Pasta checks off so many boxes…fast, comforting, and versatile. I’ve never met a human who didn’t love pasta! It’s one of those ingredients you can dress up or keep casual, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, pasta can be the star of your meal. And for restaurant-quality pasta, Chef Gordon Ramsay tells us—don’t drain your pasta! Simply take it straight from the boiling water into the sauce for that perfect finish.
This strainer is the best for moving pasta shells straight from the boiling water into your sauce.
Main dish pasta meals usually come with some kind of protein. I love a pasta dish with veggies and protein because it means no need for an extra side!
Natasha from Salt and Lavender offers up the perfect meal – Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta. This heaven in a bowl includes pasta, spinach, chicken, and cheese. What else do you need?
And for long pasta noodles try the spaghetti server included in this great set from Oxo.
Sara from Dinner at the Zoo’s One Pot Chicken with Creamy Artichoke Pasta uses orzo, which looks like rice but is actually pasta! This recipe is perfect for a one-pot meal.
Jenn from Once Upon a Chef has an Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli that is amazing. I love how simple this dish is, though I substituted bow tie pasta since orecchiette was hard to find.
Recipe Tin Eats has a mouthwatering One-Pot Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo. While it’s cooking, pop some asparagus or broccoli in the oven to roast. It makes for the perfect meal!
Chungah from Damn Delicious has a Creamy Beef and Shells recipe that’s ready in 45 minutes and has over 500 reviews with a 4.8 average! You can also add leafy greens to make it a complete meal.
One of my all-time favorites is Emeril Lagasse’s Fettuccine Pasta with Prosciutto, Peas, and a Cream Sauce. Featured on the Food Network years ago, it’s been a family favorite ever since. It’s fancy enough for company, yet easy to prepare. I love pairing it with a Caesar or Arugula salad and crusty bread.
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