Mouthwatering Recipes for a Festive Dinner Party

If you’re looking for a hearty and delicious pasta dish that will satisfy your cravings, look no further than Dad’s Pasta Recipe. This recipe has been passed down from my father and has become a staple in our family’s recipe collection. I’m excited to share it with you so that you can enjoy it with your loved ones too.

There’s something special about Friday night pasta, and that’s why my family always makes this dish on Fridays. It’s a simple recipe that’s easy to make, but it’s packed with flavor and sure to please everyone at the dinner table. The combination of the tomato sauce and ground beef creates a rich and savory meat sauce that pairs perfectly with penne pasta.

What sets this recipe apart is the addition of brown sugar, which adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce. It’s a secret ingredient that my father discovered years ago, and it’s what makes this dish truly special. Trust me, you won’t be able to get enough of this delicious pasta.

So, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special Father’s Day meal, Dad’s Pasta Recipe is the perfect choice. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Welcome to Dad’s Pasta Recipe, the ultimate comfort food for your Friday night dinner. This dish is a family favorite, and I guarantee you’ll fall in love with it too. Here are a few reasons why this recipe is a must-try:

Firstly, Dad’s Pasta Recipe is incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in no time. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t have the time or energy to spend hours in the kitchen.

Secondly, this pasta dish is incredibly versatile. You can swap out the ground beef for chicken sausage or shrimp to make it a seafood pasta. You can also add some vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms or spinach to make it a more wholesome meal. The possibilities are endless with this recipe.

Thirdly, the flavors in Dad’s Pasta Recipe are out of this world. The meaty sauce is made with a combination of tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, and a blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley. The sweetness of the brown sugar perfectly balances the acidity of the tomato sauce, while the herbs add depth and complexity to the dish.

Lastly, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, Dad’s Pasta Recipe is sure to impress. It’s a classic Italian-American dish that everyone loves, and it’s perfect for a casual night in or a more formal gathering.

So, what are you waiting for? Give Dad’s Pasta Recipe a try and see for yourself why it’s so beloved. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Ingredient List

Let’s talk about the ingredients that you will need to make Dad’s Pasta Recipe. This recipe is a classic pasta dish that my dad used to make for us every Friday night, hence the name Dad Friday Night Pasta. For this recipe, you will need:

• 1 pound of penne pasta or angel hair pasta
• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb chicken sausage (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried dill (optional)
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon grated cheese (optional)

These ingredients are easy to find and make a delicious combination for the perfect pasta sauce. Don’t worry if you don’t have all the ingredients at hand, I will provide you with substitutions and variations in the next section.

The Recipe How-To

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxcF95KDYCg

Now, let’s get to the fun part: making Dad’s Pasta Recipe! This recipe is so easy to follow, you’ll be able to make it with your eyes closed.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound of penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Tomato Sauce

Once the ground beef is cooked, add 2 cups of tomato sauce to the skillet. You can use your favorite store-bought pasta sauce or make your own. If you’re making your own, add 2 cans of tomato paste, 1 1/2 cups of water, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon each of dried basil, dried oregano, and dried parsley to a pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes until thickened.

Step 4: Add the Pasta to the Skillet

Once the sauce is warm, add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the ground beef and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish the pasta with grated cheese and fresh herbs, if desired. Serve the pasta hot and enjoy your Dad’s Pasta Recipe!

This recipe is so versatile that you can switch up the pasta and sauce to create different variations of the dish. Try using angel hair pasta instead of penne for a lighter twist, or swap the ground beef for chicken sausage for a healthier option.

Now that you know how to make Dad’s Pasta Recipe, you can whip it up any time for a quick and delicious meal.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about Dad’s Pasta Recipe is how versatile it is. You can substitute or add ingredients to make it your own. Here are a few ideas:

– Ground Chicken or Turkey: If you’re not a fan of beef, ground chicken or turkey is a great substitution. It’s a leaner option and still provides plenty of protein.

– Chicken Sausage: Another option is to use chicken sausage in place of the ground beef. This adds a different flavor profile to the dish and can be a great addition if you’re looking for something a bit lighter.

– Shrimp: For a seafood twist, try adding some cooked shrimp to the dish. This pairs well with the tomato sauce and gives the pasta a fresh, tangy flavor.

– Greek Pasta: If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, try making a Greek-inspired pasta dish. Swap out the tomato sauce for a mix of olive oil, lemon, and feta cheese. Add in some cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and diced cucumber for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.

– Meat Sauce: If you prefer a heartier pasta dish, try making a meat sauce. Brown some ground beef or turkey, and add in tomato sauce, diced onions, and garlic. Let the sauce simmer for a bit to let the flavors meld together. Serve over penne or spaghetti for a classic Italian meal.

– Pasta Salad: Dad’s Pasta Recipe can also be served cold as a pasta salad. Cook the pasta and toss it with some olive oil, vinegar, and your favorite vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. You can also add in some dried dill or parsley for some extra flavor.

No matter which variation you choose, Dad’s Pasta Recipe is a great base to work with. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try out different ingredients to make it your own.

Serving and Pairing

Now that you have prepared Dad’s Pasta Recipe, it’s time to serve and enjoy it! This pasta dish is perfect for a cozy Friday night dinner with family and friends. It’s a hearty and comforting meal that is sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

When it comes to pairing this pasta dish, you can never go wrong with a simple green salad on the side. The freshness of the greens balances out the richness of the pasta, making it a well-rounded meal. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can try pairing it with garlic bread or bruschetta for some added flavor and texture.

If you want to take it up a notch, you can also try pairing it with a glass of red wine. The tannins in the wine complement the acidity of the tomato sauce, making it a perfect match. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, you can pair it with a cold glass of iced tea or lemonade.

Dad’s Pasta Recipe is a versatile dish that can be paired with different sauces and ingredients depending on your preference. You can try adding chicken sausage or shrimp to make it a seafood pasta dish. You can also experiment with different types of pasta such as penne or spaghetti to change up the texture.

No matter how you choose to serve and pair Dad’s Pasta Recipe, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So gather your loved ones and enjoy a delicious meal together!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

The beauty of Dad’s Pasta Recipe is that you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for later use. To make ahead, simply prepare the dish as instructed and allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.

If you want to store the pasta for longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. To freeze, transfer the pasta to a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion, and tightly seal it. When reheating, thaw the pasta overnight in the refrigerator or microwave it on the defrost setting before reheating.

When reheating Dad’s Pasta Recipe, you can do so in the microwave or on the stove. If reheating in the microwave, place the pasta in a microwave-safe container and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave it on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir the pasta halfway through to ensure that it heats evenly.

If reheating on the stove, place the pasta in a non-stick pan and add a splash of water or chicken broth. Cover the pan with a lid and heat over medium heat until the pasta is heated through. Stir occasionally to ensure that it heats evenly.

Overall, Dad’s Pasta Recipe is a great make-ahead dish that can be stored and reheated easily. With these tips, you can ensure that your pasta stays fresh and delicious even when reheated.

Tips for Perfect Results

Now that you have all the ingredients and the recipe how-to, it’s time to talk about some tips and tricks to make sure your Dad’s Pasta recipe is perfect every time you make it.

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, which means it should still have a little bite to it. Overcooking the pasta will make it mushy and ruin the texture of the dish.

2. Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of the ingredients you use will greatly affect the taste of the final dish. Use fresh herbs, high-quality tomato sauce, and good quality ground beef for best results.

3. Add Brown Sugar: Adding a tablespoon of brown sugar to the tomato sauce will help balance out the acidity of the tomatoes and give the sauce a richer, more complex flavor.

4. Let the Sauce Simmer: After adding the tomato sauce to the ground beef, let it simmer on low heat for at least 20-30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a more flavorful sauce.

5. Season Liberally: Don’t be shy with the seasonings. Add extra garlic, basil, and oregano to enhance the flavor of the dish.

6. Use Different Pasta Shapes: While penne or angel hair pasta work great for this recipe, don’t be afraid to experiment with different pasta shapes. Shells, fusilli, or rigatoni will all work well with this sauce.

7. Add Some Heat: If you like your pasta dishes a little spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. This will give the dish a nice kick and add some depth of flavor.

8. Don’t Overload the Sauce: While it may be tempting to add extra sauce to your pasta, too much sauce can be overwhelming and mask the other flavors in the dish. Use just enough sauce to coat the pasta and let the other flavors shine through.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious and flavorful Dad’s Pasta dish every time.

FAQ

Now, let’s address some common questions that may arise while preparing or serving Dad’s Pasta Recipe. Here are some frequently asked questions along with their answers to help you in case you need any clarification or guidance.

What is the secret to making good pasta?

As a chef, I’ve learned that there are a few important things to keep in mind when cooking pasta. First and foremost, it’s crucial to use a pot that’s big enough to accommodate the pasta without crowding. This will ensure that the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick together.

Another key tip is to use plenty of water. You want the pasta to have enough room to move around freely, and using too little water can result in clumpy, sticky pasta. As you fill your pot, don’t forget to season the water with salt. This will help flavor the pasta from the inside out.

Once your pot is on the stove, resist the urge to add your pasta right away. Instead, wait for the water to come to a rolling boil. This will help ensure that the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t end up over or undercooked.

As soon as you add the pasta, give it a quick stir to prevent it from sticking together. Then, continue to stir every couple of minutes throughout the cooking process. This will help ensure that the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t clump together.

Finally, it’s important to keep in mind that the cooking time on your pasta’s package is just a guideline. Instead, rely on your senses and taste the pasta as it cooks. When it’s al dente, or just slightly firm to the bite, it’s ready to be drained and served. By following these tips, you can ensure perfectly cooked pasta every time.

What pasta does Ina Garten recommend?

For those looking for a quick and easy pasta recipe, look no further than this one from Garten. While the original recipe calls for angel hair pasta, capellini is also an excellent option, according to Garten. The recipe is straightforward: chop up some garlic and basil, mix in some tomatoes, olive oil, and seasoning, and voila! You have a delicious pasta dish ready to go.

Does the pasta queen have recipes?

Nadia Caterina Munno, also known as The Pasta Queen, is sharing her famous recipes from her online trattoria in her debut cookbook. As a renowned TikTok star and social media influencer, she is revealing the secrets behind her delectable pasta dishes that have made her a culinary ruler.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, Dad’s Pasta Recipe is a must-try for any pasta lover out there. This recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor that will leave you wanting more. The combination of tomato sauce, brown sugar, and ground beef creates a savory and slightly sweet taste that is irresistible. Plus, the versatility of this recipe allows for endless variations and substitutions to fit your taste preferences. Whether it’s a Friday night pasta dish or a Father’s Day dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a pound of penne pasta, some olive oil, and ground beef, and get cooking! Trust me, you won’t regret trying Dad’s Pasta Recipe.

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