Pappardelle, that broad ribbon pasta, is one of the most versatile and beloved pasta types in Italian cuisine. With its wide shape and firm texture, pappardelle can perfectly embrace the richest sauces and ingredients. Whether you are a meat lover or prefer vegetarian dishes, pappardelle is the ideal base for a tasty meal. In this article, we share three delicious pappardelle recipes that are easy to make and guaranteed to impress your dinner companions.
Pappardelle with ragu alla Bolognese
This classic dish from Bologna is perfect for a cosy evening and tastes great with a glass of red wine.
Ingredients
- 400 g pappardelle
- 300 g minced beef
- 300 g minced pork
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 stalks of celery, finely chopped
- 150 ml red wine
- 400 g peeled (canned) tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato puree
- 1 laurel leaf
- 1 sprig of rosemary
- 100 ml whole milk
- 50 g Parmesan cheese, grated
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a dash of olive oil in a deep pan and fry the onion, garlic, carrots and celery until soft.
- Add the minced meat and fry until loose. Deglaze with the red wine and let the alcohol evaporate.
- Add the peeled tomatoes, tomato puree, bay leaf and rosemary. Simmer gently on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours to allow the flavours to develop properly.
- Stir in the milk and simmer for another 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the pappardelle al dente according to the instructions on the packet. Drain and mix with the ragù.
- Serve with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese.
Pappardelle with mushrooms and truffle oil
This luxurious dish has a rich, earthy flavour thanks to the combination of mushrooms and truffle oil. Perfect for a sophisticated meal. (Source photo: Getty Images)
Ingredients
- 400 g pappardelle
- 300 g mixed mushrooms (e.g. chestnut mushrooms, shiitake, oyster mushrooms)
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 200 ml of cream
- 50 ml white wine
- 2 tbsp truffle oil
- 50 g Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pappardelle according to the instructions on the packet, reserving a little cooking liquid.
- Heat the butter in a large frying pan and sauté the garlic briefly.
- Add the mushrooms and fry them on high heat until golden brown. Deglaze with the white wine and let the alcohol evaporate.
- Add the cream and let the sauce thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
- Drain the pappardelle and mix with the mushroom sauce. Add a dash of cooking liquid to loosen the sauce, if necessary.
- Drain the pappardelle and mix with the mushroom sauce. Add a dash of cooking liquid to loosen the sauce, if necessary.
Pappardelle with salmon, lemon and dill
This pappardelle with salmon, lemon and dill is an elegant and fresh dish perfect for a light, sunny lunch or dinner. The combination of creamy sauce, fresh salmon and the fresh taste of lemon creates a great balance.
Ingredients
- 400 g pappardelle
- 2 salmon fillets (approx. 300 g)
- 200 ml whipped cream
- 1 lemon (juice and rind)
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 bunch of fresh dill, finely chopped
- 50 g Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and fry the salmon on both sides until golden brown and cooked. Remove the salmon from the pan, let rest for a while and then pull into coarse pieces.
- In the same pan, add the garlic and fry briefly until fragrant.
- Add the whipping cream, along with the lemon juice and lemon zest. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Meanwhile, cook the pappardelle al dente according to the instructions. Drain and add the pasta to the lemon-cream sauce.
- Add the salmon pieces and chopped dill to the pan and mix gently so that the salmon remains whole.
- Serve the pappardelle with grated Parmesan cheese and possibly some extra lemon zest for a fresh touch.
These three recipes show how versatile pappardelle can be. Whether you fancy a rich meat ragù, a luxurious mushroom sauce with truffle, or a fresh salmon pasta, there is always a pappardelle dish to suit you. Buon appetito!