mix cooked ziti with meat sauce and ricotta cheese. Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Ingredients:
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook Pasta: Cook linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Shrimp: In a pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook until pink. Stir in white wine and lemon juice.
- Combine: Toss cooked pasta with shrimp and sauce. Garnish with parsley and season with salt and pepper.
6. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Ingredients:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions:
- Cook Shells: Cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- Prepare Filling: Mix ricotta cheese, spinach, Parmesan cheese, and egg in a bowl.
- Stuff Shells: Fill each shell with the ricotta mixture and place in a baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over shells.
- Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
7. Lemon Garlic Pasta
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook Pasta: Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté garlic until fragrant. Add lemon zest and juice.
- Combine: Toss pasta with lemon garlic sauce and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Top with Parmesan cheese if desired.
8. Pasta Primavera
Ingredients:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook Pasta: Cook penne according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes until tender.
- Combine: Toss cooked pasta with vegetables and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
9. Creamy Mushroom Pasta
Ingredients:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook Pasta: Cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Mushrooms: In a pan, heat olive oil and cook mushrooms until golden. Add white wine if using, and cook until reduced.
- Make Sauce: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook until sauce thickens.
- Combine: Toss pasta with the mushroom sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
10. Pappardelle with Butternut Squash and Sage
Ingredients:
- 12 oz pappardelle pasta
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Roast Squash: Toss butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, until tender.
- Cook Pasta: Cook pappardelle according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Combine: Toss roasted squash with cooked pasta and fresh sage leaves. Garnish with Parmesan cheese.
These pasta recipes cover a variety of flavors and styles, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From creamy sauces to fresh veggies, you’re sure to find a new favorite dish!