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Perfect Galentine’s DIY Pasta Bar

Galentine’s DIY Pasta Bar - featured image
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This festive DIY pasta bar is the ultimate girls’ night recipe—fun, customizable, and perfect for celebrating friendship. Mix and match pastas, sauces, proteins, veggies, and toppings for a meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

  • Penne rigate
  • Spaghetti
  • Farfalle
  • Gluten-free pasta (e.g., Barilla or Banza)
  • Zucchini noodles (zoodles)
  • Blushing vodka sauce (store-bought or homemade: tomato sauce, heavy cream, vodka, garlic, olive oil)
  • Classic marinara sauce
  • Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade: butter, heavy cream, parmesan)
  • Pesto
  • Olive oil & garlic
  • Grilled chicken breast, sliced
  • Crisped prosciutto
  • Italian sausage, crumbled and browned
  • Garbanzo beans
  • Sautéed shrimp
  • Roasted cherry tomatoes
  • Baby spinach
  • Steamed or roasted broccoli florets
  • Sautéed mushrooms
  • Shaved asparagus or zucchini ribbons
  • Red bell pepper strips
  • Marinated artichoke hearts
  • Olives (Kalamata or green, sliced)
  • Freshly grated parmesan
  • Mozzarella pearls
  • Crumbled goat cheese or feta
  • Shaved pecorino romano
  • Ricotta
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Chopped parsley
  • Crushed red pepper flakes
  • Lemon zest
  • Toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts
  • Drizzle of good olive oil or balsamic glaze

Instructions

  1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water (about 1 tablespoon salt per 4 quarts) to a rolling boil. Add chosen pasta (about 1 pound for every 4 guests). Stir occasionally. Cook according to package instructions, shaving off 1 minute for al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water. Rinse with a splash of olive oil if setting out for a bar.
  2. Prepare the Sauces: While pasta cooks, warm sauces in separate saucepans over low heat. For vodka sauce: Sauté 2 cloves garlic (minced) with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Stir in 2 cups tomato sauce, 1/3 cup heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons vodka. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring often. For Alfredo: Melt 1/4 cup butter, whisk in 1 cup heavy cream, then stir in 1 cup grated parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Prep the Toppings: Roast veggies (cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli) on a sheet pan at 425°F with olive oil, salt, and pepper for 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway. Bake prosciutto at 400°F for 10 minutes until crisp. Slice and warm pre-cooked chicken, brown sausage, or sauté shrimp if using. Arrange cheeses, beans, and greens in bowls. Chop herbs, zest lemon, and portion garnishes.
  4. Set Up Your Bar: Line up pastas in large bowls or serving platters, drizzle with olive oil. Ladle sauces into saucepans or slow cookers. Arrange toppings, cheeses, and garnishes along your counter or table. Stack bowls, plates, and forks at one end.
  5. Let the Party Begin: Invite friends to build their pasta bowls—start with noodles, add sauce, then toppings. Encourage seconds and creativity. Snap a group photo with everyone’s creations.

Notes

Choose a variety of pastas, sauces, and toppings to suit all dietary needs. Prep sauces and roasted veggies ahead for easy assembly. Label toppings for allergens. Use olive oil rinse to prevent pasta from sticking. Store leftovers separately and reheat gently. For vegan or gluten-free guests, offer appropriate pasta and cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta bar, Galentine's, girls night, DIY, customizable, Italian, party food, buffet, vegetarian, gluten-free, easy entertaining

Find it online: https://evabake.com/perfect-galentines-diy-pasta-bar-ideas-for-a-fun-girls-night/