DIY Pasta Night is a great way to enjoy a delicious homemade meal. Making your own pasta from scratch allows you to customize the flavors and textures, while pairing it with the right sauce can elevate the dish to a whole new level. Here are some homemade pasta recipes and sauce pairings to inspire your next pasta night:

1. Classic Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce

• 8 ounces dried spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Start with a basic pasta dough made from flour, eggs, and a pinch of salt. Roll it out, cut it into thin strips, and boil until al dente. Pair this classic spaghetti with a homemade marinara sauce. Simmer crushed tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs like basil and oregano in olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the spaghetti with a generous ladle of marinara sauce and top with grated Parmesan cheese.

2. Creamy Fettuccine Alfredo

• 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

For a rich and indulgent pasta dish, try making fettuccine alfredo from scratch. Mix flour, eggs, and a touch of olive oil to prepare the pasta dough. Roll it out into thin sheets and cut into fettuccine noodles. Boil until tender. In a separate pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic. Add heavy cream and simmer until it thickens slightly. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and season with salt and pepper. Toss the cooked fettuccine in the creamy sauce and garnish with chopped parsley.

3. Homemade Ravioli with Sage Brown Butter Sauce

For the pasta dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the filling:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley

For the sage brown butter sauce:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 8-10 fresh sage leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

If you're feeling adventurous, try making homemade ravioli. Prepare a pasta dough using flour, eggs, and a pinch of salt. Roll it out into thin sheets and place spoonfuls of your chosen filling (e.g., ricotta and spinach, butternut squash, or mushroom) on one sheet. Cover with another sheet and press to seal. Cut into individual ravioli using a knife or a ravioli cutter. Boil until they float to the surface. In a separate pan, melt butter and cook until it turns golden brown. Add fresh sage leaves and let them crisp up. Drizzle the sage brown butter sauce over the cooked ravioli and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

4. Pesto Linguine with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

• 12 ounces linguine pasta
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• Additional grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

For a vibrant and flavorful pasta dish, make pesto linguine with sun-dried tomatoes. Prepare a dough using flour, eggs, and a touch of olive oil. Roll it out and cut into linguine noodles. Boil until al dente. In a food processor, blend fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil until smooth. Toss the cooked linguine with the pesto sauce and add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor. Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

These are just a few examples of homemade pasta recipes and sauce pairings to inspire your DIY Pasta Night. Feel free to experiment with different flavors, fillings, and sauces to create your own delicious combinations. Enjoy your homemade pasta feast!

References:

• Food Network - 50 Homemade Pasta Recipes
• Bon Appétit - Fresh Pasta Dough Recipes
• Allrecipes - Marinara Sauce Recipe
• Food & Wine - Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
• The Spruce Eats - Ravioli with Sage Brown Butter Sauce Recipe
• Cookie and Kate - Classic Pesto Recipe