Pasta dish

Transform ordinary veges into extraordinary family-sized feasts.

Follow these simple directions from Sarah Bowman and your destination will be dining delight

Barbecue chicken, spinach and pasta frittata brought to you by Real Living

Homemade breadcrumbs are much tastier that store-bought and they’re an easy way to enhance the flavour and texture of the dish. A great way to use up leftover bread, too! Note

Don’t wash the arborio rice it’s the outer coating of starch on the grain that ensured a creamy texture. Note

Simple and delicious, the classic Italian flavours of chicken cacciatore create a winner at any dinner table, especially with the added nutty crunch of gremolata crumbs.

Add a moreish, nutty crunch to this chicken cacciatore pappardelle recipe by adding gremolata crumbs. Simple and classic Italian flavours make this a winner at any dinner table.

Pecorino is the name given to all Italian cheeses made from pure sheep’s milk. As the pecorino ages. it becomes darker in colour with a firmer texture and a saltier flavour. Note

For best results, cook pasta until ‘al dente’ – firm to the bite but not hard. Note

Use this recipe as a base for many flavours – simply substitute the sundried tomatoes for BBQ chicken, haloumi or chorizo, etc. Note

The haloumi works really well in this recipe, but if you’re having a carnivorous craving, you can always swap the cheese for good quality sausage or chicken breast. Note

Equipment: Fine grater; medium mixing bowl; whisk; airtight container Note

Here's our take on the traditional Greek savoury dish, usually made with thin pastry. We've added tender pasta to create a flavoursome dish the whole family will love.

Carbonara chicken parcels

You can use fish fillets instead; cooking time will vary. Note

You could also try this using chicken sausages. Note

Use any deli cold meat instead of salami Note

Use stock cubes to make stock. To reduce acidity of canned tomatoes, add a couple teaspoons of brown sugar. Note

Using a vegetable peeler, slice zucchini lengthwise into long ribbons. Stack on a chopping board and slice lengthwise. Note

Use green capsicum instead of red if preferred. To save time, use a kettle to boil water for pasta. Note

You can use ricotta instead of feta. Use any short pasta you like. For chilli lovers, cook a chopped red chilli with the onion. Note

Potato flour is in the health food aisle or health food shops. Passata is an Italian tomato cooking sauce; you can use pasta sauce instead. Use floury potatoes as they have lower moisture content. Add frozen peas. Note

Replace pesto dip (and reserved cooking liquid) with a 400g can diced tomatoes. Note

If preferred, you can use a 250g packet thawed frozen spinach. Note

Serve any leftover ratatouille with grilled meat or on pizza bases, topped with cheese. Note

You can use cherry tomatoes instead of mini roma. Use fresh baby corn when in season. Note

Pasta sauce is a thick tomato-based sauce. Note

Use tortellini or ravioli instead of agnolotti; flaked almonds instead of walnuts. Use a vegetable peeler to shave parmesen into thin strips. Note

You can use penne instead of tortellini – cook in boiling water for 10 minutes before baking. Note

Try using crumbled ricotta or feta instead of haloumi. You can use any short pasta you like. For best result, assemble recipe just before serving. Note

Instead of cherry tomatoes, use 2 medium ripe tomatoes chopped. You can substitute large shell or spiral pasta. Note

Budget tip: To get the cheapest fish, buy what’s in season. To remove seafood smell from your hands, rub them with lemon juice. Note

Buy smoked salmon in packets from the chilled food section. Note

Buy good quality basil pesto instead of making your own. Use roast capsicum or pumpkin instead of tomatoes. For a unique flavour, use spinach or rocket instead of basil leaves in the pesto. You can use chicken schnitzel instead of veal. Use separate hands to dip schnitzel into the egg and the crumb coating. If […]

Omit sun-dried tomatoes. Use frozen chopped spinach if you like; thaw, then squeeze out excess liquid. Note

Use beef, pork or veal mince instead of lamb. Try a sachet of white sauce instead of cheese sauce. Note

You can use any pasta shape; cooking time may vary. For a deliciously rich nutty taste, heat butter until a nut brown colour. To prevent butter burning, quickly remove pan from heat and transfer batter to pasta. Note

You can buy diced bacon in the deli or in packets in the deli meats section. Note

You could replace spinach with rocket or basil leaves, if desired. Note

Sun-dried tomato and capsicum tapenade

You can make garlic butter by combining 1 clove crushed garlic and 2-3 tablespoons margarine. Note

Budget tips: Use dried pasta such as rigatoni or penne. Use 2 medium brown onions instead of leek. Wipe leek to remove grit-washing can dilute flavour. Note

Risoni is rice shaped pasta. Note

Omit parmesan; add extra tasty cheese. Pasta soaks up liquid on standing. Use small shell-shaped or risoni pasta if you like. Note

Julie Biuso creates a midweek masterpiece for your dinner table

Replace bacon with chopped paricetta or smoked ham. For a vegetarian main meal, omit bacon; add 2/3 cap chopped toasted hazelnuts. Tortiglioni is large tube-style pasta; you can use perme or rigatoni if you like. Serve topped with flaked parmesari. Note

We've added an extra layer of deliciousness to the humble Italian lasagne with this hearty pie. Finished with a cheesy topping, it's packed full of flavour to create the ultimate family comfort food.

You can store in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, bring to room temperature, then heat in oven; preheated to 180°C/160°C fan forced for 20 minutes. Note

Pasta must be hot when you add egg mixture; the heat from pasta thickens sauce. Note

You can use regular tomatoes, chopped, instead of baby rama and teardrop tomatoes. Cool pasta slightly before adding pesto, as heat can discolour the pesto. Note

Before baking, top gnocchi with sliced tomato insted of pesto. Note

Risoni is rice-shaped pasta; for a slightly cheaper option, use macaroni. For best results, make just before serving. Note

You could use macaroni instead of risoni, if preferred. For extra flavour, add spices such as ground cumin or fennel. Note

You can make individual servings; cooking time will vary. To save time, replace fresh vegies with 4 cups frozen; look for brands that use large pieces. No soy cheese? Use cheese made with vegetable rennet instead. Note

Budget tip: Replace parmesan with grated cheddar cheese; flavour will vary. Instead of peas, try chopped tomato. You can use any tortellini variety. Note

No passata? Use 400g can diced tomatoes mixed with 1/3 cup tomato paste and 1/3 cup stock. Note

No ovenproof frying pan? Cover handle with several layers of foil before baking. Use a teaspoon to remove core from pear. Note

A delicious, easy dinner that will be popular with all the family.

This stew is even better made ahead. If you have smoked paprika in the pantry, add a teaspoon to the pot.

This delicious bolognese pasta bake is a fun take on the classic Italian lasagne. Serve your family up a big slice of this tasty dish for a warming Winter dinner.

Use peas or chopped green beans instead of broad beans. You can replace fresh broad beans with 2 cups frozen broad beans – thaw beans and peel off outer shell before cooking. Note

Try other vegetables, such as pumpkin, zucchini or green beans, if you like. Note

This hearty dish travels well for luncnboxes and picnics. You can make frittata up to 2 days ahead. Try using sauteed capsicum, cooked pumpkin or potato as variations. Note

Any short, shaped pasta will work in this recipe. Try any combo of cheeses you like. Use a mixture of cream and cream cheese. Note

Use 3 chopped large tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomato strips. Add a touch of cream for extra sauce. Note

Use any selection of leftover roast meats or sliced deli meats. Replace the mustard, horseradish and oil with 1/4 cap bought creamy mustard dressing. Fast cooking: Choose small pasta shapes or very thin long pasta; they cook faster. Note

Reserve cherry tomato juice; freeze in ice-cube trays, then store in an airtight container. Add to pasta sauces. Try basil instead of parsley. Swap bacon for chopped shaved ham. Add ham with the spinach. You can use penne or gnocchi instead of tortellini. Note

They don't call it a classic for nothing. This Italian spaghetti dish is so effortless and simple yet so delicious you'll soon see why it's such a staple.