There’s nothing quite like a bowl of pasta to cap off an Italian-inspired meal. In fact, Pasta-Lovers rejoice: there are so many varieties of pasta. From the classic white spaghetti to fusilli and even pappardelle, you can find pasta in almost any Italian dish you want.
That being said, it can be difficult to keep track when so many different shapes and sizes of pasta exist. After all, what looks like one type can taste completely different from another. Fortunately, we have you covered with these insanely easy pasta recipes that will make your life much easier than it already is!
Chickpea and Tomato Pasta Salad
Chickpea pasta is one of the most commonly consumed types of pasta in North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. You’ll often find it in salads or in spicy curries such as Hyderabad Chicken Curry, or in a hearty dhal. Chickpea pasta salad is perfect to serve alongside a summer barbecue or as a light lunch.
The salad is best if made the day before and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a day. If you want to make the salad ahead of time, simply add it to an air-tight container and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve it. The salad is simple but packed with flavor, so make sure to try it soon!
Baked Spaghetti with Meatballs
Spaghetti with meatballs is a classic Italian dish that’s been around for centuries. This version, with baked spaghetti and meatballs, is an easy yet comforting meal to make for your family. The best part is that the ingredients can be kept in your pantry so that you don’t have to go out and get them each time you want to make spaghetti!
You’ll need a large pot to boil the spaghetti, and you’ll also need a large bowl or plate to mix everything together once the spaghetti is cooked. Make sure to keep the meatballs warm while you cook the spaghetti and keep the spaghetti warm while you mix the meatballs together.
Easy Gnocchi
Gnocchi is the Italian word for “dumplings,” and it actually has two different meanings in Italian. One is the potato-based dumplings you’ll find here, and the other is a type of pasta where potato is one of the ingredients. This recipe for easy gnocchi is best if you’re making it for a small number of people.
It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. Most grocery stores stock fresh gnocchi, so you can easily make this dish on a weekly basis. If you don’t want to buy fresh gnocchi, you can also use the instant variety. Simply mix the potato flour and water in a bowl until it forms a soft dough; then knead it with your hands to get rid of any lumps.
Fusilli Pasta Bake
Baked fusilli is a simple yet delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s simple enough to whip up in under 30 minutes and can be made with just a few ingredients. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck event, and it can be served alongside a salad or with a side of garlic bread.
Fusilli is a type of pasta that’s a bit longer than traditional tubular pasta. This recipe uses fusilli because it’s a great way to use up excess pasta, but you can use any pasta in the recipe. This dish is best if made just before you plan to eat it. It will stay warm for about 15 minutes once you’ve mixed it together, and it can be served either hot or at room temperature.
Summer Pasta Salad
A pasta salad is a perfect side dish for summer meals. It’s filling, thanks to the pasta and vegetables, and it’s also refreshing thanks to the cool addition of a typically sweet dressing. This pasta salad is best if made ahead of time, as it will keep for up to a day in the fridge.
You can also make it the day before you plan to serve it, which will ensure it stays fresh until your dinner comes around. You’ll need to make a few components in order to make this pasta salad, namely the pasta, vegetables, and dressing. Make sure to keep all three components separate while you’re making the salad.
The pasta will take the longest to cook, so make sure to put that aside while you chop up the vegetables and assemble the salad. Summer pasta salads are best served chilled, so make sure to put the salad in the refrigerator once you’ve assembled it. Summer pasta salads can be made ahead of time, so don’t hesitate to make them for dinner!
Eggplant and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Shells are a classic Italian pasta, and the stuffing here is a family favorite. It’s best if made ahead of time, as it can be kept in the fridge for up to a day. It’s also delicious at room temperature, so you can make it ahead of time and then heat it up when you’re ready to eat.
The filling for these shells is also delicious when served as an antipasto on bread, so you can bring it to your next get-together or party. It’s best if made ahead of time so that it can be kept in the fridge for up to a day. Most grocery stores sell pre-made shells, but for a quicker meal, you can simply use shells from the can. You’ll need a large pot to boil the pasta and your largest pan to serve it in.
Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that’s beloved by many. While many recipes call for traditional elbow macaroni, this creamy macaroni and cheese are great with most types of pasta. It’s best if made ahead of time, as it can be kept in the fridge for a few days. You’ll need a large pot to boil the pasta, and a large pan or baking dish to cook it in.
This mac and cheese are delicious and served with salad, but you can also serve it as a standalone meal. It’s best if made ahead of time so that it can be kept in the fridge for a few days. This mac and cheese are great for a crowd, as it can be made in advance and kept warm in the oven until it’s time for dinner. It’s also great for parties and get-togethers, as it can be served in a large pan or as an appetizer on bread.
Conclusion
Pasta is an incredibly versatile food that can be served in a variety of ways. From simple, one-pot meals to elaborate, multi-course feasts, there’s something for every palate. From traditional to gourmet, there’s pasta for every occasion and every budget.
