Paccheri Pasta and Some Party Ideas

on Friday, July 15, 2011

This is the perfect side dish to all your grilling, individual little bundles of cooked Paccheri pasta stuffed with roasted vegetables, cheese and sun dried tomatoes. Tastes best when served at room temperature with a fresh herb, lemon, olive oil and parmesan dressing drizzled all over the top, great to bring to a party or picnic!
Equally as good is the caprese version using sliced tomato, fresh mozzarella and basil all tucked inside with an olive oil and balsamic glaze drizzled all over the top!


Paccheri pasta are large hollow tubes shaped similar to rigatoni only bigger and wider.


I roasted planks of zucchini and eggplant and then tucked in some asiago cheese and a sun dried tomato for mine.


Just cook the pasta according to the package, let it cool, then stuff them with whatever inspires you!


I had some leftover cooked pasta so I decided to stuff the remaining ones using a zip lock bag filled with spinach, ricotta, lots of grated cheese and an egg. Fill them and stand them straight up, side by side until you fill the pan, adding sauce on top and in between.

I have several mini spring form pans which I love to use and often do for an individual take on this dish.


Olive oil and brush with sauce the bottom and sides of your mini spring form pan, I have a 4" pan. I'm sure you could use a larger one if you wanted to, but I think the smaller ones are cuter and they come out looking like a little flower!


And here's something for dessert that will surely have your guests talking! Vodka infused whipped cream! It comes in many different flavors, we had the chocolate and vanilla. It works just like traditional whipped cream, but only for grown ups!

My daughter brought this over on the fourth of July, it was quite a hit!


Extremely good with strawberries or grilled fruits of any kind, top off your cup of coffee with it, or squirt some on a piece of pie. Use your imagination and enjoy!


Buon Appetito!