8 Best Pappardelle Recipes for Delicious Italian Dishes

Pappardelle is a wide, flat pasta that is perfect for hearty sauces and comforting meals. In this article, I will share eight of the best pappardelle recipes that highlight the pasta’s versatility and rich flavors. Whether you prefer meat-based sauces or vegetarian options, these recipes can suit any palate.

Making pappardelle from scratch or using store-bought pasta can elevate your cooking. Through these delicious recipes, I aim to inspire you to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create memorable dishes.

1. Pappardelle with Wild Boar Ragu

Pappardelle with wild boar ragu is a rich and flavorful Italian dish. Pappardelle is a type of broad pasta that pairs perfectly with hearty sauces. Wild boar ragu adds depth and a unique taste to this dish.

I find this recipe easy to make, especially with some experience in the kitchen. The key is to allow time for the ragu to simmer and develop its flavors.

Here are the steps I follow:

1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather wild boar meat, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs. Chop everything finely.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until soft.
3. Brown the Meat: Add wild boar meat and brown it on all sides.
4. Add Tomatoes: Mix in chopped tomatoes and herbs. Simmer for about 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Cook Pappardelle: Boil salted water in a separate pot. Cook the pappardelle according to package instructions.
6. Combine and Serve: Drain the pasta, mix it with the ragu, and serve hot.

This dish is satisfying and brings a taste of Italy right to my kitchen.

2. Creamy Mushroom Pappardelle

Creamy Mushroom Pappardelle is a rich pasta dish that features wide ribbons of pappardelle coated in a smooth mushroom sauce. The sauce is usually made with fresh mushrooms, cream, and simple seasonings.

Making this dish is straightforward, and even beginners can handle it. I find it takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

To prepare, I follow these steps:

1. Cook the Pappardelle: I bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook about 12 ounces of pappardelle according to package instructions.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms: In a large skillet, I heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. I add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms and cook until they become golden, about 5 minutes.
3. Make the Cream Sauce: I stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Then, I let it simmer for about 3 minutes.
4. Combine: When the pasta is done, I drain it and toss it with the creamy mushroom sauce.
5. Serve: Finally, I garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley before enjoying my meal.

3. Lemon Garlic Pappardelle with Asparagus

Lemon Garlic Pappardelle with Asparagus is a simple and fresh dish that highlights the flavors of spring. Pappardelle is a wide, flat pasta that pairs well with a variety of sauces.

To make this dish, I start by cooking the pappardelle in boiling salted water for about 5-7 minutes until al dente. While the pasta cooks, I prepare the asparagus by trimming the ends and cutting them into 2-inch pieces.

In a skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat and add minced garlic. I sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, I add the asparagus pieces and toss them in the oil, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.

Once the pasta is ready, I drain it and add it to the skillet with the asparagus. I squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mixture and toss everything together. A bit of lemon zest adds an extra burst of flavor.

Finally, I season with salt and black pepper to taste. This dish is best served warm and can be garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. It’s a delightful meal that is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

4. Pappardelle al Limone

Pappardelle al Limone is a bright and fresh pasta dish. It features wide, ribbon-like noodles tossed in a lemon-based sauce. The dish is simple yet flavorful, making it a great choice for any occasion.

I find it easy to make this recipe. It typically requires fresh pappardelle, fresh lemon juice, and a few other basic ingredients. It can be prepared in about 30 minutes.

To cook Pappardelle al Limone, follow these steps:

1. Boil salted water in a large pot and add fresh pappardelle. Cook until al dente, usually around 2-3 minutes for fresh pasta.
2. While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add fresh lemon juice and zest to the skillet, stirring to combine.
4. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve some pasta water, then drain the pasta.
5. Toss the drained pasta in the skillet with the lemon sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
6. Finish with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for garnish.

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this dish!

5. Spinach and Ricotta Pappardelle

Spinach and Ricotta Pappardelle is a delightful dish featuring wide pasta made from flour and eggs. The filling combines creamy ricotta cheese with fresh spinach, creating a rich and flavorful meal.

Making this dish is straightforward. I enjoy preparing it as a comforting dinner option. First, I cook the pappardelle according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes.

While the pasta cooks, I prepare the filling. I often mix 1 cup of ricotta cheese with 2 cups of cooked and chopped spinach. Adding a pinch of salt and pepper enhances the flavor.

Once the pasta is ready, I drain it and fill each piece with the spinach and ricotta mixture. I fold the pasta over to seal it, then cook for another 2-3 minutes in a light sauce, often a simple olive oil or butter sauce.

This dish is easy to customize. I might sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch. It’s a delicious meal that highlights the natural flavors of its ingredients.

6. Pappardelle with Red Wine Sauce

Pappardelle with red wine sauce is a rich and flavorful dish. Pappardelle are broad, flat pasta noodles that pair well with hearty sauces.

This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner. The deep flavor of red wine enhances the sauce, making it a delightful choice.

To prepare this dish, I follow these simple steps:

1. Cook 12 ounces of pappardelle in boiling salted water for about 6-8 minutes, or until al dente.
2. In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves until soft.
3. Add 1 cup of red wine and let it simmer until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in 1 cup of beef or vegetable broth, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Cook the sauce for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce, tossing to combine.

Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and enjoy this comforting dish.

7. Braised Beef Pappardelle

Braised Beef Pappardelle is a hearty dish featuring wide pasta and tender beef. The slow-cooking method makes the beef flavorful and easy to pull apart.

I find this recipe approachable for home cooks. It requires basic ingredients and minimal effort for maximum taste.

To make this dish, follow these steps:

1. Prepare the beef: Season and sear 2 pounds of beef short ribs in a pot until browned.
2. Add vegetables: Stir in chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add liquids: Pour in 2 cups of beef broth and a cup of red wine.
4. Braised cooking: Cover and let it simmer on low heat for 2 to 3 hours until the beef is tender.
5. Cook pappardelle: Boil 12 ounces of pappardelle pasta according to package instructions, roughly 8 to 10 minutes.
6. Combine: Shred the beef and mix it with the pasta and some cooking liquid to coat.

This recipe makes a comforting meal that is perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.

8. Tuscany-Style Pappardelle alla Bolognese

Tuscany-Style Pappardelle alla Bolognese is a rich and hearty dish. It features broad, flat noodles paired with a savory meat sauce. This recipe is straightforward, making it ideal for home cooks.

To make this dish, I use the following ingredients: pappardelle pasta, ground beef, onions, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and red wine. The flavors meld beautifully, creating a nourishing meal.

Here are the steps to prepare it:

1. Start by sautéing chopped onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until soft.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
3. Pour in red wine and let it simmer for a few minutes.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes.
5. Cook pappardelle in salted boiling water according to package instructions.
6. Drain and toss the pasta with the sauce.

Serve this dish with grated Parmesan on top for extra flavor. Enjoying it in Tuscany or at home brings a taste of Italy to your table.

What Ingredients Elevate Pappardelle?

To create a delicious pappardelle dish, I focus on fresh ingredients that enhance both flavor and texture. Seasonal vegetables and the right choice of cheese can take a simple pasta dish to the next level.

How Do Seasonal Vegetables Add Freshness to Pappardelle?

Using seasonal vegetables makes a significant difference in my pappardelle recipes. Fresh produce brings vibrant flavors and nutrients.

I enjoy incorporating:

• Asparagus in spring for a crisp texture.
• Tomatoes in summer for their sweetness.
• Pumpkins in fall for a hearty feel.
• Broccoli or cauliflower in winter for added nutrients.

These vegetables not only add color but also complement the rich pasta. I often sauté the vegetables to enhance their natural flavors. Tossing them with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs elevates the dish.

Additionally, I might consider roasting for a sweet, caramelized taste. Each season offers unique vegetables that I can match with various sauces and flavors, ensuring a pleasing balance in my meal.

How Do You Select the Perfect Cheese for Pappardelle?

Choosing the right cheese can significantly impact my pappardelle dish. The cheese should complement the sauce and ingredients I use.

I often select:

• Parmesan: Offers a nutty flavor, perfect for finishing a dish.
• Pecorino Romano: Adds a saltier, sharp taste that enhances various sauces.
• Ricotta: Provides creaminess, ideal for layering in baked dishes.

When selecting cheese, I look for high-quality options. Freshly grated cheese melts better and offers more flavor than pre-shredded varieties.

Combining cheeses can create a more complex taste. I may mix ricotta and Parmesan for creaminess and depth. The right cheese choice not only enhances flavor but also contributes to the overall texture of the dish, making it richer and more satisfying.

What Are the Cooking Techniques for Pappardelle?

Pappardelle is a type of pasta that requires careful cooking to achieve the right texture and flavor. I focus on avoiding overcooking, as well as enhancing the dish with various herbs to bring out its best qualities. Here are some techniques that I find useful.

How Can You Avoid Overcooking Pappardelle?

When cooking pappardelle, timing is crucial. I recommend boiling the pasta for about 2 to 4 minutes for fresh pappardelle and 8 to 10 minutes for dried pasta.

To ensure the best results:

• Check for Doneness: I often test a strand of pasta by biting into it. It should be al dente, meaning it has a slight firmness when bitten.
• Use Plenty of Water: I find that using a large pot of salted water helps to prevent the pasta from sticking and allows for even cooking.
• Cool Quickly: After draining, I rinse the pasta with cold water if I’m not serving it immediately, stopping the cooking process.

By paying close attention to these details, I can achieve perfectly cooked pappardelle every time.

How Do Herbs Enhance the Flavor of Pappardelle?

Adding herbs is an essential part of my pappardelle cooking technique. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish significantly. I usually prefer using basil, parsley, or thyme.

Here are my tips for adding herbs:

• Add at the Right Time: I sprinkle fresh herbs on top just before serving to maintain their flavor and color.
• Infuse the Water: Sometimes, I add dried herbs to the boiling water for a subtle flavor enhancement.
• Mix in Sauces: When I prepare sauces, I incorporate chopped herbs to enrich the overall taste of the dish.

Using these techniques helps me create a delicious pappardelle that is both flavorful and visually appealing.