The Pasta Chronicles: Tasty Recipes to Twirl and Tuck Into

Who doesn’t love pasta? It’s the ultimate comfort food that never gets old, and the best part? You can dress it up in so many delicious ways! Whether you’re craving something spicy, creamy, or a little bit of both, these pasta recipes are here to take your taste buds on a fun ride. Get ready to twirl, slurp, and dig into some seriously tasty dishes—your plate is about to get a whole lot more exciting! Let’s pasta party!

Masala Macaroni

Spice up your regular pasta with a twist! Introducing Masala Macaroni—a perfect fusion of Italian pasta and Indian masala magic. With every bite of macaroni, you’ll experience a rich blend of spices and vegetables that make this dish absolutely irresistible. The elbow-shaped macaroni soaks up all the flavors, bringing warmth and comfort to your table!

Prep time: 20 mins
Cook time: 25 mins
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 green chilli, chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/4 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup (optional)
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Method

1. Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil or butter in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
3. Add green and red bell peppers; cook for 2 minutes.
4. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and chopped green chilli; sauté for another minute.
5. Add chopped tomatoes, garam masala, red chilli powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes soften and the oil separates from the masala.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the masala mixture.
7. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly with the spices. If using, add tomato ketchup and stir to combine.
8. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Walnut Penne Pasta

Who knew that the earthy crunch of walnuts could create such a creamy, dreamy pasta dish? Meet Walnut Penne Pasta, where the perfect al dente penne meets a rich walnut sauce. The combination of toasted walnuts and parmesan transforms this dish into a symphony of textures, giving every forkful a satisfying crunch that you won’t forget.

Prep time: 20 mins
Cook time: 25 mins
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 450 g penne pasta
• 120 g walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 120 ml heavy cream
• 50 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Ground black pepper
• Parsley

Method

1. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts until fragrant and lightly browned about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
3. In the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add the toasted walnuts to the skillet and stir to combine. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the walnut sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water until the desired consistency is reached.
6. Divide the pasta among serving plates. Garnish with parsley Serve immediately.

Spaghetti with Spinach and Cherry Tomato Sauce

A healthy twist on a classic favorite! Spaghetti with spinach and cherry tomato sauce is a delicious, vibrant, and nutritious dish that comes together in no time. The spaghetti perfectly blends with the tangy tomatoes and fresh spinach, making it a comforting yet guilt-free meal to brighten up your day!

Prep time: 20 mins
Cook time: 30 mins
Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 225 g spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pint (about 2 cups) cherry tomatoes
• 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
• Salt
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Parsley for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Method

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
3. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring, until the spinach wilts and reduces in volume.
4. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
5. Divide the pasta among serving plates. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley. Top with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Arrabbiata with Shell Pasta

Get ready to turn up the heat with this spicy and flavorful dish—Arrabbiata with Shell Pasta! This fiery sauce perfectly clings to the curves of the shell pasta, offering a delightful bite of spice and rich tomato flavor. The shells trap all the saucy goodness, giving you a deliciously intense and satisfying meal.

Prep time: 10 mins
Cook time: 30 mins
Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 225 g shell pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Arrabbiata pasta sauce
• Salt
• Ground black pepper
• Parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Method

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shell pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the readymade pasta sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld and the sauce to thicken.
3. Add the cooked shell pasta to the skillet with the arrabbiata sauce. – Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
4. Divide the pasta among serving plates. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley. Top with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.