Mafaldine Pasta Recipe with Roasted Vegetables
Introduction
If you’re looking to try a new pasta recipe that’s both delicious and visually stunning, then look no further than mafaldine pasta. Mafaldine, also known as reginette, is a type of pasta that is characterized by its long, wide ribbon-like shape with ruffled edges. It is a wonderful choice for trapping and holding onto sauces, making it perfect for flavorful dishes. In this article, we will share a simple and tasty mafaldine pasta recipe that you can easily recreate at home.
Ingredients
To make this mafaldine pasta dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 8 ounces of mafaldine (reginette) pasta
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (14 ounces) of diced tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (adjust according to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Directions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare your mafaldine pasta:
- Start by cooking the mafaldine pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook it al dente, which means it should still have a bit of bite to it. Once cooked, drain the pasta but reserve a cup of the cooking water.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until they become fragrant and the onion turns translucent.
Add the diced tomatoes, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and dried basil to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add more red pepper flakes at this point.
Add the cooked mafaldine pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the pasta gently to coat it evenly with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved cooking water to loosen it up.
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the pasta with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Tear some fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them over the pasta for added freshness and flavor.
Serve the mafaldine pasta immediately while it’s still hot. Enjoy the wonderful combination of flavors and textures that this dish offers.
FAQ
1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
While mafaldine pasta is the ideal choice for this recipe, you can certainly use other types of pasta such as fettuccine or linguine. The wide and flat shape of mafaldine lends itself well to holding onto the sauce, but you can still achieve a tasty dish with alternative pasta options.
2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe can easily be made vegetarian by omitting any meat-based ingredients. If you’re looking to make it vegan, ensure that the pasta you choose does not contain any egg or dairy products. Substitute the Parmesan cheese with a vegan alternative or simply omit it.
3. Can I add other ingredients to the sauce?
Feel free to get creative with the sauce by adding additional ingredients that you enjoy. Some popular additions include sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that all the ingredients are properly cooked.
4. How long does it take to make this recipe?
This mafaldine pasta recipe can be prepared in approximately 30 minutes. It’s a quick and easy option for a flavorful meal on busy weeknights or when you’re in need of a satisfying dish without spending too much time in the kitchen.
5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While the pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and cook the pasta until al dente. Combine the two and enjoy!
Now that you have this delightful mafaldine pasta recipe, it’s time to head to the kitchen and give it a try. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this visually appealing dish is sure to impress with its flavors and textures. Happy cooking!