Mafalda Pasta: A Distinctive and Tasty Recipe
Similar to little lasagna noodles, mafalda pasta, sometimes called Mafaldine or Reginette, is a ribbon-shaped pasta with ruffled edges. This elegant and versatile pasta, named for Princess Mafalda of Savoy, is ideal for robust sauces, creamy meals, and even baked pasta recipes.
We’ll make Mafalda Pasta with a rich tomato-based meat sauce in this recipe, which combines ground beef, tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs to make a hearty, delectable meal. The mafalda pasta’s ruffled borders ensure that every bite is flavourful by helping it hold onto the sauce.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mafalda pasta (Mafaldine) | 12 oz |
| Salt (for boiling water) | 1 tbsp |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
For the Sauce:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Ground beef (or Italian sausage) | 1 lb |
| Onion, diced | 1 small |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 can (14 oz) |
| Tomato sauce | 1 can (8 oz) |
| Tomato paste | 1 tbsp |
| Sugar | 1 tsp |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
| Dried basil | 1 tsp |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | ½ tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp |
For Garnish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ¼ cup |
| Fresh basil, chopped | 2 tbsp |
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
1️⃣ Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tbsp salt.
2️⃣ Add Mafalda pasta and cook according to package instructions (9–11 minutes).
3️⃣ Drain and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
4️⃣ Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
5️⃣ Add ground beef and cook for 5 minutes, breaking it apart.
6️⃣ Stir in diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.
7️⃣ Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
8️⃣ Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
9️⃣ Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
🔟 Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce.
🔟 Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan and fresh basil.
Storage & Reheating
| Storage Method | Time |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months |
| Reheat (Microwave) | 1–2 minutes with a splash of water |
| Reheat (Stovetop) | Low heat with a little broth or water |
The Reasons You’ll Adore This Recipe
A gourmet touch is added by the lovely ruffled edges of this unique pasta shape.
✔ A Thick and Filling Sauce The spaghetti is properly coated in a rich, flavourful beef sauce.
✔ Easy Ingredients – This dish is made with basic cupboard items and is both simple and impressive.
✔ Adaptable – Change the protein, add more vegetables, or make it vegetarian.
Required Ingredients
To prepare the pasta: ✔ 12 ounces of Mafalda pasta (or Mafaldine) ✔ 1 tablespoon of salt (for boiling water) ✔ 1 tablespoon of olive oil
To make the sauce: ✔ 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Ground beef (or Italian sausage) 1 pound
✔ One little sliced onion
✔ Three minced garlic cloves
✔ One 14-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
✔ One 8-ounce can of tomato sauce
One tablespoon of tomato paste
✔ 1 teaspoon sugar (for acidity balance)
✔ One teaspoon of dried oregano
One teaspoon of dried basil
✔ Half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes (For heat, optional)
A half teaspoon of salt and a half teaspoon of black pepper
As a garnish: ✔ ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese ✔ 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Detailed Directions
First, prepare the pasta.
1️⃣ Add 1 tbsp salt to a big pot of water and bring to a boil.
- Cook the Mafalda pasta as directed on the packet (typically 9–11 minutes).
To avoid sticking, drain and toss with1 tbsp olive oil.
Step 2: Get the sauce ready
4️⃣ Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5️⃣ Break up the ground beef with a spoon and sauté until browned, about 5 minutes.
6️⃣ Add diced onion and heat for 2–3 minutes until tender.
7️⃣ Saute the minced garlic for 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
Simmer the sauce in step three.
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, and stir until combined.
9️⃣ Lower the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes.
The cooked pasta should be added to the sauce and tossed to coat. 🔟 Step 4: Combine & Serve Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan and serve hot.
Savour your home-cooked Mafalda pasta with a flavourful meat sauce!
Recommended Servings
The following go well with this yummy mafalda pasta dish: 🥗 Side Salad – a crisp garden or Caesar salad. 🍞 Garlic Bread – Ideal for mopping up leftover sauce.
🍷 Wine Pairing – A glass of Sangiovese or Chianti, or another red wine.
Reheating & Storage Advice
✔ In the refrigerator: Keep for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
✔ Freezer: for up to 2 months, freeze in sections.
✔ Reheat: Warm in the microwave on low heat or in a microwave with a dash of water.
Differences & Replacements
Vegetarian Version – Substitute lentils or mushrooms for the meat. 🌶 Spicy Mafalda – Add extra red pepper flakes or chopped chilli peppers. 🧀 Cheesy Baked Version – Top with mozzarella and bake for a cheesy treat. 🍗 Different Proteins – For a variation, use chicken, turkey, or even seafood.
Concluding Reflections
A hidden gem that elevates every pasta meal is mafalda pasta. The ruffled edges retain sauces so well that each mouthful is flavourful and delightful. This recipe is likely to wow whether you’re preparing a special occasion meal or a simple weeknight dinner.
Have you ever had Mafalda Pasta before? Tell us in the comments how you prefer to enjoy it!
