Are you tired of the same old boring dinner options? Do you want to add some excitement to your mealtime routine? Look no further than these party pasta recipes! Pasta dishes are a classic and versatile option that can be adapted to suit any taste preference. They are also easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser. This blog post will share four delicious pasta recipes for entertaining guests or shaking up your weeknight dinners. So say "pasta la vista" to bland meals and get ready to impress your taste buds and dinner guests with these tasty pasta dishes.
Recipe #1: Pesto Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken
Let's dive into the first recipe on our list: Pesto Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken. This dish is perfect for outdoor summer gatherings and potlucks, as it's a refreshing and light option that's still filling and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of fusilli pasta
- 2 cups of basil leaves
- 1/2 cup of pine nuts
- 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional additions: cherry tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, black olives
Instructions:
- Cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, grated parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, and extra virgin olive oil in a food processor or blender. Blend until a smooth pesto sauce forms.
- Mix the cooked pasta and pesto sauce in a large bowl until the pasta is well coated.
- Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill the chicken breasts over medium-high heat until they are cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
- Add the sliced chicken to the pasta salad and mix well.
- Add optional ingredients like cherry tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, or black olives to the pasta salad if desired.
- Serve cold, and enjoy!
Tips for serving at a party:
- This dish can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Serve in a large plastic bowl or disposable platter for a beautiful presentation.
- Garnish with additional basil leaves or grated parmesan cheese before serving.
Ideas for variations:
- Swap out the fusilli pasta for a different pasta shape, like penne or rotini.
- Use grilled shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
- Add in additional vegetables like roasted red peppers or grilled zucchini.
- Use a different type of nut, like walnuts or almonds, for the pesto sauce.
Recipe #2: Baked Ziti with Sausage and Spinach
If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful pasta dish perfect for your next dinner party, look no further than this delicious baked ziti with sausage and spinach recipe! With a combination of spicy sausage, fresh spinach, and creamy ricotta cheese, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your party.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook the ziti pasta according to the instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Add the marinara sauce to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sausage, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, and the chopped spinach. Mix well.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish, then top with the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips for serving at a party:
To serve this dish at a party, consider using mini plastic bowls to create portions for each guest. You can also make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake it. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
Ideas for variations:
This recipe can be easily customized to your taste preferences. For example, try swapping out the spicy sausage for a milder variety or adding some chopped mushrooms for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone or fontina, for a unique twist on this classic dish. And for a vegetarian option, simply omit the sausage and add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. The possibilities are endless!
Recipe #3: Spaghetti Carbonara
If you're looking for a classic Italian pasta dish that's simple yet flavorful, spaghetti carbonara is a perfect choice. This dish will impress your guests at your next dinner party with a creamy sauce made from eggs, cheese, and pancetta.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chopped pancetta or bacon
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the pancetta or bacon over medium heat until crispy, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs with Parmesan cheese and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic and toss to combine.
- Remove the skillet from the heat, then pour the egg and cheese mixture over the spaghetti, constantly stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
- Add the cooked pancetta or bacon to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Tips for serving at a party:
To serve this dish at a party, consider topping each serving with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for added flavor and presentation. You can pair this dish with a simple side salad or garlic bread to round out the meal.
Ideas for variations:
This recipe can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences. For example, add chopped mushrooms or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different types of pasta, such as fettuccine or linguine, for a unique twist on this classic dish. And for a vegetarian option, simply omit the pancetta or bacon and add some sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes. The possibilities are endless!
Recipe #4: Lemon and Asparagus Pasta
If you're looking for a light and refreshing pasta dish perfect for springtime entertaining, look no further than this delicious lemon and asparagus pasta recipe. With tender asparagus, zesty lemon, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, this dish will surely be a hit with your guests.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the asparagus to the skillet and sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Mix the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a mixing bowl.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the asparagus, then pour the cream mixture over the top.
- Toss the pasta to coat evenly, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Tips for serving at a party:
Add some grilled shrimp or chicken for extra protein to serve this dish at a party. You can pair this dish with a light salad or roasted vegetables to create a balanced meal. And for added presentation, consider serving the pasta in individual fancy palm leaf bowls or on an eco-friendly platter with a sprinkle of lemon zest and chopped parsley on top.
Ideas for variations:
This recipe is versatile and can be customized to your liking. For example, add some cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and color. You can also experiment with different types of pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine, for a different texture. And for a vegetarian option, simply omit the meat and add some sautéed mushrooms or roasted eggplant. The possibilities are endless!
Pasta is a versatile and delicious option for any party menu. With these five recipes, you can easily switch up your pasta routine and impress your guests with new flavors and presentations. So next time you plan a party, say "Pasta La Vista" to boring dinners and try out one of these crowd-pleasing pasta recipes!