Quick cooking pasta is a pantry staple because it’s a versatile ingredient that can be utilized in a myriad of ways. We feature seven of our most popular pasta recipes in this round up. From herby and comforting pasta e ceci to family friendly american chop suey to vegetable forward pasta alla norma, there’s a wide range of options to choose from.
1) Creamy Tomato Pasta with Chicken and Spinach
This tangy, yet creamy sauce is delicious and easy to make. Ricotta, spinach, sun dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese only need a 20 minute roast to transform into a velvety sauce. We pour the sauce over pasta and serve with juicy chicken breasts. We prefer bone-in, skin-on breasts because they retain moisture and flavor better than boneless, skinless breasts.
2) Pasta alla Norma
Pasta alla Norma is a classic Sicilian dish consisting of eggplant, tomatoes, pasta, ricotta salata, and basil. The conditions in southern Italy are ideal for growing nightshades such as tomatoes and eggplant, and as a result these two ingredients are found in a multitude of recipes in the region. Broiling the eggplant and then slowly cooking it with the tomato for two hours transforms it into a rich and supple sauce that is packed with flavor.
3) Sweet Corn and Italian Sausage with Pasta
Six ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time is all you need to get a flavorful summer dinner the whole family will love. This dish has a lot going for it: spicy Italian sausage, sweet summer corn, fresh basil, and a touch of heavy cream all wrapped up with tender pasta.
4) Pasta e Ceci
Pasta e ceci is a classic Roman dish that looks simple on first blush, but is filled with flavor. An aromatic combination of olive oil, red pepper flakes, onion, garlic, and tomato paste is first broiled to develop deep, complex flavors. Rosemary, chickpeas, white wine, broth, and pasta are then added and slow cooked until melded. Cooking the pasta along with the other ingredients ensures it soaks up all that flavorful broth.
5) Sausage Lasagna
Italian sausage makes a great base for lasagna because the meat is already seasoned with all your favorite spices. We chose sweet Italian sausage as the most family-friendly option, but spicy Italian sausage would be a great choice for those who love the heat. This recipe can easily be doubled, just divide between the fillings between two Suvie pans instead of one. You could even make two and freeze one for later!
6) Pastitsio
Pastitsio is a popular Greek baked pasta dish consisting of three main layers. The first layer is made up of par-cooked noodles, either ziti or traditional pastitsio noodles. The second layer is a stew or sauce of sorts, made with ground beef, red wine, and diced tomatoes. The third layer, my favorite layer, is a creamy, cheesy béchamel sauce. Béchamel is one of those classic sauces made by thickening milk with roux. The béchamel is further flavored with just a hint of nutmeg and a hearty cup full of grated pecorino.
7) Classic American Chop Suey
American chop suey is a classic, comforting meal the whole family will adore. Sauteed vegetables are mixed with lean ground beef, tomatoes, and hot sauce to create a simple meat sauce that’s perfectly paired with elbow macaroni. Take a trip down memory lane with this delicious meal.