9 Easy Pasta Recipes To Cook In Times Of Coronavirus

In times when home cooking is the norm and ideas are drying up fast, use these 9 easy pasta recipes. They are versatile, easy to use and, trust me, a whole lot comforting.

I realized that more and more people would be cooking at home right now. Some with expertise and others just beginning on how to go about it. But irrespective of how well you cook, everyone’s got to be resourceful.

So, I rounded up the simplest recipes I know. They are classic dishes that require almost no skill or technique to make. Each one is hearty, so you eat more mindfully. 

The beauty of these recipes is that there are no hard and fast rules. The results are always comforting, uplifting and, of course, delicious.

What to Make While on Lockdown Due to Coronavirus?

Each easy pasta recipe (and one noodle for that extra Tasha touch) is incredibly versatile. If you don’t have a particular ingredient at home, simply switch it up with another.

Pasta in Creamy Mushroom Sauce

This is the easiest pasta recipe of all because it never fails and it’s a hit with everyone. My recipe makes use of orzo, but please be free to throw in any pasta you prefer. I also put in coconut milk because I love to make dairy-free dishes. You can go ahead and pour in regular milk and top the pasta with cheese.

FYI, the creamy mushroom sauce is not solely for pasta. You can use it for rice, paneer, toast, or the evergreen potatoes.

 Roasted Eggplant & Mushroom Pasta w/Caramelised Onions

Eggplant is one of the most adaptable and multipurpose vegetables. It gets a bad rep because “baingan bharta” is a routine dish in India. Try the eggplant and mushroom pasta once, and you’ll be a convert. 

Again, the recipe is as uncomplicated as it can get but a nutritional powerhouse because eggplant brings with it iron, copper, fibre and phytonutrients. 

Choose any shape of pasta you love. Penne is a great option. For the cheese, I had feta lying at home, so I put it to work. You can use any cheese you have at home. A dollop of cream cheese and cream will also do beautifully.

 Apricot & Date Pasta

The temperatures are climbing high. And I don’t just mean at home because being enclosed to a confined space has shortened fuses. Summer has finally arrived and the apricot, and date pasta is the perfect antidote. 

You can have the pasta as a meal or mid-day snack. It is great cold and excellent when warmed up. And no, the fruits don’t give it dessert-y or fruity salad feel. When the dates and apricot combine with olive oil and salt, they transform into flavourful wonders. 

A quick note: you can easily substitute fresh apricot for dried ones. If you don’t have those, just chop up some tomatoes. Instead of orecchiette, use any small pasta that’s in your pantry. 

Simple Tomato Sauce

I should have begun with the simple tomato sauce for pasta. It is done in about 20 minutes tops (a bit more if you’re cooking for a lot of people and want a richer, deeper flavour) and the recipe is absolutely meant for beginners. 

I recommend making enough that you can store it in a jar. When the time comes to prepare dinner, whip out the jar and add the sauce to pasta, pizza, risotto, burgers, soups or even masala rice or curries. A dollop of it pairs really with paranthas too!

5.    Cashew Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

If the quarantine has you craving for something fingerlickin’ good that is so rich and velvety that it satisfies the deepest cravings, then give the cashew red pepper sauce a try. Don’t have any red peppers? Green or yellow work equally fine. 

The creamy, decadent sauce that has a lovely nutty hint is more than for pasta. Spread it on sandwiches and wraps. Drizzle it as a salad dressing. Or simply dip a cracker and enjoy. 

6.    Basil Avocado Pesto

For all my readers who have an avocado accessible, put the basil avocado pesto recipe to work as-is. The combination of garlic, basil, zippy lemon juice, and avocado can never go wrong. Besides the joy of creaminess, you get a dose of good fats too. 

For all my readers who don't have any on hand ( like me), replace avocado with cashews or almonds. Soak the nut of your choice in hot water and then blend. Both cashews and almonds bring the same richness and texture as avocado.

7.    Walnut Rocket Pesto

Being cooped up makes us lazy. To awaken your senses, I give you the walnut rocket pesto. It has an edgy, peppery taste that you will adore. But if rocket leaves are too sharp for your palate, switch them out for basil, any other herb or even spinach!

8.    Pumpkin Mac ‘n’ Cheese

Everyone knows mac and cheese. Right? 

Well, the pumpkin mac ‘n’ cheese is the healthier version. One bowl of this has more comfort (and flavor) than a whole bar of chocolate all due to the smoked paprika and garlic. Don’t fret if you are all out of macaroni. Any pasta will do for this cozy, quick recipe. 

9.    Spicy Thai Peanut Noodles

I know. Not a pasta. But I had to include this recipe. I make the spicy Thai peanut noodles when I am scrambling because I can use whatever is at hand. It is extraordinary with any veggies thrown in. If you are all out of Pad Thai noodles, worry not. I made the recipe with spaghetti!

I hope some of these 9 easy pasta recipes make it to your table!

Pasta is a full meal on its own. But an extra touch always spruces up things. And right now, all the goodness in the world is needed. Serve the pasta with a side of garlic bread or salad and enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal right at home!

Stay safe and healthy everyone! Sending you all oodles of love and light!

If you try any of these 9 Easy Pasta Recipes, I'd love to hear from you! Please tag me on Instagram @tashasartisanfoods, using the hashtag #tashasartisanfoods. You can also FOLLOW ME on INSTAGRAM, PINTEREST for more fabulous recipes! Do subscribe to Tasha’s Artisan Foods so you’ll never miss a recipe!