Pasta, in all its wonderful variations, is a universal dish loved by many around the globe. From rich, comforting sauces to innovative twists on the classic, pasta offers limitless possibilities for both the home cook and seasoned chef alike. Today, we’ll dive into six mouthwatering recipes featuring different types of pasta and an array of ingredients, combining the best of Italian flavors with a few exciting twists.
1. Beef Bolognese with Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef 🍖
- 1 onion, chopped 🧅
- 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes 🍅
- 1/2 cup tomato paste 🍅
- 1 tsp dried oregano 🌿
- 1 tsp dried basil 🌿
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
- 1 lb spaghetti 🍝
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter 🧈
- 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1/2 cup heavy cream 🍶
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
- Fresh parsley for garnish 🌿
Instructions:
- Brown the Beef: Start by cooking the ground beef in a large pan over medium heat until it’s browned. Once browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them until softened, releasing their sweet aroma.
- Create the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and basil. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, keeping a little of the pasta water.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a separate pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add the heavy cream, stirring to combine, and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Finish the Dish: Add the Parmesan cheese to the garlic butter sauce, stirring until smooth. Toss the cooked spaghetti in the sauce, coating each strand with creamy goodness.
- Assemble and Serve: Serve the creamy spaghetti with a generous scoop of the beef Bolognese sauce on top. Garnish with fresh parsley for that burst of color and fresh flavor. Enjoy!
2. Artfully Plated Bolognese Tagliatelle
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh tagliatelle pasta
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 medium onion, chopped 🧅
- 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes 🍅
- 1 tsp dried oregano 🌿
- 1/2 tsp dried basil 🌿
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
- 2 tbsp olive oil 🧴
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese 🧀 (for serving)
- Fresh basil leaves 🍃 (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Tagliatelle: Prepare the tagliatelle pasta according to package instructions. Drain, but be sure to save some pasta water in case you need to thin out the sauce later.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef (or beef and pork mixture) to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks, letting it brown thoroughly.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and meld together.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked tagliatelle to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce to coat evenly. Add a little reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.
- Plate and Serve: Twirl the pasta into a nest using tongs and place it at the center of each plate. Spoon the rich Bolognese sauce over the pasta and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves.
3. Spicy Creamy Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil 🧴
- 2 chicken breasts, diced 🍗
- 1 tsp paprika 🌶️
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes 🌶️
- Salt & pepper to taste 🧂
- 3 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
- 1 cup heavy cream 🥛
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
- 1/2 cup chicken broth 🐓
- 12 oz pasta of choice 🍝 (penne, fettuccine, etc.)
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley 🌿
Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Stir well and let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the pasta, and toss to combine everything well.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for freshness, and serve hot!
4. Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb spaghetti 🍝
- 1 lb ground beef 🍖
- 1/2 cup diced onions 🧅
- 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce 🍅
- 1 can (15 oz) ricotta cheese 🧀
- 1 cup sour cream 🧀
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning 🌿
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional) 🌿
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil salted water and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef with onions and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat. Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer briefly.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: Mix ricotta cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan in a separate bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, layer the cooked spaghetti, then half the meat sauce, and the cheese mixture. Add the remaining spaghetti and top with the remaining meat sauce.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top, then bake covered for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve!
5. Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef
Ingredients:
- 12 oz bowtie pasta 🍝 (farfalle)
- 1 lb ground beef 🍖
- 1 small onion, chopped 🧅
- 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes 🍅
- 1 cup beef broth 🐄
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning 🌿
- 1/2 tsp salt 🧂
- 1/4 tsp black pepper 🧂
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
- Fresh parsley for garnish 🌿
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Boil water and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until softened.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer for a few minutes.
- Combine with Pasta: Stir in the cooked pasta, making sure it’s well-coated with the sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Add grated Parmesan cheese, mix, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
6. Taco Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef 🍖
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix 🌶️
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies 🌶️
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce 🍅
- 1 cup water 💧
- 8 oz spaghetti 🍝
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
- 1/2 cup sour cream 🧀
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions 🌿
- 1/4 cup black olives (optional) 🍻
- Tortilla chips, crushed 🌮
Instructions:
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and drain excess fat. Add the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Prepare the spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain.
- Combine: Stir the cooked spaghetti into the beef mixture. Remove from heat.
- Cheese & Topping: Add sour cream and half the cheddar cheese. Stir until melted. Top with the remaining cheese and broil for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions, olives, and crushed tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch.
Conclusion
From the comforting richness of Beef Bolognese with Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti to the savory kick of Taco Spaghetti Casserole, these recipes provide something for every pasta lover. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply indulging in a cozy meal for yourself, these dishes are guaranteed to delight with every bite. So, grab your ingredients, bring out your inner chef, and enjoy these pasta creations that are sure to satisfy!