Food Checklist for a Pasta Dinner
- Fresh and dried pastas are the two options generally found in supermarkets and delicatessens. Fresh pasta is made with flour and eggs and comes in a variety of ribbon sizes like papardelle and tagliatelle. It is also used to make ravioli and tortellini, which are pastas stuffed with fillings such as minced pork or ricotta cheese. Dried pasta can be found in a bewildering variety of shapes and sizes such as spaghetti, linguine, penne, lasagne and cannelloni. The type of pasta you choose may depend on the type of sauce you serve with it. Allow 3 to 4 oz. servings per adult.
- Pasta is usually served with a sauce to add flavor and texture. Different sauces are traditionally used with different types of pasta. Light sauces work best with thin pastas and heavy sauces go with thick pastas. Bolognese is a classic meat sauce served with spaghetti. Spaghetti also works well with fresh clams or pesto, a sauce made from fresh basil, olive oil and pine nuts. Penne is traditionally served with a puttanesca sauce made with tomato, olive, caper and anchovy. Macaroni is most often associated with a rich cheese sauce. Stuffed pastas may be served with marinara sauces or simply with olive oil and butter.
- Parmesan adds an intense flavor to your pasta dinner.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
Serve the pasta in shallow bowls, or present it on the table in a large bowl from which your guests can help themselves. Pasta is also commonly seasoned after serving with grated Parmesan cheese. A twist of freshly ground black pepper is another flourish you may add to the pasta.You should not add Parmesan to fish sauces though as the two flavors do not go well together. - Add side dishes and accompaniments to the pasta dinner table. Include a simple, fresh green salad, garlic bread or focaccia bread. You may also include a selection of olives and other antipasti items such as sun-dried tomatoes or grilled eggplant. Adults may also enjoy a glass of Italian wine.
