Spaghetti, penne, tortellini, lasagne, farfalle or fusilli: pasta is one of our favourite side dishes. We all know it, and we probably cook it for lunch in the same few ways again and again. Because pasta makes such a great side dish, here are 7 ideas for fresh recipes in which pasta plays the starring role.
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Where can you use pasta?
Pasta is not just for lunch. You can use it in other meals too. Which ones? A snack, for example, which becomes both filling and nutritious. Speaking of nutrients, you should know that wholegrain pasta contains much more fibre than regular pasta. On the other hand, regular pasta contains more B vitamins, but it is still considered less healthy because of its higher carbohydrate and fat content. One study even shows that wholegrain pasta can curb your desire to eat and make you feel fuller, so it seems the better choice, although you may need to get used to its taste.
Pasta is just as tasty for dinner, whether hot or cold. You can prepare it in many ways: with or without meat, boiled or baked. It is entirely up to you. If you have guests, it is a great chance to make a delicious meal that is quick to prepare and easy to cook in large amounts. Let’s look at the 7 recipes that will give you some cooking inspiration.
Recipes, pasta 7 different ways
Whether you are making pasta for a snack, lunch or dinner, pick one of these seven delicious recipes and give it a try! There is something for vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
1. Penne all’arrabbiata
Almost everyone loves tomato sauce, and the arrabbiata version takes it to the next level. It is slightly sweet and spicy, yet perfectly balanced, and thanks to the herbs you will simply fall in love with it.
Ingredients:
- penne pasta
- 500 g tomato passata
- 8 cherry tomatoes
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 small red chilli or chilli flakes
- basil
- parsley
- a little Parmesan and mozzarella
- salt, pepper and sugar
Method:
- Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions.
- Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and roughly chop the garlic. If you are using a fresh chilli, slice it in half lengthways and chop it finely.
- Put the garlic and chilli in a pan over medium heat and fry until fragrant.
- Pour in the tomato passata (choose chopped tomatoes, not whole ones) and after a moment add the cherry tomatoes.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, then add basil, salt, pepper and sugar to taste.
- Grate Parmesan over the penne and sauce, tear over the mozzarella and sprinkle with parsley.
- Time to serve. Enjoy your meal!
2. Farfalle with mushroom sauce
If you like mushrooms, you will love farfalle with mushroom sauce. It is mild and creamy, and it makes a perfect combination with pasta!
Ingredients:
- farfalle pasta
- butter
- 1 large onion
- 250 g button mushrooms
- salt and pepper
- a pot of cooking cream
- plain flour
Method:
- Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions.
- Melt two tablespoons of butter in a pan, then add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- Add the washed mushrooms and fry them for a while.
- Pour in the cream, bring to the boil, let it bubble gently and, if needed, thicken it with a roux made from the remaining butter and plain flour.
- Mix the farfalle with the sauce and serve.
- Enjoy your meal!
3. Pasta salad
Looking for a tasty, quick snack you can enjoy hot or cold? Pasta salad is the obvious choice! You can add any ingredients you like.
Ingredients:
- fusilli pasta 400 g
- extra virgin olive oil
- 2 large tomatoes
- lamb’s lettuce
- tinned sweetcorn
- mozzarella
- garlic
- soured cream
- mayonnaise
- salt and pepper
Method:
- Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions.
- Dice the tomatoes and mozzarella and mix them with the pasta. Add the lamb’s lettuce and sweetcorn, crush in a peeled garlic clove and finally stir in 3 tablespoons of soured cream and 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then chill in the fridge, eat straight away or warm it up.
- Enjoy your meal!
💡 Tip: Take a look at our healthy broccoli recipes too. You are sure to find inspiration for more healthy dinners and lunches.
4. Pasta bake
Have you tried pasta in all sorts of ways and cannot think of a new sauce? Bake it! It is an easy way to use up leftovers that you have no other use for.
Ingredients:
- rigatoni pasta
- butter
- plain flour
- milk
- Dijon mustard
- spring onions
- sweetcorn
- frozen peas
- 2 tins of tuna
- Cheddar
- salt
Method:
- Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions.
- Preheat the oven to 220 °C.
- Melt the butter in a pan, sprinkle in the flour and stir to make a roux. Gradually whisk in 600 ml of milk a little at a time to make a smooth sauce. Simmer briefly, take off the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of mustard.
- Add the cooked, drained pasta to the sauce, then add 4 spring onions sliced into rings, the sweetcorn, frozen peas and tuna and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle with Cheddar and bake for 10–15 minutes.
- Enjoy your meal!
5. Pasta crisps
Ingredients:
- pasta
- olive oil
- turmeric or another favourite spice
Method:
- Put the pasta in an air fryer or on a baking tray and bake for 20 minutes.
- You can sprinkle the crisps with cheese.
- Enjoy your meal!
6. Spaghetti carbonara
Suitable for beginners or as a last-minute lunch. You do not need many ingredients, they just need to be good quality.
Ingredients:
- spaghetti
- pancetta or guanciale
- Parmesan 50 g, plus extra to serve
- 3 egg yolks
- butter
- olive oil
- salt and black pepper
Method:
- Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions.
- Dice the bacon, finely grate the Parmesan and whisk it with the egg yolks. Pour 1.5–2 ladlefuls of boiling pasta water into the mixture and stir.
- Heat the butter with a teaspoon of olive oil in a pan and fry the bacon.
- When the bacon is crispy, drain the pasta, but keep the cooking water.
- Add the spaghetti to the pan with one ladleful of the water and stir.
- After a minute, take the pan off the heat and let it cool so the eggs do not cook.
- As soon as the pasta starts to cool, pour in the egg yolk mixture and give it one final stir.
- Sprinkle each portion with Parmesan and serve.
- Enjoy your meal!
7. Rice noodles with tofu
Ingredients:
- Rice noodles
- Carrot
- Leek
- Chinese cabbage
- Tofu
- Sunflower oil
- Soy sauce
- Seasoning to taste (grilled vegetable or barbecue seasoning)
- Spring onions
- Bamboo shoots
Method:
- Grate the carrot and chop the leek, spring onions, Chinese cabbage and tofu into pieces.
- First fry the tofu in oil in a wok, seasoning it to give it more flavour. If you like, you can also marinate it.
- Now start cooking the noodles, which take just a few minutes.
- Add the carrot, leek, cabbage and a few bamboo shoots, and drizzle with soy sauce.
- Add the cooked rice noodles to the mixture and stir.
- Enjoy your meal!
Conclusion
Quick and tasty: that is the kind of food everyone wants. Make one of these delicious dishes at home and enjoy pasta in every possible way.
