Paccheri is a type of pasta originating from the Campania region of Italy, particularly from Gragnano, a city famous for its pasta production. The name “paccheri” comes from the Neapolitan word “paccharia,” meaning “slap,” which refers to the sound the pasta makes when slapped against a surface. This pasta is characterized by its large, tube-like shape and its ability to hold substantial sauces.
The history of paccheri dates back to the 16th century when it was initially handmade and later produced using bronze die extrusion methods. Originally considered a peasant food due to its simple ingredients and easy preparation, paccheri has since become a staple in Italian cuisine and is now enjoyed globally. Paccheri holds cultural importance in Italy, especially in Campania, where it features in traditional dishes such as paccheri with ragu or paccheri alla Genovese.
The pasta’s unique shape and capacity to hold robust sauces make it popular among chefs and home cooks. Paccheri’s versatility allows it to be paired with seafood, meat, or vegetables, cementing its place in Italian culinary tradition.
Key Takeaways
- Paccheri is a traditional Italian pasta shape with a rich history and cultural significance.
- Create a simple and delicious pasta dish by pairing paccheri with a homemade tomato sauce.
- Explore a flavorful recipe that combines paccheri with a variety of fresh seafood, such as shrimp, mussels, and clams.
- Indulge in a rich and creamy pasta dish featuring paccheri and a decadent cheese sauce.
- Discover a unique and satisfying recipe that incorporates paccheri as a vessel for a savory ricotta and spinach filling.
Paccheri with Classic Tomato Sauce
Ingredients and Preparation
To create this dish, you will need the following ingredients: paccheri pasta, ripe tomatoes, garlic, onion, olive oil, fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Start by boiling the paccheri in a large pot of salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Homemade Tomato Sauce
In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic and diced onion until fragrant and translucent. Add chopped ripe tomatoes to the pan and cook until they break down and release their juices. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in freshly torn basil leaves.
Serving and Enjoying
Toss the cooked paccheri with the homemade tomato sauce until well coated, then serve hot with a garnish of fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This classic paccheri with tomato sauce is a timeless Italian dish that showcases the pasta’s ability to hold and complement the flavors of a simple yet flavorful sauce.
Paccheri with Seafood
For a flavorful recipe that pairs paccheri with a variety of fresh seafood, such as shrimp, mussels, and clams, gather the following ingredients: paccheri pasta, shrimp, mussels, clams, garlic, white wine, cherry tomatoes, parsley, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Begin by boiling the paccheri in a large pot of salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside. In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Add the seafood to the pan and cook until the shrimp are pink and the mussels and clams have opened. Deglaze the pan with white wine and add halved cherry tomatoes, then simmer until the tomatoes are softened. Toss the cooked paccheri with the seafood mixture until well combined, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
This paccheri with seafood dish is a delightful way to showcase the pasta’s ability to pair with a variety of fresh and flavorful ingredients.
Paccheri with Creamy Cheese Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paccheri pasta | 250g |
| Cheese (Parmesan, Gorgonzola, etc.) | 200g |
| Heavy cream | 250ml |
| Butter | 50g |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Indulge in a rich and creamy pasta dish featuring paccheri and a decadent cheese sauce by gathering the following ingredients: paccheri pasta, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Gorgonzola cheese, butter, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Begin by boiling the paccheri in a large pot of salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside. In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in grated Parmesan cheese and crumbled Gorgonzola cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss the cooked paccheri with the creamy cheese sauce until well coated, then serve hot with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
This paccheri with creamy cheese sauce is a luxurious and indulgent dish that highlights the pasta’s ability to pair with rich and velvety sauces.
Paccheri Stuffed with Ricotta and Spinach
Discover a unique and satisfying recipe that incorporates paccheri as a vessel for a savory ricotta and spinach filling by gathering the following ingredients: paccheri pasta, ricotta cheese, spinach, egg, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, garlic, marinara sauce, salt, and pepper. Begin by boiling the paccheri in a large pot of salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, beaten egg, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Carefully stuff each cooked paccheri tube with the ricotta and spinach filling. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish, then arrange the stuffed paccheri on top.
Cover the pasta with additional marinara sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Bake in the oven until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown. This paccheri stuffed with ricotta and spinach is a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes that showcases the pasta’s versatility as a vessel for delicious fillings.
Paccheri with Pesto and Roasted Vegetables
Ingredients and Preparation
To create this dish, gather the following ingredients: paccheri pasta, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, pine nuts, basil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Begin by boiling the paccheri in a large pot of salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Roasting the Vegetables
In a mixing bowl, toss cherry tomatoes, sliced zucchini, diced bell peppers, and red onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast in the oven until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
Creating the Pesto Sauce and Assembly
In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a vibrant pesto sauce. Toss the cooked paccheri with the homemade pesto and roasted vegetables until well combined. This paccheri with pesto and roasted vegetables is a colorful and flavorful dish that highlights the pasta’s ability to pair with fresh and seasonal ingredients.
Paccheri with Sausage and Peppers
Enjoy a hearty and comforting pasta dish that features paccheri alongside savory Italian sausage and colorful bell peppers by gathering the following ingredients: paccheri pasta, Italian sausage, bell peppers (red and yellow), onion, garlic, tomato paste, chicken broth, red pepper flakes, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Begin by boiling the paccheri in a large pot of salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside. In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté sliced Italian sausage until browned.
Add sliced bell peppers and diced onion to the pan and cook until they are softened. Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste before deglazing the pan with chicken broth. Season the sausage and peppers mixture with red pepper flakes for a touch of heat as well as salt and pepper to taste.
Toss the cooked paccheri with the sausage and peppers mixture until well combined. This paccheri with sausage and peppers is a comforting and satisfying dish that showcases the pasta’s ability to pair with bold flavors and hearty ingredients. In conclusion, paccheri is a versatile pasta shape that has deep roots in Italian culinary tradition.
Whether it’s paired with classic tomato sauce or indulgent creamy cheese sauce or used as a vessel for savory fillings or vibrant pesto and roasted vegetables or hearty sausage and peppers, paccheri shines as a delicious canvas for an array of flavors. Its large tube-like structure makes it perfect for holding robust sauces or flavorful fillings while its cultural significance in Italy solidifies its place as an iconic pasta shape in Italian cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal or an elegant dish to impress guests at your next dinner party, paccheri is sure to delight your taste buds with its delicious versatility.
If you’re looking for more delicious pasta recipes, be sure to check out Speaking of Sauce’s article on the best homemade pasta sauces to pair with paccheri. From classic marinara to creamy alfredo, there’s a sauce for every palate to complement this hearty pasta shape. Speaking of Sauce has all the tips and tricks you need to elevate your paccheri dishes to the next level.
FAQs
What are paccheri?
Paccheri are large, tube-shaped pasta that originated in the Campania region of Italy. They are typically smooth and have a wide diameter, making them perfect for holding chunky sauces and fillings.
How do you cook paccheri?
To cook paccheri, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the paccheri and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the pasta and toss with your desired sauce or ingredients.
What are some popular paccheri recipes?
Some popular paccheri recipes include paccheri with seafood, paccheri with ragu, paccheri with sausage and broccoli, and paccheri with creamy mushroom sauce. Paccheri can also be used in baked pasta dishes like paccheri al forno.
Can paccheri be used in place of other pasta shapes?
Yes, paccheri can be used in place of other pasta shapes in most recipes. However, due to their large size, they are best suited for hearty sauces and fillings that can cling to and fill the tubes.
Where can I buy paccheri?
Paccheri can be found in Italian specialty stores, gourmet food shops, and some well-stocked supermarkets. They are also available for purchase online through various retailers.
