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7 Pasta Recipes Every Home Cook Should Know | Epicurious

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Lasagne is a traditional Italian dish believed to have originated in Ancient Greece, evolving into a beloved staple in Italian cuisine. It symbolizes family gatherings and celebrations, often prepared for special occasions. Today, lasagne has numerous variations worldwide, incorporating local ingredients and flavors, making it a versatile and cherished dish.

Ingredients

  • lasagne sheets
  • ground beef
  • onion
  • garlic
  • canned tomatoes
  • tomato paste
  • olive oil
  • mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • ricotta cheese
  • egg
  • basil
  • oregano
  • salt
  • black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  3. 3Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. 4Add ground beef; cook until browned, breaking it apart, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. 5Stir in canned tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper; simmer for 15 minutes.
  6. 6In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
  7. 7Spread a layer of meat sauce in a baking dish; cover with lasagne sheets.
  8. 8Add a layer of the ricotta mixture, followed by mozzarella cheese.
  9. 9Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with meat sauce and mozzarella on top.
  10. 10Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer.
  11. 11Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  12. 12Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  13. 13Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

ground beef

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

mozzarella cheese

Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

Cheaper: cheddar cheese

Part-skim mozzarella reduces fat, while cheddar is often cheaper.

ricotta cheese

Healthier: cottage cheese

Cheaper: cream cheese

Cottage cheese is lower in fat, while cream cheese can be more affordable.

Parmesan cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: grated hard cheese

Nutritional yeast is a low-calorie alternative, while hard cheese can be less expensive.

Techniques

sautéinglayeringbaking

Equipment

large skilletbaking dishmixing bowloven
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowdairyglutenegg

Also Known As

LasagnaLasagne al Forno

Spaghetti and meatballs is a quintessential Italian-American dish that has become a staple in many households across the United States. It reflects the adaptation of Italian cuisine to American tastes and ingredients, often featuring larger meatballs and a hearty tomato sauce. While its origins can be traced back to Italian immigrants, the dish has evolved into a beloved comfort food, commonly served at family gatherings and celebrations.

Ingredients

  • spaghetti
  • ground beef
  • bread crumbs
  • egg
  • parmesan cheese
  • garlic
  • onion
  • tomato sauce
  • olive oil
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. 2In a bowl, mix ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, grated parmesan, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3Form the mixture into meatballs.
  4. 4Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the meatballs on all sides.
  5. 5Add tomato sauce to the skillet and simmer the meatballs for 20 minutes.
  6. 6Serve meatballs over spaghetti and garnish with additional parmesan.

Ingredient Alternatives

ground beef

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is lower in fat, while ground pork is often less expensive.

parmesan cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: grated cheese blend

Nutritional yeast is lower in calories and adds a cheesy flavor, while a cheese blend can be more budget-friendly.

Techniques

boilingbrowningsimmering

Equipment

potskilletmixing bowlmeasuring cupsspatula
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowglutendairy

Also Known As

Spaghetti with Meatballs

Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic Italian dish that originated in Rome. It is known for its rich and creamy sauce made from butter and cheese, traditionally served with fettuccine pasta. The dish gained popularity in the United States, where it is often adapted with heavy cream. It is typically enjoyed as a comforting meal, especially during family gatherings or special occasions.

Ingredients

  • fettuccine
  • butter
  • heavy cream
  • parmesan cheese
  • black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Cook fettuccine in boiling salted water until al dente.
  2. 2In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
  3. 3Add heavy cream and simmer for a few minutes.
  4. 4Stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  5. 5Season with black pepper to taste.
  6. 6Combine the cooked fettuccine with the sauce and toss well.

Ingredient Alternatives

heavy cream

Healthier: Greek yogurt

Cheaper: milk

Greek yogurt provides creaminess with fewer calories, while milk is more budget-friendly.

parmesan cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: grated cheese blend

Nutritional yeast is lower in fat and calories, while a cheese blend can be more affordable.

Techniques

boilingsautéing

Equipment

potpancolanderspatula
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowdairygluten

Also Known As

Alfredo PastaFettuccine with Cream

Originating in Rome's working-class trattorias, Carbonara was a hearty meal for charcoal workers (carbonari). The dish celebrates simple ingredients—eggs, cured pork, cheese, and black pepper—transformed through technique. Today it's beloved worldwide, though purists insist on guanciale over bacon.

Ingredients

  • spaghetti
  • guanciale
  • eggs
  • Pecorino Romano cheese
  • black pepper
  • olive oil

Instructions

  1. 1Boil water in a large pot and add salt.
  2. 2Cook spaghetti in boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. 3While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  4. 4Add guanciale to the skillet and sauté until crispy, about 4-5 minutes.
  5. 5In a bowl, whisk together eggs and grated Pecorino Romano cheese until smooth.
  6. 6Remove the skillet from heat and add the drained spaghetti, tossing to combine.
  7. 7Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, stirring quickly to create a creamy sauce.
  8. 8Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
  9. 9Season with freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
  10. 10Serve immediately, garnished with additional cheese if desired.

Ingredient Alternatives

guanciale

Healthier: pancetta

Cheaper: bacon

Pancetta and bacon are more accessible alternatives to guanciale.

Pecorino Romano cheese

Healthier: Parmesan cheese

Cheaper: Grana Padano

Parmesan and Grana Padano are less expensive and still provide a rich flavor.

Techniques

boilingsautéingmixing

Equipment

large potskilletmixing bowlwhisktongs
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowglutendairy

Also Known As

Spaghetti alla CarbonaraPasta Carbonara

Mac and cheese is a beloved comfort food in the United States, often associated with childhood and family gatherings. Its origins trace back to European pasta dishes, but it gained popularity in America during the 18th century. Today, it is a staple in many households and is often served as a side dish or main course, especially at gatherings and celebrations.

Ingredients

  • elbow macaroni
  • cheddar cheese
  • milk
  • butter
  • flour
  • bread crumbs

Instructions

  1. 1Boil water in a large pot.
  2. 2Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente.
  3. 3In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  4. 4Stir in flour to create a roux, cooking for a minute.
  5. 5Gradually whisk in milk, stirring until thickened.
  6. 6Remove from heat and add cheddar cheese, stirring until melted.
  7. 7Combine cheese sauce with drained macaroni and mix well.
  8. 8Transfer to a baking dish and top with bread crumbs.
  9. 9Bake in a preheated oven until golden and bubbly.
  10. 10Let cool slightly before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

cheddar cheese

Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

Cheaper: processed cheese

Lower calorie option or more budget-friendly.

elbow macaroni

Healthier: whole grain pasta

Cheaper: any pasta shape

More nutritious or versatile.

Techniques

boilingbaking

Equipment

large potsaucepanwhiskbaking dish
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowdairygluten

Also Known As

Macaroni and CheeseMacaroni Cheese

Cacio e Pepe, originating from Rome, is a classic Roman dish that translates to 'cheese and pepper.' Traditionally enjoyed by shepherds, it highlights the simplicity of few ingredients—pasta, cheese, and pepper—transformed into a comforting meal. Today, it's celebrated worldwide, often featured in Italian restaurants and home kitchens alike.

Ingredients

  • spaghetti
  • pecorino romano cheese
  • black pepper
  • salt
  • water

Instructions

  1. 1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. 2Add spaghetti to the boiling water and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. 3Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti.
  4. 4Return the drained spaghetti to the pot off the heat.
  5. 5Grate pecorino romano cheese into the pot with the spaghetti.
  6. 6Add freshly cracked black pepper to the pot.
  7. 7Pour in a small amount of reserved pasta water and toss to combine.
  8. 8Continue adding pasta water gradually while tossing until a creamy sauce forms.
  9. 9Taste and adjust seasoning with more cheese or pepper as desired.
  10. 10Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese and black pepper.
milkwheat

Originating from Bologna, Italy, Bolognese sauce is a rich, hearty meat sauce traditionally served with tagliatelle. It reflects the region's agricultural heritage, utilizing local ingredients like meats and vegetables. Today, it has become a beloved staple in Italian cuisine, with variations found worldwide, often served with different pasta types.

Ingredients

  • ground beef
  • ground pork
  • onion
  • carrot
  • celery
  • garlic
  • canned tomatoes
  • tomato paste
  • red wine
  • milk
  • olive oil
  • bay leaf
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • parmesan cheese
  • fresh basil

Instructions

  1. 1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. 2Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery; sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. 3Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. 4Add ground beef and pork; cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 8-10 minutes.
  5. 5Pour in red wine and simmer until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
  6. 6Stir in canned tomatoes and tomato paste; mix well.
  7. 7Add bay leaf, salt, and black pepper; bring to a simmer.
  8. 8Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  9. 9Pour in milk and stir to combine; cook for an additional 30 minutes.
  10. 10Remove bay leaf before serving; adjust seasoning if necessary.

Ingredient Alternatives

ground beef

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: ground chicken

Ground turkey is leaner and lower in fat.

red wine

Healthier: non-alcoholic red wine

Cheaper: beef broth

Non-alcoholic wine retains flavor without alcohol.

parmesan cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

Techniques

sautéingsimmering

Equipment

large potwooden spoonknifecutting board
🌶️🌶️🌶️LowContains Alcoholdairy

Also Known As

Ragù alla BologneseBolognese Sauce

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