Trio of pasta perfection

Whether it’s a busy weekday or a relaxed weekend, pasta remains one of the most versatile and satisfying dishes you can make. From spicy and saucy to hearty and refreshing, there’s a pasta dish for every craving. Here are three delicious recipes Spicy Penne Pasta, Fusilli with Mince Meat and Farfalle Salad to add to your cooking list this week.

Spicy Penne Pasta

Ingredients

• 250g penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 cup tomato puree or pasta sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for garnish

Method

• Boil the penne in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
• In a large pan, heat olive oil and sauté onions until soft.
• Add garlic, chili flakes and paprika, stir for a few seconds.
• Pour in the tomato puree and simmer for 5–7 minutes.
• Add the cooked penne and toss until coated evenly in the sauce.
• Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with parsley and grated cheese.
• Perfect for those who love a little heat in their meal!

Fusilli with Mince Meat

Ingredients

• 300g fusilli pasta
• 250g minced beef
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 can chopped tomatoes
• 1 tsp mixed herbs
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

• Cook the fusilli according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
• In a skillet, heat oil and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
• Add minced meat and cook until browned.
• Stir in tomato paste, chopped tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce.
• Season with herbs, salt and pepper.
• Simmer for 10 minutes, then add the pasta and mix well.
• Serve hot with a sprinkle of cheese or fresh basil.
• A filling and comforting dish for the whole family!

Farfalle Salad

Ingredients

• 250g farfalle (bow-tie) pasta
• 1 cucumber (diced)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1/2 cup black olives (sliced)
• 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

• Boil the farfalle until tender, then drain and let it cool.
• In a large bowl, combine pasta, cucumber, tomatoes, olives and feta.
• Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Toss gently and refrigerate for 15 minutes before serving.
• A cool, refreshing salad that’s perfect for summer days!