When I first stumbled upon Jamie Oliver’s pasta recipes, I was captivated. It wasn’t just the recipes themselves, but the passion he put into his cooking. Jamie has a way of making anyone feel like a professional chef in their own kitchen.
Today, I want to share with you the magic of his pasta with fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and techniques that can elevate your cooking game.
What is Jamie Oliver Pasta?
Jamie Oliver pasta isn’t just a single recipe; it’s a collection of delicious ideas of how to create pasta dishes that are both simple and enticing. His approach focuses heavily on fresh ingredients, seasonings, and the joy of cooking.
For him, pasta is not just a meal, but a celebration of flavors and experiences. Think about it! When you cook pasta, it’s more than the food on your plate. It’s about gathering around a table, sharing stories, and creating memories.
The Heart of Pasta
Pasta is one of those dishes that can bring people together. Whether you’re making a celebratory feast or a quick meal on a Tuesday night, pasta can fit right into any occasion.
Jamie’s recipes often highlight the versatility of pasta dishes, featuring everything from creamy sauces to tangy tomato base, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Jamie Oliver Pasta?
There’s a reason Jamie Oliver has made a name for himself worldwide as a chef. His recipes are easy to understand, rely on wholesome ingredients, and often use pantry staples. You don’t need to have culinary school experience or be a gourmet chef to whip up something incredible. Here are a few reasons this pasta will become a favorite in your kitchen:
- Simplicity: Jamie’s pasta recipes embody straightforward cooking. You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen.
- Flavorful: He encourages using quality ingredients that shine through, bringing out natural flavors.
- Flexibility: His recipes are adaptable; you can swap ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- Family-Friendly: These recipes appeal to both kids and adults, making mealtime a breeze.
The Ingredients
Before we dive into the preparation, let’s talk about what you’ll need for this delightful Jamie Oliver-inspired pasta dish.
Key Ingredients
- 500g Penne Pasta: A perfect choice as it holds sauces well.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for a vibrant flavor.
- 4 Spring Onions, Finely Chopped: Adds a fresh bite.
- 1 or 2 Fresh Red Chilies, Deseeded and Chopped: For a bit of heat.
- 1 Carrot, Peeled and Grated: It brings a subtle sweetness.
- 1 Stick of Celery, Finely Chopped: For crunch and flavor depth.
- 1 Pack of Sausages (Preferably Herbed or Italian): This will be the protein star.
- 4 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Because garlic makes everything better.
- 1 tsp Fennel Seeds: Adds a lovely anise flavor.
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano: A classic herb that brings Italian vibes.
- 1 Can (400g) Chopped Tomatoes: The base of our sauce.
- 4 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar: For acidity and a hint of sweetness.
- Fresh Basil Leaves, Roughly Torn: For freshness and color.
- Parmesan Cheese (For Shaving): Because rich cheese always elevates a dish.
- A Handful of Pitted Kalamata Olives, Chopped (Optional): They bring a savory touch.
Chicory Salad
For those who want a fresh sidekick, this simple chicory salad pairs beautifully:
- 2 Heads of Red Chicory, Thinly Sliced: A bit of bitterness to balance the dish.
- 100g Prewashed Rocket and Watercress Mix: Fresh greens add vibrancy.
- Parmesan Cheese (For Shaving): Same reason as above, cheese reigns supreme.
- 1 Lemon, Zested and Juiced: To invigorate the salad.
Frangipane Tarts (For Dessert)
Finish off your meal with a delightful treat:
- 6 Small Shortcrust Pastry Cases
- 1 Egg
- 100g Unsalted Butter, softened
- 100g Ground Almonds
- 90g Golden Caster Sugar
- 1 Orange, Zested and Juiced
- 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract or Paste
- ½ Jar (175g) Raspberry Jam
- 1 Tub (250g) Crème Fraîche
- A Pinch of Ground Cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps, and you’re on your way to a memorable pasta dish.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. You want it to have a little bite. Once done, drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a large frying pan, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add your chopped spring onions, chilies, grated carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until they begin to soften and the kitchen starts to smell inviting.
Step 3: Add the Sausages
Now comes the fun part! Slice the sausages and add them to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage meat apart as they cook. This should take around 8-10 minutes, ensuring everything is nicely browned.
Step 4: Flavor It Up
Next, add the minced garlic, fennel seeds, and dried oregano. Stir well for about a minute to release those lovely aromas. Then, pour in the chopped tomatoes along with the balsamic vinegar. Allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes. The sauce should thicken, and all the flavors will meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Combine
Once the sauce is ready, toss the cooked pasta into the sauce. Gently stir to ensure all the pasta is coated in that luscious mixture. This is where the magic happens; each piece of pasta absorbs flavor.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Cheese
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the torn basil leaves. Add a touch more olive oil for richness and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve it up with your shaved Parmesan on top.
Step 7: Prepare the Salad
While your pasta is cooking, you can whip up the chicory salad. Toss the sliced chicory, rocket, and watercress in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, the juice of the lemon, and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently, then finish with fresh Parmesan shavings.
Step 8: Make the Frangipane Tarts
For dessert, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Beat the egg, butter, ground almonds, sugar, orange zest, and juice, and vanilla until well combined. Fill the pastry cases with a layer of raspberry jam, then spoon over the almond mixture. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden. Serve with a dollop of crème fraîche and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Tips & Tricks
Here are five handy tips to elevate your pasta game:
- Cook Your Pasta in Salted Water: This adds essential flavor right from the start.
- Don’t Rinse the Pasta: Rinsing removes the starch that helps sauces cling.
- Use a Mix of Fresh and Dried Herbs: It gives more depth of flavor.
- Always Taste the Sauce: Adjust seasoning, acidity, and richness to suit your palate.
- Prep Ahead: You can make the sauce ahead of time, which makes weekday cooking a breeze.
Can I Store Jamie Oliver Pasta?
Yes, you can! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This pasta dish actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist.
What Can I Serve with Jamie Oliver Pasta?
Serving this pasta with the right accompaniments can make all the difference. Here are some ideas:
- Garlic Bread: A crunchy, buttery side is a lovely complement.
- Simple Green Salad: Lighten the meal with a fresh salad.
- Grilled Vegetables: Emphasizing seasonal produce adds color and nutrition.
- Wine Pairing: A chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio can enhance the meal.
- Homemade Pesto: Drizzle some over for an extra flavor boost.
Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are five variations for Jamie Oliver-inspired pasta:
- Pasta Primavera: Incorporate fresh seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and peas. Perfect for using up what’s in your fridge!
- Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce: Add more chilies and some crushed red pepper flakes. It’s perfect for heat lovers!
- Creamy Carbonara Twist: Include egg and cream for a luxurious take. Add crispy pancetta for even more flavor!
- Vegetarian Delight: Replace sausages with roasted mushrooms, or tofu for protein. You won’t miss the meat!
- Seafood Version: Throw in shrimp or scallops for a delightful seafood twist. Just be mindful of cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Jamie Oliver Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. You want it to have a little bite. Once done, drain and set aside.
- In a large frying pan, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add your chopped spring onions, chilies, grated carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until they begin to soften and the kitchen starts to smell inviting.
- Now comes the fun part! Slice the sausages and add them to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage meat apart as they cook. This should take around 8-10 minutes, ensuring everything is nicely browned.
- Next, add the minced garlic, fennel seeds, and dried oregano. Stir well for about a minute to release those lovely aromas. Then, pour in the chopped tomatoes along with the balsamic vinegar. Allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes. The sauce should thicken, and all the flavors will meld together beautifully.
- Once the sauce is ready, toss the cooked pasta into the sauce. Gently stir to ensure all the pasta is coated in that luscious mixture. This is where the magic happens; each piece of pasta absorbs flavor.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the torn basil leaves. Add a touch more olive oil for richness and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve it up with your shaved Parmesan on top.
- While your pasta is cooking, you can whip up the chicory salad. Toss the sliced chicory, rocket, and watercress in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, the juice of the lemon, and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently, then finish with fresh Parmesan shavings.
- For dessert, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Beat the egg, butter, ground almonds, sugar, orange zest, and juice, and vanilla until well combined. Fill the pastry cases with a layer of raspberry jam, then spoon over the almond mixture. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden. Serve with a dollop of crème fraîche and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Nutrition
Notes
- Cook Your Pasta in Salted Water: This adds essential flavor right from the start.
- Don’t Rinse the Pasta: Rinsing removes the starch that helps sauces cling.
- Use a Mix of Fresh and Dried Herbs: It gives more depth of flavor.
- Always Taste the Sauce: Adjust seasoning, acidity, and richness to suit your palate.
- Prep Ahead: You can make the sauce ahead of time, which makes weekday cooking a breeze.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
There you have it! A journey through the delightful world of Jamie Oliver pasta. This dish embodies everything I love about cooking—simplicity, flavor, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. Whether you’re preparing for a summer gathering or just a cozy dinner, this pasta pleases everyone.
With its myriad of ingredients, easy preparations, and touch of creativity, it promises to shine alongside any meal. So, grab your ingredients, fire up your stove, and let the cooking adventure begin!