This week is a double feature - 2 main dish pasta recipes instead of 1. Double the yum!
Neither needs a side dish to complete the meal. One easy recipe & dinner is done. But if you must, serve with Prosciutto-Wrapped Roasted Figs this time of year.
Both of these meal ideas are Italian in inspiration. One is traditional, something you will find all over the Puglia region of Italy. But the other is an Italian-American dish that is just as worthy of your dinner table.
Before we get to this week’s recipe duo, here is a sneak peek at the new recipes coming soon. Remember to make sure you subscribe. Be amongst the first to get my new recipes for Zucchini Fritters & Peach Ice Cream.
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Two pastas, two different flavor profiles and sauces. One is a simple & light olive oil based sauce while the other a rich decadent spicy tomato sauce. Something for everyone…
I recommend using the pasta shape each recipe calls for. The pairing is what works best with the additional ingredients. The orecchiette has small cup-like crannies for holding the hearty meat & veggie pieces. And the ridged tube shape of penne is perfect for vodka sauce to cling to.
Shopping notes - Both of these dishes can be made with your favorite gluten-free pastas too.
Bonus: try these recipes too!
The classic pairing of savory pork crumbles, bitter broccoli rabe, & cute “little ears” pasta is a Bari, Italy staple. The “pasta nonnas” still make this fresh pasta in the streets for locals and tourists alike to “oooh and ahhhh” over.
Like my recipe for Penne with Sausage and Broccoli, either sweet fennel or spicy Italian sausage works well. Make it your way.
The comforting creamy tomato sauce is a favorite in American restaurants and homes - probably why anything “alla vodka” has been trending for years. Add in tender chunks of chicken to my recipe and it’s hard to not crave this dinner all the time.
This one is great for date night at home & hosting guests. It has gourmet restaurant vibes but takes just 30 minutes. Really impress by serving Lemon Ricotta Cookies for dessert.
If you don’t eat chicken - try my meatless Penne alla Vodka instead.
Want more quick meals like these, try some of my other pasta recipes. All are easy enough even for the beginning home cook.
If you cannot find ground Italian sausage, using links & removing the casings works just fine. Also try vegan, chicken or turkey sausage if you don’t eat pork. Broccoli rabe can also be substituted with broccoli, mustard or collard greens - or regular broccoli florets & stems.
Try and use a good quality pasta made in Italy if you can. De Cecco Orecchiette for example can be found in most grocery stores and online. * link to products/services may result in a small commission. #ad
Do you have a favorite pasta shape? What is it?
If you try any of my recipes, please leave a rating & comment on The Short Order Cook blog. Thank you! This not only benefits others readers but helps me create, update, & understand what readers love to make (or don’t love ) for the best experience for everyone.
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