Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Tasty Tip Tuesday - Pasta


Here's a quick little tip for Tasty Tip Tuesday - Pasta. You're probably thinking that there is nothing new about pasta, but I beg to differ. There's pasta and there's pasta, but I like to use pasta that other people don't tend to buy.
I love whimsy in all things, particularly when I'm serving a meal, and using a shape of pasta that isn't a particularly common one adds to the fun.  I recently used one of my favorite pastas, campanelli, in this dish. I love these little scrolls because they hold so much delicious sauce whether you are serving Alfredo, marinara, vodka sauce, or seafood.
I similarly like orecchiette, a wonderful shell-shaped pasta that is ribbed on the exterior side. Every forkful is going to be delicious because the shells act like little scoops to capture all of your wonderful sauce, meat, cheese, or minced vegetables.
When you next make macaroni and cheese, set aside a bit of sauce to stir into ditalini pasta. This is the perfect size pasta for small children who can then easily scoop it up with a spoon or fork.
Lately I’ve been savoring the heartiness of papardelle, as you saw in yesterday’s post.  Use it when you really want to make a statement!
While there is nothing particularly special about rotini, tri-color rotini is another story. It gives color to an otherwise bland dish and kicks things up a bit on the whimsy chart.
Farfalle, a.k.a bow tie pasta is, of course, for those more formal events. (wink)
So, the next time you're planning a pasta dish, don't buy the pasta at your local market, go to a specialty market, one that deals heavily in Italian goods, and pick up something different from what you would usually use. People will notice, and they will appreciate the effort.
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8 comments:

Debbie - Mountain Mama said...

I love Papardelle, and I buy it at a specialty Italian market in the next village. It's my preferred pasta to serve my Zucchini Bolognese or my Deconstructed Lasagna - both great for a dinner party. Add some crusty hot bread and a bottle of Barbera, and it's perfect!

Joanne said...

I love using different shaped and sized pasta; it does add a bit of something special and extra to the dish.

Anonymous said...

I love adding variety to pasta! Pinned! Tomorrow we are hosting the Whisk It Wednesday Link Party at Carrie's Home Cooking and thought you might want to share there too! I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with lots of love and laughter! ~ Carrie

Carrie said...

I love pasta... I make my own most of the time. I do love to shop for pasta that is unique at places like World Market. Fun to find something new and tasty.

sandy said...

very helpful it looks like - i'll read it later.

Miz Helen said...

I just pinned your post to the Full Plate Thursday Board. You were in the Top Ten on 11-29, Congratulations and thanks for sharing with us!
Miz Helen

The Lazy Gastronome said...

Great post! Pasta does taste different and the texture is better from specialty markets! Thanks for sharing at the What's for Dinner party!

The Cape Coop said...

Pasta is my favorite meal, I love using different shapes & textures! Thanks for sharing on Homestead Blog Hop!