There’s something truly magical about sharing a meal with friends, don’t you think? It’s like the moment when the pasta hits the table, and everyone leans in, eager to dive in. This delightful dinner recipe is absolutely perfect for a dinner with friends—it’s easy to whip up and bursting with flavor! I remember the first time I hosted a dinner party; I wanted to impress my friends without spending all day in the kitchen. This pasta dish became my go-to, and it never fails to bring smiles and compliments. Trust me, you’re going to love making it as much as you love sharing it!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups of pasta (your choice, but I love penne or fusilli for this dish!)
- 1 cup of marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade, whatever you prefer!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (because cheese makes everything better!)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional, but so pretty on top!)
How to Prepare Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. It’s important to have enough water so the pasta can cook evenly—trust me, it makes a difference!
- Once the water’s boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, so keep an eye on the clock and taste it a minute before the time is up!
- While the pasta is cooking, grab a separate pan and heat the olive oil over medium heat. This is where the magic begins, so don’t rush it!
- Add the marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to the pan. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes. The aroma will be heavenly, and your friends will start gathering around the kitchen!
- Once the pasta is ready, drain it well and then toss it right into the sauce. Mix it all together gently, ensuring every piece of pasta gets coated in that delicious sauce.
- Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes, just to meld those flavors together. Then, it’s time to serve! Plate it up hot and don’t forget to sprinkle on that lovely Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- A crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together around the table.
- Customizable to suit any taste—add your favorite veggies or proteins!
- Comforting and delicious, leaving everyone asking for seconds.
Tips for Success
To make sure your pasta dish turns out perfectly, here are a few handy tips! First, salt your water generously before adding the pasta; it’s the best way to infuse flavor right from the start. When draining the pasta, save a little bit of that starchy cooking water; it can help loosen the sauce if it’s too thick. Don’t be afraid to taste your sauce as it simmers—this is where you can adjust the garlic or seasoning to match your preference! And for presentation, a sprinkle of fresh basil and a good dusting of Parmesan cheese can elevate your dish to restaurant-level gorgeousness. Wow, your friends with these simple touches!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize this pasta dish! For a burst of color and nutrition, toss in some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. You can even add roasted cherry tomatoes for a sweet touch. Want to amp up the protein? Try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option. And don’t forget, you can switch up the marinara sauce! A creamy Alfredo or pesto sauce can give this dish a whole new delightful flavor profile. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional values for this delightful pasta dish per serving: approximately 350 calories, 10g of fat, 12g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. Remember, these numbers are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy knowing that you’re serving something both tasty and fulfilling!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While I love penne or fusilli, you can use any pasta you have on hand—spaghetti, rotini, or even gluten-free options work great!
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian dinner?
Yes! This pasta dish is vegetarian as it is, but feel free to add your favorite veggies or plant-based proteins to make it heartier.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can! Just prepare everything up to the mixing stage, then store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just toss it together and heat it up!
What can I serve with this pasta?
I recommend a light side salad or some garlic bread for dipping. It makes for a complete and satisfying dinner with friends!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving again!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce. You can also use the microwave—just make sure to cover it to avoid splatters!
Serving Suggestions
To create a complete meal experience, I love serving this pasta dish alongside a fresh, crisp side salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread is also a fantastic companion—perfect for soaking up any extra sauce! And don’t forget a nice glass of wine to elevate the evening with friends!
Imprimer
Dinner with Friends: 5 Simple Steps to Delightful Pasta
- Temps Total: 25 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A delightful dinner recipe perfect for sharing with friends.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups of pasta
- 1 cup of marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions.
- In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning; stir to combine.
- Drain the pasta and add to the sauce.
- Mix well and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese and basil.
Notes
- This dish can be made vegetarian.
- Feel free to add vegetables or protein.
- Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 15 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 5g
- De Sodium: 400mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 7g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 50g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 12g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 10mg
Mots-clés: dinner with friends, pasta, Italian recipe
