This Friday is World Pasta Day! Pasta is one of the most versatile and loved dishes all around the world. It’s a great meal to prepare if you are wanting a hearty weekday meal or if you want to impress your guests with a fancy weekend dish. It’s ideal for any occasion. To help you celebrate World Pasta Day, we have shared below some of our favourite pasta recipes that are simple yet delicious!
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta
A comforting creamy chicken alfredo is always a crowd-pleaser. This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal when you are craving something warm and comforting.
Ingredients:
400g fettuccine pasta
2 chicken breasts, diced
1 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup double cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp unsalted butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Cook the fettucine in a pot of boiling water. Drain and set aside.
In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Cook the fettuccine in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken breasts, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic.
Pour in the double cream and bring it to a simmer. Gradually whisk in the parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens.
Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and then toss the pasta in the sauce until well coated.
Serve immediately and garnish with parsley.
This creamy alfredo pasta is sure to keep you and your tummy happy.
If you are a vegetarian or have a vegetarian loved one in your life, this lighter pasta dish is a fantastic option to serve.
Mushroom Orzo
Ingredients:
300g of orzo pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups mixed mushrooms, sliced
1 courgette, diced
1 cup spinach leaves
½ cup vegetable stock
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions:
Cook the orzo according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
Stir in the sliced mushrooms and courgette. Cook for 6-8 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to brown.
Add the spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted. Pour in the vegetable stock and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Toss in the cooked orzo, combining well with the vegetables. Stir in Parmesan cheese if using and season with salt and pepper.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh thyme.
This veggie option is perfect if you are fancying something lighter or just fancy a change!
As of recent years, vodka pasta has increased in popularity. We have shared our favourite vodka rigatoni recipe that combines the smoothness of a tomato cream sauce with a kick of vodka for a delicious dinner.
Vodka Rigatoni
Ingredients:
500g rigatoni pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup vodka
1 can chopped tomatoes
1 cup double cream
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish
Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat and add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
Carefully pour in the vodka and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and paprika, bringing the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavours to combine.
Pour in the double cream, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
Toss in the cooked rigatoni, making sure each piece is coated in the sauce. Serve hot with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese on top for a quick and easy meal!
Pasta is a delicious way to bring people together. Whether you are having a cosy night in with friends or you’re hosting dinner for a special occasion, these recipes are easy enough to whip up on weekday but also delicious enough to impress your friends! Enjoy a big bowl this world pasta day!