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Perfect DIY Pasta Bar for Galentine’s Festive Girls’ Night Party

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This DIY Pasta Bar is the ultimate festive, customizable meal for Galentine’s or any girls’ night in. With a variety of pastas, sauces, and toppings, everyone can build their dream bowl for a night filled with comfort food, laughter, and friendship.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb rigatoni
  • 1 lb penne
  • 1 lb farfalle
  • 12 oz gluten-free pasta (optional)
  • 1 lb fresh ravioli or tortellini (optional)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 cups creamy Alfredo sauce
  • 1 cup pesto sauce
  • 1 cup vodka sauce (optional)
  • 1/2 cup olive oil & garlic, warmed
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
  • 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 cup roasted cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup sautéed mushrooms
  • 1 cup grilled or roasted bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup sliced olives (any variety)
  • Red pepper flakes, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
  • 2 cups grilled chicken breast, sliced (optional)
  • 1 cup Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled (optional)
  • 1 cup roasted chickpeas (optional, for plant-based protein)
  • 1 cup sautéed shrimp (optional)
  • Lemon wedges
  • Microgreens (handful, optional)
  • Balsamic glaze (for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Pasta: Fill two large pots with salted water (about 1 tbsp salt per gallon water) and bring to a rolling boil. Add rigatoni to one pot and penne to the other. Cook each according to package instructions (10-12 minutes for rigatoni, 8-10 minutes for penne) until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste a noodle before draining.
  2. Prepare the Sauces: While pasta cooks, warm marinara, Alfredo, and pesto sauces in separate saucepans over low heat (5-10 minutes). If using store-bought, add a splash of olive oil and fresh herbs to boost flavor. For homemade, simmer gently, stirring occasionally. Keep sauces covered.
  3. Roast or Sauté Toppings: Preheat oven to 400°F. Spread cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and bell peppers on sheet pans; drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes, tossing halfway through.
  4. Cook Proteins (Optional): Grill or sauté chicken breasts (season with salt, pepper, garlic powder) for 6-8 minutes per side, until cooked through. Cook Italian sausage in a skillet, breaking apart, until browned (about 10 minutes). Sauté shrimp with olive oil and garlic until pink (about 3 minutes per side). Let cooked proteins rest before slicing.
  5. Prep Cheeses and Herbs: Grate Parmesan, slice mozzarella, and crumble feta into small bowls. Chop basil and parsley; keep cold until serving.
  6. Arrange the Pasta Bar: Drain pasta and toss lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Transfer each pasta type to large serving bowls. Place sauces in smaller bowls (or slow cooker if using), and arrange toppings in ramekins around the table.
  7. Set Up Self-Serve Stations: Lay out tongs for pasta, spoons for sauces, and forks for toppings. Add small plates and napkins for easy serving. Label sauces and proteins to help guests with allergies.
  8. Final Touches: Garnish with extra basil, lemon wedges, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with drinks and enjoy!

Notes

Prep sauces and toppings ahead for easy serving. Label all toppings and sauces for guests with allergies. For vegan or gluten-free needs, use dairy-free cheeses and gluten-free pasta. Store leftovers in airtight containers; sauces freeze well. Offer a variety of toppings for maximum customization.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/perfect-diy-pasta-bar-for-galentines-festive-girls-night-party/