Are you tired of the same old pasta recipes? Say goodbye to the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary with Mafaldine Pasta. With its beautifully twisted and ridged shape, this pasta is perfect for capturing rich, velvety sauces that will leave you craving more. It’s time to elevate your pasta game and awaken your inner chef!
But what sets this Mafaldine Pasta Recipe apart from the rest? It’s the touch that I’ve added to each step. I’ve carefully handpicked the finest ingredients to enhance the flavor and ensure an unforgettable dining experience. From the vibrant colors of fresh vegetables to the enticing aroma of herbs and spices, every element has been meticulously selected to create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.
What is Mafaldine Pasta?
Mafaldine Pasta is a type of pasta that’s made with green wheat. It’s similar to spelt and durum wheat, but it has more protein than those other grains. It can be cooked in boiling water or microwave, often used in dishes like orecchiette and fusilli.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340g) Mafaldine Pasta (or any other pasta of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces/400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 ounces/400g) tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Mafaldine pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce into the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Add the dried basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir again to incorporate all the ingredients.
- To blend the flavors, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the sauce is simmering, you can taste and adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
- Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have developed, it is ready to be served.
- Place a portion of cooked Mafaldine pasta onto each plate.
- Spoon a significant amount of the Napoletana sauce over the pasta.
- Sprinkle-grated Parmesan cheese on top of each serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added freshness and aroma.
- Serve with Napoletana Sauce immediately and enjoy!
Tips
- For a variation, you can add some cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the sauce for a meaty version.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender and blend until smooth before simmering.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can make it thinner by adding a little water or vegetable broth.
- Feel free to adjust the herbs and seasonings to suit your taste. You can also add some red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
- Don’t forget to taste and adjust the flavors of the sauce as it simmers to achieve the desired taste.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a lovely nutty flavor, but you can also use other types of grated cheese if you prefer.
What to serve with?
- Freshly Baked Garlic Bread: Enhance your Mafaldine pasta with Napoletana Sauce by serving it alongside warm, crusty garlic bread straight from the oven. The aroma of freshly baked bread mingling with the rich flavors of the sauce will create an irresistible combination. Don’t be shy – spread a generous amount of garlic-infused butter on each slice for an extra burst of flavor.
- Caprese Salad: Embrace the freshness of Italian cuisine with a classic Caprese salad. The juicy, ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil leaves will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta dish. Drizzle some extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt and cracked black pepper, and you have a colorful and vibrant salad that complements the Mafaldine pasta perfectly.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add a healthy and flavorful twist to your Italian feast by serving a side of roasted vegetables. Choose a variety of colorful bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and red onions. Toss them in olive oil, sprinkle with Italian herbs, and roast them to perfection. The caramelized sweetness and smoky undertones of the vegetables will beautifully complement the tanginess of the Napoletana sauce.
- Chianti Wine: Elevate your dining experience by pairing your Pasta with a glass of Chianti wine. This smooth, medium-bodied red wine hails from the picturesque vineyards of Tuscany and boasts complex flavors of black cherries, plums, and a hint of spice. The tannins in the wine will cut through the richness of the Napoletana sauce, creating a balanced and delightful combination.
- Tiramisu: End your Italian feast on a sweet note by serving a classic Tiramisu for dessert. This luscious, coffee-infused dessert layered with creamy mascarpone cheese and ladyfinger biscuits will perfectly complement the flavors of the Pasta. The contrasting textures and flavors will satisfy your guests completely and craving more.
Storage And Reheating
Storing Your Mafaldine pasta:
- Allow it to cool: Before storing your pasta, make sure to let it cool down to room temperature. This will help prevent condensation and keep the pasta from becoming mushy when refrigerated.
- Choose the right container: Transfer your pasta and sauce to an airtight container or resealable freezer bag. A container with a tight-fitting lid will help maintain freshness and prevent potential leaks or spills.
- Refrigerate promptly: Place your container of Mafaldine pasta in the refrigerator within one to two hours of cooking. The cooler temperature will help slow down the growth of bacteria and keep your pasta safe to eat for up to three to four days.
Reheating Your Mafaldine pasta
- Stovetop method: To reheat your pasta on the stovetop, transfer it to a saucepan. Add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to help prevent sticking. Heat the pasta over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature. Be cautious not to overcook the pasta, as it may become mushy.
- Microwave method: If you prefer a quick and convenient option, you can reheat your pasta in the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap to help retain moisture. Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s heated throughout.
- Revive the freshness: If your pasta has lost some moisture during storage, add a splash of warm water or a spoonful of extra Napoletana sauce while reheating. This will help bring back some of the original flavors and textures.
Final Thoughts
When I first made Mafaldine pasta With Napoletana Sauce Recipe, I was not sure it would turn out so well. Thankfully this recipe turned out wonderfully well and will replace my usual. I love the sauce so much.
More Pasta Recipes:
Ingredients
- 12 ounces (340g) Mafaldine Pasta (or any other pasta of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces/400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 ounces/400g) tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Mafaldine pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce into the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Add the dried basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir again to incorporate all the ingredients.
- To blend the flavors, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the sauce is simmering, you can taste and adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
- Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have developed, it is ready to be served.
- Place a portion of cooked Mafaldine pasta onto each plate.
- Spoon a significant amount of the Napoletana sauce over the pasta.
- Sprinkle-grated Parmesan cheese on top of each serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added freshness and aroma.
- Serve with Napoletana Sauce immediately and enjoy!
