Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. Nothing says cozy night at home quite like a bowl of homemade pasta. The best part is, pasta recipes don’t have to be complicated to be satisfying. Here are some easy pasta recipes for a warm, cozy dinner.
Fresh tomato sauce is a classic for a reason. To make a simple tomato sauce, sauté garlic in olive oil, then add chopped tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes and toss with your favorite pasta like penne or ziti. Finish with parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.
For creamy comfort, make a pot of mac and cheese. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions, then stir in a mixture of cheddar cheese, butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix in extra shredded cheddar and bread crumbs and broil for a cheesy, golden topping.
Feeling indulgent? Make fettuccine alfredo. Melt butter and parmesan cheese with a little cream over low heat, whisking frequently, until smooth and creamy. Toss with cooked fettuccine pasta and parsley. Grated nutmeg adds a warm, spiced flavor.
For a hearty meat sauce, sauté ground beef or turkey, then add to your favorite tomato pasta sauce. Simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Toss with penne or ziti and top with basil, parmesan, and red pepper flakes.
Pasta primavera is a fresh, light option. Sauté an assortment of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots in garlic and olive oil. Add to cooked pasta such as farfalle or rotini, along with basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix in parmesan cheese, lemon juice and fresh or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
To make a creamy mushroom pasta, sauté cremini mushrooms in butter with garlic and thyme. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute, then whisk in milk and broth. Simmer until thickened, then toss with cooked pasta such as egg noodles or pappardelle and top with parmesan cheese, parsley and more mushrooms.
For a cheesy baked ziti, combine ricotta, egg, parmesan, basil and oregano, then mix with cooked ziti, mozzarella and your favorite tomato sauce. Spread in a baking dish and top with extra mozzarella and parmesan. Bake at 350 F until hot and bubbly, about 30 minutes.