Guests love to munch on a pasta bar that is filled with delicious pasta dishes, appetizers, and drinks. Host your own pasta party that guests will rave about for days to come. Mix and match popular pasta entrees so you can taste them all in one fabulous party food spread.
Have you ever gone to a party only to leave disappointed with the variety of food items offered? It’s not a good feeling! The food spread is the main attraction at many gatherings. Gather everyone for a unique and delicious pasta bar that’s not only fun to make, but enjoyable to eat.
How to make a Pasta Bar that keeps guests coming back
Select 3-5 different pasta shapes
Elbow, spaghetti, and fettuccine noodles are most popular at parties. Consider including a gluten-free pasta option.
Add sauce, vegetables, cheese and meat options
Next, add pasta sauces that compliment the pasta such as marinara, alfredo, and basil pesto flavors.
For vegetable options, consider olives, diced tomatoes, mushrooms, and spinach leaves.
Meat is a great option to include in a pasta bar for those who enjoy more protein in their dishes. Include bacon, diced ham, ground beef, and grilled chicken.
Don’t forget to include a spread of cheeses such as Parmesan and mozzarella.
Include side items
Caesar salad shooters made in clear cups are the perfect addition to any pasta bar. Garlic bread and/or breadsticks are great to include as well as wine, tea, and water.
Decorate
The next step is to select a party scheme and get to decorating. This is where you can let your creative side shine. For my pasta bar, I went with gold, white and pink colors. I added a letterboard to display a funny pasta joke. I added balloons, chalkboard labels, and white/gold food tents.
Use a festive tablecloth and tie ribbons to a string to the front of the bar. I included wine corks and dollies in this tablescape.
Don’t forget to send your guests home with to-go boxes because a little pasta can go a long way. However, don’t be shocked if you don’t have any leftovers, it’s simply too good to pass up!
Your friends will thank you for all the time and effort you put into hosting the perfect gathering!
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Linda says
How do you keep the “naked” pasta from sticking together?
Michelle Hancock says
I pour some olive oil on it to keep it from sticking!
Ashley says
Are the mushrooms cooked or raw ?
Ashley says
Also, would you serve the food warm or cold ??
Michelle Hancock says
Ashley, I would use chafing dish burners and pour some olive oil on the pasta to keep it from sticking. The mushrooms should be cooked for the pasta, but if it’s for a salad you could go raw.
Jasmine says
Does the plain pasta get dried or hard after adding the oil and having it sit on the burners?
Michelle Hancock says
If the olive oil is placed on it evenly it should not stick. (In my experience) 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Ethel says
Great ideas! I especially like the “Impasta”. Where did you get the bowls with the holder?
Michelle Hancock says
Thank you! I wish I knew – it was a wedding gift many years ago! If I find out I will reach back out!
Krissy says
This was so helpful! Thank you!