[Updated 4 June 2021]
All pasta is equal, but some pasta are more equal than others ? That's the cheeky, Orwell-inspired pasta quote we thought is befitting for this article, if you're wondering! We know that to some of you, pasta is that go-to carb option when you have very limited time to prepare dinner and still want a 'bomb' outcome. But let's be honest, it's always fun to cook it yourself and we've got a list of simple pasta recipes you can make for your loved ones to celebrate any occasion! Scroll on to find out ?
1. Four Cheese Spinach Ravioli
Many of us aren't strangers to ravioli. Not going to lie, they do remind me of gyoza when I first came across them! ? This stuffed pasta is simply one of many ways to enjoy the Italian ingredient. The best thing about ravioli is as long as the filling is flavourful, it's ready to be plated as it is without extra sides i.e sauce/gravy.
This wholesome recipe by Living The Gourmet shows us how to make Cheese Spinach Ravioli from scratch using four types of cheese; Mozzarella, Parmesan, Ricotta, and Asiago. Don't worry, it's not as complicated as you might assume! It requires Semolina flour, a type of coarse wheat flour used to make pasta which you can easily find on supermarket shelves. If you don't feel like heading to the grocery store just to get one ingredient, you can always use the alternatives as elaborated here by The Spruce Eats ?
P.S. Are you planning a special dinner with a special someone? Stay at home and order from any of these 10 Halal Romantic Feasts in SG To Surprise Your Sweetheart With ?
2. Lasagna Rolls
Note: This recipe uses prosciutto (cured ham generally made of pork) which can be substituted with halal ham i.e turkey ham or beef ham ?
It's hard not to love lasagna and its variations. The layering of tomato and bechamel sauce on soft pasta sheets, with the occasional beefy bites-- mmhmm! ?
If you're new to making lasagna, the steps may look intimidating at first. But if you follow this recipe by Food Network, complete with a step-by-step tutorial video, you'll be in good hands. In a way, lasagna rolls are easier to make. You can say that they're pretty much the deconstructed version of the usual lasagna, perfect for individual serving.
P.S. Want some dessert to wash down all that pasta? Try out this easy fudgy brownies recipe!
3. Italian Pasta Salad
No matter what the occasion is, don't forget your greens! Pasta salad is a healthy decadence we think everyone should try at least once. It can be a full meal, or just as sides -- your pick!
Not much preparation is required; as long as you have your ingredients, all you gotta do is toss them together in one bowl, drizzle it with salad dressing and you're good to go ? Lindsay from Pinch of Yum shared her favourite summer essential recipe and it's so colourful-- we're in love! Along with a quick guide to making the best tangy salad dressing and how to pick the best pasta type for salads, you'll be wondering to yourself "why didn't I learn this sooner?" ?
4. Barbeque Skillet Mac n Cheese
If mac n cheese is your go-to comfort food, you'll love this version. Topped with BBQ-flavoured chips, one spoonful guarantees the gooey, creamy bite that you love, paired with the flavourful crunch of your preferred BBQ potato crisps. Enjoy it on the couch or on fine china with the candlelight on. Does it get any more inviting than that? ?
Brit + Co teamed up with Lay's Wavy to whip up this bowl of cheesy goodness, but let us tell you something; any brand of potato chips is good enough! We love this recipe as it uses a two-step process: first, you make the cheese sauce on the stove, then combine all the ingredients together to be baked. Try it, and let us know if you can ever put the plate down after the first bite!
P.S. Curious about what other mac n cheese variations there are? Go ahead and check out This Muslim-owned Hawker Stall In SG that puts a twist on mac and cheese! ?
5. Baked Ziti
Baked Ziti is that unassuming dish available at every gathering, and there's a reason why they're always there. This scrumptious mess on a plate is a classic for many Italian American homes, and the ingredients can be easily found even in our shores.
In this recipe by The Kitchn, Ziti, which is a straight-cut tube pasta, is used as the shape is perfect for 'trapping' the tomato sauce and nuggets of cheese. The secret to making the best Baked Ziti is to be generous with cheese and the sauce-- to ensure the final product is not too dry as the pasta absorbs moisture when baked ?
P.S. Love Italian food? Check out these 10 easy halal Italian recipes you can try at home!
6. Shrimp Scampi Linguine
Scampi varies in meaning depending on where you come from. In the UK, it almost always refers to a type of langoustine called the Dublin Bay prawn. In the US and Canada, it refers to a large shrimp-based meal cooked with garlic and butter/oil, and that's what this recipe is all about ??
It takes only 3 steps and 15 mins to cook scampi, thanks to this simple guide by My Recipes. If Aglio Olio is part of your staples, making scampi is not far off and you can definitely make this blindfolded! Scampi for a special occasion might be uncommon, but when made right, you'll love the results ??
7. Beef Chilli Skillet Lasagna
Note: This recipe includes red wine, which can be substituted with beef stock or tomato juice.
Are you a Mexican food lover? Have you ever wondered what spicy lasagna (without bechamel sauce!) tastes like? If you check these boxes, you've got to give this one a try.
Imagine your favourite burrito transformed into lasagna with this Beef Chili Skillet Lasagna recipe by Brit + Co. Combine some spices, chilis, beans, beef and onions-- layered with pasta sheets-- and you'll find yourself an irresistible, hearty serving of Mexican skillet lasagna. Did we also mention it takes 30 minutes to make this? ? There's no reason not to do it and pamper yourself with some good food, guys!
8. Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
Chicken Alfredo fans, anyone? If you love Alfredo pasta in general, you'll love them baked too. In fact, this recipe makes it to the top 5 recipes voted by Buzzfeed Tasty community. With more cheese and cream compared to the usual version, who can ever say no to a bowl of this?
This straightforward recipe by Tasty shows you in 45 seconds how to make the best baked Alfredo you'll ever taste. The ingredients are simple and we're very convinced you have them in your pantry at the moment ? Give it a try, personalise as you wish, and let us know if you love it too!
Thanks for giving this article a read! We hope we inspire you to keep your creative juices in the kitchen flowing. Whatever the celebration is, we hope you have a great one and enjoy your homemade pasta! ??