Ah, pasta. It has been a cornerstone in European diets for centuries, and is a staple in just about everyone’s pantry worldwide. The reason why it is so wildly popular is because it is very quick and easy to prepare with basic ingredients, it is very inexpensive, it can be made from scratch with just a few ingredients, and it is extremely delicious! Pasta is extremely versatile, and can be served not only as a main course, but as a side dish, garnish, or even an appetizer (depending on the pasta). It can be dressed up to create some exquisite, five star meals; and it can also be prepared simply for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Pasta dates back as far as the very first century–possibly even earlier. It is a staple in Italian cooking, and is usually made with durum wheat, flour, and eggs. There are literally hundreds of different shapes of pasta, which all complement different sauces and preparations differently. Of course there are a few pasta dishes which everybody knows and is familiar with, and can whip together in no time from a box of prepared pasta, or perhaps a jar of sauce–macaroni and cheese, and spaghetti. Both are usual staples in the diets of American children because they can be prepared in about the amount of time it takes to boil the noodles. From start to finish, these dishes are usually ready in 15 minutes or less, and can be quite tasty for parents and children alike.
Of course, there are ways to dress up pasta dishes to make them a bit more appealing to a more discerning palate. Spaghetti can be made with a homemade ragout sauce, or different variations of a type of Italian Sunday gravy with different meats prepared in the sauce to complement the spaghetti. Macaroni and cheese can be made from scratch, starting with a roux and making a cheese sauce with your favorite types of cheeses, all poured over macaroni or shells, topped with bread crumbs and butter, and baked until golden, bubbly, and delicious. For those who really want to impress, a farfalle pasta tossed with a beurre blanc sauce and topped with some shaved truffles, steamed lobster, and olive oil is one which will be sure to delight.
Pasta dishes can also be prepared as an appetizer. Not all pasta dishes are capable of being finger food, but something like ravioli, which is then breaded and fried, can make a wonderful appetizer for a family dinner or gathering. Dipped in marinara sauce, it is a delightful treat to prelude other pasta dishes for dinner.
Many people often think of pasta dishes as sides for a barbecue or picnic. There are so many different ways to make pasta salad as a side dish, the choices can be overwhelming. Spaghetti noodles with a quick Italian vinaigrette, black olives, zucchini, and parmesan cheese are a great way to toss something together quickly. Other pasta dishes which act as sides can be a basic preparation of egg noodles or flat noodles seasoned with salt, butter, chives, and topped with cheese.
Pasta dishes are some of the most delicious to prepare. They can make a great quick meal, an exquisite five star dinner, act as an appetizer, or a side dish. Pasta itself is relatively inexpensive, and for this reason it is also very popular. The methods of preparing pasta dishes are positively endless.
