Tomato Basil Pasta with Italian Sausage from www.favesouthernrecipes.com
Introduction
Pasta dishes are one of the most popular and versatile dishes that you can make. They can be made with a variety of ingredients and sauces, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight meal or a fancy dinner party dish, pasta is always a great choice. In this article, we will be sharing some of our favorite pasta dishes and recipes that are easy to make and delicious.
Ingredients
Before we start with the recipes, let's go over some of the basic ingredients that you will need for most pasta dishes. These include: - Pasta: There are many types of pasta to choose from, including spaghetti, penne, fettuccine, and more. - Sauce: Depending on the recipe, you can use tomato sauce, cream sauce, pesto, or any other type of sauce that you prefer. - Meat: If you want to add some protein to your dish, you can use ground beef, chicken, sausage, or any other type of meat. - Vegetables: Vegetables are a great way to add some flavor and nutrition to your dish. Some popular choices include spinach, mushrooms, onions, and peppers. - Cheese: Cheese is a must-have ingredient for most pasta dishes. Parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta are some of the most popular choices.
Instructions
Spaghetti Carbonara
Ingredients: - 1 pound spaghetti - 4 eggs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup diced bacon or pancetta - Salt - Pepper Instructions: 1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. 2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and Parmesan cheese together. 3. In a skillet, cook the bacon or pancetta until crispy. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. 4. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the bacon or pancetta. Toss to combine. 5. Pour the egg mixture over the spaghetti and toss to combine. The heat from the spaghetti will cook the eggs. 6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Chicken Alfredo
Ingredients: - 1 pound fettuccine - 2 cups heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup butter - 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - Salt - Pepper Instructions: 1. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. 2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. 3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through. 4. Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. 5. Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss to combine. 6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Vegetable Pesto Pasta
Ingredients: - 1 pound penne pasta - 2 cups basil leaves - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup pine nuts - 3 cloves garlic - 1/2 cup olive oil - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 yellow squash, sliced - Salt - Pepper Instructions: 1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. 2. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped. 3. With the food processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil until a smooth pesto forms. 4. In a skillet, sauté the red bell pepper and yellow squash until tender. 5. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss to combine. 6. Pour the pesto over the pasta and toss to combine. 7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
The nutrition for these pasta dishes will vary depending on the ingredients and serving sizes. However, most pasta dishes are high in carbohydrates and can be high in calories, especially if they contain a lot of cheese or meat. To make your pasta dishes healthier, you can use whole wheat pasta, incorporate more vegetables, and limit the amount of cheese and meat that you use.
Conclusion
Pasta dishes are a classic that everyone loves. With these recipes and tips, you can make delicious pasta dishes that are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Whether you prefer a creamy Alfredo or a light and fresh pesto, there is a pasta dish for everyone. So go ahead and get creative in the kitchen with these delicious pasta recipes!
