An elderly couple eating plates of pasta, seated on a couch with a lamp overhead
September 26, 2024

Pasta Party: How to Turn What You’ve Got Into Bowls of Comfort

Categories: Meal Inspo

Pasta is a beautiful testament to the art of using what you have on hand, transforming simple ingredients into a comforting meal.

This humble dish has been crafted by countless nonnas who made do with flour, water, and a pinch of salt, proving that deliciousness doesn’t require extravagance. Pasta is the ultimate blank canvas for you to use up what you’ve got on hand – a great staple dish to turn to for your weekly Unwaste Night.

This humble dish has been crafted by countless nonnas who made do with flour, water, and a pinch of salt, proving that deliciousness doesn’t require extravagance. Pasta is the ultimate blank canvas for you to use up what you’ve got on hand – a great staple dish to turn to for your weekly Unwaste Night.

As you rummage through your pantry, remember that every leftover vegetable, can of tomatoes, or bit of cheese can be turned into a delightful sauce or filling.

Embrace the creativity that comes with improvisation – celebrating the joy of making something extraordinary out of the everyday. So, roll up your sleeves and let your kitchen become a canvas for culinary magic, reminding you that pasta is not just food, but a story of simplicity and love.

With just a few easy steps, you’ll be whipping up a comforting, unwasting meal in no time! Here’s your easy guide to transforming what you’ve got into a drool-worthy pasta sauce.

First up, decide what kind of sauce you’re making – a beautiful tomato sauce, a luscious cheesy cream sauce, or a flavour packed oil-based sauce. Learning the basics of these three pasta sauces will have you feeling like a masterchef in no time.

Dried farfalle pasta falling on a transparent background

I’m feeling those classic tomato flavours

What you’ll need

  • Any kind of tomatoes (canned, fresh, or even tomato paste)
  • Aromatics (garlic, onion – any kind)
  • Some vegetables (think capsicum, zucchini, carrots or mushrooms)
  • Herbs (fresh or dried – like basil, oregano, thyme, parsley)

Optional add ins: some cooked meat (think chopped roast chicken, some leftover cooked mince, or sausage), a handful of spinach or some pitted olives.

Steps

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a pan over medium heat. Add your chopped onion and garlic; cook until fragrant.
  2. Add Vegetables: Chop your veggies and toss them in, cook until they soften.
  3. Add Tomatoes: Add your tomatoes. If using whole tomatoes, crush them as they cook.
  4. Season: Add herbs, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 20-30 minutes to develop flavour.
  5. Add ins: To boost your sauce, stir in any add ins if you’ve got them and warm through.

Creamy dreamy, cheesy goodness

What you’ll need

  • Cream, milk, or even yoghurt
  • Any cheese (parmesan, cream cheese, tasty, or whatever you have)
  • Aromatics (garlic, onion)
  • Optional veggies (think mushroom, cauliflower, carrots or beans)
  • Optional add ins: try greens (like spinach or kale), roast chicken, or peas

Steps

  1. Sauté Aromatics: In a pan, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and shallots; cook until soft.
  2. Add Vegetables: If you’ve got them, chop your veggies and toss them in, cook until they soften.
  3. Add Cream: Pour in your cream or milk, stirring well, and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Add Cheese: Stir in any cheese until melted and combined. Adjust thickness with more cream or cheese if needed.
  5. Add ins: If you’re using them, throw in your add ins to warm through.
  6. Season: Add salt, pepper, and even a pinch of nutmeg if desired.

Super Simple Oil-Based Sauce

What you’ll need

  • Any cooking oil (try olive oil, butter)
  • Garlic (fresh of jarred)
  • Any veggies (think broccoli, cherry tomatoes, zucchini)
  • Herbs (parsley, basil, chili flakes)
  • Optional add ins: try seafood, roast chicken, a handful of spinach or some of those jars of marinated veg in the fridge

Steps

  1. Heat Oil: Warm your chosen oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add Vegetables: Toss in any chopped vegetables and sauté until tender.
  3. Sauté Garlic: Add garlic and cook until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
  4. Add ins: If you’ve got some, now’s the time for you add-in of choice
    Season and Finish: Add herbs, salt, pepper, and any optional protein, mixing everything until heated through.

Take Your Pasta to the Next Level

Flavour Boosters

No matter which type of sauce you’re making, here are some easy ways to kick your dish up a notch? Try these tasty flavour boosts:

  • A squeeze of lemon juice or splash of vinegar instantly brightens the whole dish.
  • A sprinkle of Parmesan, feta, or mozzarella adds rich, cheesy goodness.
  • Got leftover pesto or tapenade? Stir it in for an instant flavours upgrade that’ll make your pasta unforgettable.

Tips

  • Feel free to mix and match ingredients based on what you have.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.
  • Get creative with combinations—different sauce types can work together.
  • Serve with your favourite pasta and enjoy the delicious surprise.