Paccheri pasta is a large, tube-shaped pasta traditionally from the Campania region of Italy. Its size and shape make it ideal for hearty, robust sauces and fillings. Whether stuffed with creamy ricotta or served with a rich ragù, Paccheri Pasta Recipes is an impressive and satisfying choice that’s perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.
In this guide, we’ll explore a variety of Paccheri Pasta Recipes that highlight the versatility of this unique pasta. From rich, meaty sauces to lighter vegetarian options, there’s something here for every palate. We’ll provide step-by-step instructions for each recipe, along with variations, serving suggestions, and tips for storing any leftovers.
Ingredients for Paccheri Pasta Recipes
Before we dive into specific recipes, let’s take a look at some common ingredients you’ll find in many paccheri pasta dishes. These key ingredients will help you create flavorful and authentic Italian meals.
For the Pasta:
- Paccheri Pasta: 12-16 ounces (about 340-450 grams)
- Salt: For pasta water
- Olive Oil: 1-2 tablespoons to toss with cooked pasta to prevent sticking
Common Sauce Ingredients:
- Tomatoes (Canned or Fresh): A base for many sauces
- Garlic: Adds depth and aroma
- Onions: A common base for sauces
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A key ingredient for sautéing and adding richness
- Cheese (Parmesan, Pecorino, or Ricotta): For garnishing or filling
- Herbs (Basil, Oregano, Parsley): Fresh or dried herbs to enhance the flavors. Discover more about Italian herbs and their culinary uses.
- Meats (Sausage, Ground Beef, or Pancetta): For heartier, meat-based sauces
Paccheri Pasta Recipe #1: Paccheri with Rich Tomato Basil Sauce
This classic Italian dish is simple yet bursting with flavor. The large tubes of paccheri pasta perfectly capture the rich tomato basil sauce, creating a comforting, satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- Paccheri Pasta: 12 ounces
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Onion: 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Canned Tomatoes: 28 ounces (San Marzano tomatoes preferred)
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
- Fresh Basil: A handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for garnish
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a hint of heat
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the Paccheri Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the paccheri according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Pour the canned tomatoes into the skillet, breaking them up with a spoon. Add the tomato paste and stir until well combined. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add Fresh Basil: Stir the chopped fresh basil into the sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The basil will add a sweet, fragrant note that complements the richness of the tomatoes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked paccheri pasta to the skillet and toss to coat each piece with the sauce. Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for an additional 1-2 minutes to fully absorb the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the paccheri pasta hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and an extra sprinkle of basil if desired.
Paccheri Pasta Recipe #2: Paccheri al Ragù (Meat Sauce)
This hearty Paccheri al Ragù recipe is perfect for meat lovers. The large tubes of pasta hold onto the meaty sauce, creating a satisfying, rich dish that’s ideal for cold evenings or family dinners.
Ingredients:
- Paccheri Pasta: 12 ounces
- Ground Beef or Pork: 1 pound
- Carrot: 1, finely chopped
- Celery: 1 stalk, finely chopped
- Onion: 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Red Wine: 1/2 cup (optional, can substitute with beef broth)
- Canned Tomatoes: 28 ounces
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
- Fresh Thyme or Rosemary: 1 teaspoon, chopped
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the Paccheri Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the paccheri according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef or pork to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the Tomatoes and Wine: Stir in the tomato paste, then pour in the canned tomatoes. If using, add the red wine (or beef broth). Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the flavors to meld.
- Simmer the Ragù: Add the chopped thyme or rosemary and season the sauce with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful the sauce will become.
- Combine Pasta and Ragù: Add the cooked paccheri pasta to the ragù sauce and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly. Allow the pasta to simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the Paccheri al Ragù hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.
Paccheri Pasta Recipe #3: Stuffed Paccheri with Ricotta and Spinach
If you’re looking for a slightly more indulgent dish, Stuffed Paccheri with Ricotta and Spinach is a wonderful choice. This dish features paccheri pasta tubes stuffed with a creamy ricotta and spinach filling, baked in a simple tomato sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients:
- Paccheri Pasta: 12 ounces
- Ricotta Cheese: 1 cup
- Spinach: 10 ounces fresh or frozen (thawed and squeezed of excess water)
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Egg: 1 large
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup shredded
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup freshly grated
- Canned Tomatoes: 14 ounces
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Fresh Basil or Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
For a creamy seafood alternative, check out Carrabba’s Pasta Weesie Recipe featuring shrimp in a delicious Alfredo sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the Paccheri Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the paccheri until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes (slightly undercooked is better since they will continue cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Ricotta Filling: In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, spinach, minced garlic, egg, half of the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Stuff the Paccheri: Carefully fill each paccheri tube with the ricotta and spinach mixture. You can use a piping bag or a small spoon to do this. Set the stuffed paccheri aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the canned tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Assemble the Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed paccheri on top of the sauce in a single layer. Pour the remaining sauce over the pasta and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving.
Variations of Paccheri Pasta Recipes
While the above recipes are delicious on their own, there are countless ways to customize your Paccheri Pasta Recipes. Here are a few ideas to inspire your creativity in the kitchen:
1. Paccheri with Pesto and Roasted Vegetables:
For a lighter, vegetarian-friendly option, toss paccheri pasta with a vibrant basil pesto and roasted vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers. The pesto adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor, while the roasted veggies add texture and sweetness.
You can also try something with a twist by making Tomatillo Pasta for a zesty flavor.
2. Paccheri alla Norma:
A traditional Sicilian dish, Paccheri alla Norma features a simple tomato sauce mixed with fried eggplant and topped with ricotta salata cheese. The soft, fried eggplant pairs beautifully with the rich tomato sauce, making this a flavorful vegetarian option.
3. Paccheri with Seafood:
For a seafood twist, toss paccheri pasta with a mix of sautéed shrimp, clams, and mussels in a garlic and white wine sauce. The large pasta tubes pair wonderfully with the delicate seafood, creating a dish that’s perfect for summer evenings or special occasions.
You can try this Calamarata Pasta Recipe for another Italian seafood delight.
Serving Suggestions for Paccheri Pasta Recipes
While Paccheri Pasta Recipes are hearty and filling on their own, adding a few side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some suggestions to complete your Italian-inspired dinner:
1. Garlic Bread:
A classic side dish for any pasta meal, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up extra sauce. You can make it by toasting slices of Italian bread and spreading them with garlic butter, then broiling until crispy.
2. Simple Green Salad:
A light, fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of paccheri pasta. The acidity of the dressing helps balance out the creaminess of the cheese and the heaviness of meat-based sauces.
3. Caprese Salad:
A traditional Caprese salad made with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar is an excellent pairing with Paccheri al Ragù or any tomato-based pasta dish.
4. Steamed or Grilled Vegetables:
Serve lightly steamed or grilled vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini alongside your pasta to add a healthy, colorful side. The smoky flavor of grilled vegetables complements the richness of the pasta.
Storage Tips for Paccheri Pasta Recipes
If you have leftovers from your Paccheri Pasta Recipe, follow these tips for storing and reheating to maintain the best flavors and textures:
Refrigeration:
- Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the pasta and sauce together to preserve the flavor and moisture of the dish. Follow these pasta storage tips to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing:
- You can freeze baked paccheri dishes like stuffed paccheri or paccheri with ragù. Store the cooled pasta in an airtight container or freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Reheating:
- To reheat, place the pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of water or broth before reheating. You can also microwave individual portions, but oven reheating yields better results for baked dishes.
FAQs About Paccheri Pasta Recipes
1. Can I use a different type of pasta if I can’t find paccheri?
- Yes! If paccheri is unavailable, you can substitute it with rigatoni, cannelloni, or ziti. These pasta shapes are also tubular and work well with thick sauces.
2. How do I keep paccheri from sticking together when cooking?
- Be sure to cook paccheri in a large pot with plenty of salted water. Stir the pasta occasionally during the cooking process. After draining, toss the pasta with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Can I make stuffed paccheri in advance?
- Yes, stuffed paccheri can be assembled and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover the dish with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let the dish come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
4. Is paccheri suitable for gluten-free diets?
- If you follow a gluten-free diet, look for gluten-free paccheri made from rice or corn. Many brands now offer gluten-free versions of this classic pasta shape.
5. Can I freeze paccheri pasta with sauce?
- Yes, you can freeze paccheri pasta with sauce, especially if it’s a baked dish like stuffed paccheri or paccheri al ragù. Be sure to cool the dish completely before freezing and reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Paccheri Pasta Recipes
Paccheri pasta is a wonderfully versatile ingredient that can be transformed into a variety of delicious dishes. Whether you prefer a classic tomato basil sauce, a rich and hearty meat ragù, or a cheesy stuffed version, there’s a paccheri pasta recipe to suit every taste. With its large, tube-like shape, paccheri holds onto sauces and fillings like no other pasta, ensuring each bite is flavorful and satisfying.
From simple weeknight meals to indulgent dinners for special occasions, Paccheri Pasta Recipes are sure to impress. Try one of these recipes today, and enjoy the comforting, hearty flavors of Italy right in your own kitchen!