When the temperature drops and the nights get longer, there’s nothing quite like comfort food to warm the soul. And when it comes to comforting cuisine, Italian cuisine is hard to beat. From rich tomato-based sauces to creamy cheesy recipes, Italian pasta dishes are a perfect go-to when the weather turns chilly. Here, we’ve curated a list of hearty pasta recipes that will warm you up on a chilly evening.
Classic Spaghetti Bolognese
Possibly the most famous of all Italian pasta dishes, Spaghetti Bolognese, is a classic comfort dish that can be enjoyed any time of year, but is especially comforting when the weather takes a dip. The secret to a really good Bolognese is the meaty sauce. You’ll need to use a combination of beef and pork mince for the perfect texture. Slow cooking it with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs will meld the flavors to create a rich and hearty sauce. Serve it on freshly-made spaghetti and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Carbonara
Carbonara is another Italian classic that’s rich and creamy, making it perfect for chilly evenings. Although it only has a few ingredients, the key to the perfect Carbonara lies in getting the method right. The dish is made of egg yolks, pancetta, and cheese, but the eggs need to be cracked into the hot pasta just as it comes off the heat, so the residual heat cooks them into a velvety sauce. It’s quick and easy to make, and you can experiment with different cheeses, such as Parmesan or Pecorino Romano.
Lasagna
Lasagna is a hearty pasta dish that’s perfect for a family meal. It’s traditionally made with Bolognese sauce and layered with pasta sheets, cheese sauce, and Parmesan cheese. You can add a variety of vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions, and even cream if you want to make it extra indulgent. The result is a deliciously rich meal with tender pasta, a meaty Bolognese sauce, and plenty of cheesy goodness. You can make it ahead of time and reheat it for dinner, making it a great option for when you’re short on time.
Pesto Pasta
If you’re looking for something quick, easy, and comforting, then Pesto Pasta is perfect. Made with just a few ingredients like basil, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food. It’s a great way to use up leftover basil from the summer, and it’s also a great way to get kids to eat their greens. You can add chicken or vegetables to make it a more substantial meal or keep it vegetarian for a lighter option.
Fettuccine Alfredo
Fettuccine Alfredo is a creamy, comforting pasta dish that’s perfect when you want to indulge. The dish is made with fettuccine noodles tossed with a creamy sauce made from butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese. Although it’s a simple recipe, it’s important to use good-quality ingredients and to follow the method carefully. You can also add chicken or shrimp to the dish to make it a bit more substantial or add some extra Parmesan cheese, but be careful not to make the dish too rich.
Rigatoni alla Norma
Rigatoni alla Norma is a traditional Sicilian pasta dish that’s perfect when you want something hearty and comforting. The dish is made with rigatoni pasta, eggplant, and ricotta cheese. The eggplant is sautéed in olive oil until it’s golden, and then it’s added to the tomato sauce along with the cooked pasta. A dollop of ricotta cheese is added on top to balance out the flavors. It’s a simple but delicious dish that’s perfect when you want something comforting, without being too heavy.
Cacio e Pepe
Cacio e Pepe is a Roman pasta dish made with spaghetti, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. It’s a simple but flavorful dish that’s perfect when you want something quick and easy. The key to this dish is the sauce, which is made by mixing the cheese and pepper with the pasta’s hot water. The result is a creamy and delicious sauce that’s perfect for a chilly evening.
Conclusion
Italian cuisine has a plethora of hearty pasta dishes that are perfect for warming you up on a chilly evening. Whether you prefer a classic Spaghetti Bolognese or something a bit more indulgent like Fettuccine Alfredo, you’re sure to find something that satisfies your cravings. Each of these dishes is flavorful, comforting, and easy to make, making them perfect for busy weeknights or weekend meals. Add a glass of red wine, and you’ve got all the makings of a cozy night in.