Unlock Culinary Magic: 11 Irresistible Pasta Recipe Hacks You Need to Try
When it comes to food, we all have our go-to sources of inspiration. For some, it’s grandma’s handwritten recipe cards; for others, it’s the latest culinary trends. But in the digital age, where Instagram reigns supreme, there’s one account that consistently delivers mouthwatering magic: Delish.
Delish isn’t just a food account—it’s a flavor-packed universe where pasta dreams come true. From creamy classics to innovative twists, they’ve got it all. So buckle up, pasta lovers, because we’re about to dive into 11 Delish recipes that will elevate your next pasta party. 🍝🎉
Brie Spaghetti: A Decadent Delish Hack
When it comes to cheese, brie is the ultimate flavor whisperer. Nutty, buttery, and oh-so-fancy, it pairs beautifully with a wide variety of flavors. But what if we told you that brie could transform your humble spaghetti into a dish fit for a feast? Enter our Brie Spaghetti—a quick and easy hack that’ll elevate your pasta game.
Ingredients:
1 (35-oz.) wheel of brie
1 1/2 lb. spaghetti
2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 c. chopped parsley
Pinch of red pepper flakes
1/4 c. grated Parmesan (for serving)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F.
Cut off the top rind of the brie wheel.
Place the brie in a skillet about the same size as the wheel.
Bake the Brie:
Bake until the brie is bubbling and totally melted throughout (approximately 25 minutes).
Keep an eye on it—the exact time will vary based on the size of your brie wheel.
Cook the Spaghetti:
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and transfer it to a large bowl.
Toss It All Together:
Toss the cooked spaghetti with olive oil, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes.
Season to taste with salt.
Bring It Home:
After removing the brie from the oven, immediately add the spaghetti to the skillet.
Toss until the spaghetti is coated using tongs.
If the brie is too thick, gradually add pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Serve immediately with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
Notes:
Brie can be pricey, but a little goes a long way. You can use a smaller wheel if needed.
Sensitive to garlic? Sauté it before mixing it in with the other ingredients.
Swap spaghetti for any pasta shape you prefer.
Remember, brie congeals when it cools, so enjoy this dish soon after making it.
Made this? Let us know how it went in the comments below. Your brie spaghetti awaits—a symphony of flavors that’ll leave you craving more! 🍝🧀✨
Sources:
Creamy Three-Cheese Mac and Cheese Hack
Ingredients:
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, plus more for the baking dish
Kosher salt
1 lb. elbow macaroni
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
5 cups whole milk
1 tsp. mustard powder
Freshly ground black pepper
12 oz. shredded cheddar (about 3 cups)
8 oz. shredded Gruyère (about 2 cups)
3 oz. finely grated Parmesan (about 1 1/2 cups), divided
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Stir in the mustard powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Add the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and half of the grated Parmesan. Keep stirring until the cheese melts into a rich sauce.
Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and mix well.
Transfer the mac and cheese to a buttered baking dish.
Create the Topping:
Mix the remaining grated Parmesan with panko breadcrumbs.
Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
Bake to Perfection:
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
The crunchy topping adds an irresistible texture!
Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serve your creamy three-cheese mac and cheese hot and watch it disappear!
Remember, freshly shredded cheese from the block makes all the difference in achieving that ultimate creaminess. Enjoy your upgraded mac and cheese! 🧀🔥
Foolproof Cacio e Pepe Pasta Hack
Ingredients:
8 oz. spaghetti, bucatini, or another long, thin noodle
1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly ground black pepper
2/3 cup reserved pasta water (from cooking the pasta)
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Boil the pasta in salted water until very al dente (about 3 minutes less than the package directions).
Reserve 2/3 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
Grate the Cheese:
Use a Microplane or another zester-style grater to finely grate equal parts of Pecorino Romano and Parmesan cheese into a snowy mound in a large bowl.
Create the Pepper Base:
Add freshly cracked black pepper to the grated cheese.
Whisk the cheese and pepper together with ice water. The ice water helps create a smooth, glossy sauce.
Toast the Pepper:
In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the freshly ground black pepper and toast it for about a minute. This step deepens the flavor of the pepper.
Combine Everything:
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the toasted pepper.
Add the cheese mixture and the reserved pasta water.
Toss everything together vigorously until the cheese melts and coats the pasta beautifully.
Serve Immediately:
Plate your cacio e pepe pasta and sprinkle extra cheese and pepper on top.
Enjoy the creamy, peppery goodness!
Tips:
Freshly Grated Cheese: Grate the cheese yourself for the best flavor. Avoid pre-grated cheese.
Less Water, More Starch: Use less water than the box calls for to concentrate the starch content. This ensures a cohesive sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Pepper: Toast the pepper just until fragrant; avoid burning it.
Remember, simplicity is key in this dish. Let the cheese and pepper shine, and you’ll have an authentic and satisfying cacio e pepe experience! 🧀🌶️
Watch the video tutorial by Delish for more cheesy inspiration!
Cheesy Lemon Angel Hair Pasta Hack
Ingredients:
1 lb. angel hair pasta
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp. unsalted butter
2 tbsp. flour
3 lemons, thinly sliced and seeded
3 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 cup chicken broth
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan
1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère
1 1/2 cups grated Pecorino Romano
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and generously season with salt.
Cook the angel hair pasta according to al dente package directions. Drain.
Create the Lemon Sauce:
In a large skillet over low heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter.
When the butter starts to bubble, add minced garlic and thinly sliced lemons.
Season with salt and pepper and cook until the lemons are softened (about 2-3 minutes).
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Add chicken broth and whisk until smooth.
Gradually add the grated Parmesan, Gruyère, and Pecorino Romano cheeses while constantly whisking.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked angel hair pasta to the skillet and toss it in the creamy lemon sauce with chopped parsley.
Serve Immediately:
Garnish with additional fresh parsley.
Serve your cheesy lemon angel hair pasta hot and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors!
Remember, the combination of tangy lemon, rich cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta makes this dish a winner. Bon appétit! 🧀🍋
Watch the video tutorial by Delish for more cheesy inspiration! 1
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Hack
Ingredients:
3/4 lb. angel hair pasta
Extra-virgin olive oil
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup white wine
4 tbsp. butter
2 cups chopped cherry tomatoes
4 green onions, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp. Cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp. paprika
2/3 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
2 tbsp. lemon juice
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Boil the angel hair pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Chicken:
Season chicken breasts with dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Sauté the chicken in olive oil until golden on both sides and no longer pink in the middle. Let it rest and slice into small pieces.
Create the Flavorful Sauce:
Deglaze the skillet with white wine and reduce by half.
Stir in butter, tomatoes, most of the green onions (save some for garnish), minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, and paprika. Cook until tomatoes start to burst.
Add Creaminess:
Pour in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and lemon juice. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine Everything:
Turn off the heat and add the sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss until well combined.
Serve and Garnish:
Garnish with more green onion and extra Parmesan.
Variations and Add-Ins:
Vegetables: Add cooked broccoli or asparagus to the pasta.
Vegetarian Version: Leave out the chicken or substitute it with mushrooms.
Seafood Twist: Try Cajun shrimp instead of chicken.
Enjoy this creamy and flavorful Cajun Chicken Pasta! 🌶️🧀
Watch the video tutorial by Delish for more cheesy inspiration!
Additional References:
Creamy Crab Alfredo Pasta Hack
Ingredients:
Leftover crab meat (about 1 cup)
8 oz. linguine or fettuccine pasta
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Boil the linguine or fettuccine pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the Crab:
Stir in the leftover crab meat.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Thicken the Sauce:
Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Toss the cooked pasta in the crab Alfredo sauce until well coated.
Serve and Garnish:
Plate the creamy crab Alfredo pasta.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Enjoy your luxurious and comforting crab Alfredo! It’s a delightful way to use up those crab leftovers. 🦀🍝
Watch the video tutorial by Delish for more cheesy inspiration!
Additional References:
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Hack
Ingredients:
1 lb. penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
1 lb. Italian sausage (mild, spicy, or sweet), crumbled
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 cup chicken broth
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup half and half (or heavy cream)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Boil the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown the Sausage:
In a large skillet, brown the crumbled Italian sausage over medium heat.
Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
Sauté Onion and Garlic:
In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant.
Create the Sauce:
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
Simmer for about 5 minutes.
Add Creaminess:
Pour in the half and half (or heavy cream) and stir well.
Let the sauce simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Combine Everything:
Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet.
Toss in the cooked penne pasta and mix until well coated in the creamy Tuscan sauce.
Serve and Garnish:
Plate your Tuscan Sausage Pasta and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Enjoy this cozy and flavorful pasta hack that’s perfect for busy weeknights! 🌶️🧀
Watch the video tutorial by Delish for more cheesy inspiration!
Additional References:
World’s Best Lasagna Hack
Ingredients:
1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
2 cans (6 oz each) tomato paste
2 tbsp white sugar
Fresh parsley, chopped
Dried basil leaves
Salt and pepper
Lasagna noodles (store-bought or homemade)
Parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta cheese
1 egg
Instructions:
Make the Meat Sauce:
Cook and drain the ground beef.
Sauté the onion and garlic with the beef until fragrant.
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
Whisk together ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and beaten egg to create a creamy mixture.
Layer the Lasagna:
Start with a layer of meat sauce.
Add cooked lasagna noodles.
Spread the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
Repeat the layers, finishing with cheese on top.
Bake to Perfection:
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
Uncover and bake for an additional 25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Let It Rest:
Allow the lasagna to rest before serving.
Enjoy this classic lasagna hack that’s sure to impress! 🌶️🧀
Watch the video tutorial by Delish for more cheesy inspiration! 1
Additional References:
Chicken Caesar Angel Hair Pasta Hack
Ingredients:
12 oz. angel hair pasta
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
6 slices bacon, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 pint creamy Caesar dressing
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
2 tbsp juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Boil the angel hair pasta until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
Sear the Chicken:
Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
Sear the chicken in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through (about 8 minutes per side). Let it rest and slice into strips.
Crisp the Bacon:
In the same skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
Create the Sauce:
Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan.
Stir in the creamy Caesar dressing and bring the mixture to a low simmer.
Combine Everything:
Add the cooked angel hair pasta, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, and parsley to the skillet. Toss until well combined.
If the sauce is too thick, gradually add pasta water (about 1/4 cup at a time) until you reach your desired consistency.
Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh parsley and cracked pepper.
Serve your Chicken Caesar Angel Hair Pasta hot and savor the creamy, tangy flavors!
Remember, this hack strikes the perfect balance of flavors without drowning the pasta in Caesar dressing. Buon appetito! 🌶️🧀
Watch the video tutorial by Delish for more cheesy inspiration!
Additional References:
Red Wine Spaghetti Hack
Ingredients:
1 lb spaghetti
1 bottle full-bodied red wine (such as cabernet)
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 tsp red pepper flakes
2 tbsp butter
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup flat-leaf Italian parsley, chopped
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Measure 1/4 cup (60 ml) of wine and set it aside.
Combine the remaining wine and water in a large pot and bring it to a boil.
Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente (about 7 minutes).
Reserve 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the cooking liquid and drain the spaghetti. Set it aside.
Sauté the Garlic and Red Pepper:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the thinly sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Create the Sauce:
Add the reserved cooking liquid and wine to the skillet. Bring it to a simmer.
Toss in the cooked spaghetti and coat it with the flavorful sauce.
Add the butter and stir until it melts into the pasta.
Season and Garnish:
Season with salt and pepper.
Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Red Wine Spaghetti warm.
Top with extra Parmesan and parsley.
Don’t forget to open another bottle of wine and enjoy!
This red wine spaghetti hack is a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. Buon appetito! 🌶️🧀
Watch the video tutorial by Tasty for more inspiration!
Additional References:
Creamy Rasta Pasta Hack
Ingredients:
1 lb penne pasta
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lb)
2 tbsp jerk seasoning, divided
Kosher salt
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 orange bell pepper, sliced
1/3 cup sliced green onions, plus more for garnish
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for garnish
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Boil the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Season the Chicken:
Season chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning and salt.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook chicken until golden and no longer pink (about 8 minutes per side). Remove and set aside to rest.
Sauté the Peppers:
Add remaining oil to the skillet and cook peppers until mostly tender (3 to 4 minutes).
Add green onions and garlic; cook until fragrant.
Season with remaining jerk seasoning.
Create the Creamy Sauce:
Add chicken broth and heavy cream; simmer until thickened (about 5 minutes).
Slice chicken and add it back to the skillet.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
Add cooked pasta and toss until combined.
Serve and Garnish:
Garnish with green onions and more Parmesan.
Enjoy this flavorful and comforting Rasta Pasta! 🌶️🧀
Watch the video tutorial by Delish for more cheesy inspiration!
Additional References:
More Delish pasta recipes from YouTube
Conclusion: Your Pasta Party Awaits
Delish isn’t just an Instagram account—it’s a culinary adventure. So grab your apron, boil that water, and let’s create pasta memories that’ll last a lifetime. Because when Delish is in the kitchen, every meal becomes a celebration. 🍽️✨
Sources:
