Build Your Own Pasta Bar

Pasta Bar is a great meal to prepare for a large family gathering or a weeknight dinner. It is a fun way to serve a variety of pasta and sauces.

DIY Pasta Bar:

We love hosting family and friends for the big game and this DIY Pasta Bar is a great meal to prepare. Making a pasta station allows everyone to choose their favorite pasta and toppings.

There are a variety of pasta, sauces and toppings you can include in your pasta bar. We also like to add a selection of garlic bread and a big green salad. Letting everyone choose their pasta plate makes for a crowd pleasing meal.

What do you Serve at a Pasta Bar?

A pasta bar can include many different things. Make sure to have a variety of these options to please everyone.

• Variety of Pasta Shapes and Gluten Free Options
• Pasta Sauces
• Toppings
• Garlic Bread
• Salad – Garden Salad and Caesar Salad

Ingredients: 

Pasta Ingredients:

• Spaghetti (cooked to al dente) 
• Rigatoni Pasta (cooked to al dente) 
• Rotini (cooked to al dente) 
• Cavatappi (cooked to al dente)  

Sauce Ingredients:

• Marinara Sauce (store bought or homemade) 
• Alfredo Sauce (store bought or homemade) 
• Pesto Sauce (store bought or homemade) 

Topping Ingredients:

• Chicken (diced and cooked) 
• Pepperoni (diced) 
• Tomatoes (diced) 
• Parmesan Cheese (grated) 
• Fresh Parmesan Cheese (shredded)
• Fresh Basil (chopped) 

How to Prepare a Pasta Bar: 

• Step 1 – Prepare all the pastas based on the package instructions to al dente and toss gently with a small amount of olive oil to keep them from sticking together. 
• Step 2 – Place each type of pasta in a large serving bowl. 
• Step 3 – Heat each of the sauces based on your preference and pour in separate serving bowls as well. 
• Step 4 – Then place the chicken, pepperoni and all the other toppings in individual serving bowls. 
• Step 5 – Place a serving spoon in each bowl and spread them out on a table for easy access. 
• Step 6 – Then the pasta bar is ready for everyone to create their own favorite pasta dishes and enjoy.

Pasta Bar Ideas:

There are many ways to make a Pasta Party fun and festive.

• Pasta Bowls – We like to create dimension on the pasta bar by using different types of bowls.
• Add Color – We like to create pintable’s to label the pasta, sauces and toppings. This way there is no confusion what everything is. Add some greenery and pops of color to make the pasta bar fun.

How do you Keep Pasta Bar Fresh?

To make sure your pasta bar stays fresh throughout the party, drain and rinse the pasta thoroughly. Toss the pasta with olive oil which prevents the pasta from sticking.

Continually stir the pasta throughout the party which helps to keep the pasta fresh.

What Sauces to Serve on a Pasta Bar?

Hosting a pasta bar party is fun way to gathering friends and family together. Having different sauces helps to create a pasta bar that everyone will love. These are some of our favorites.

• Meat Sauce
• Alfredo Sauce
• Basil Pesto Sauce
• Garlic Butter Sauce

You can easily heat your sauces on the stove top or keep them warm in a slow cooker.

Topping Ideas:

You can easily add in your favorite toppings to make this pasta bar your own.  

• Grated Parmesan Cheese
• Meatballs
• Sausage
• Grilled Chicken
• Fresh Basil
• Vegetables

Tips for The Best Pasta Bar:

• Cooking Pasta – Cook pasta according to the package and al dente. Since you are cooking a variety of pasta, cooking times may change. Once cooked, rinse and drain pasta. Then toss with extra virgin olive oil to prevent from sticking.
• Pasta Variations – Make sure you serve a variety of pasta. We like to include different shapes and gluten free pasta options. Mix and match pasta to please your guest.
• Sauces Variations – There are many great options when preparing your sauces. We always have a meat sauce and alfredo sauce option. But I also like to serve a pesto sauce.
• Make Ahead – You can easily prepare this pasta bar ahead of time. Prepare your sauces and toppings then refrigerate. Then on the day of the party, reheat and serve.

Variations:

• Gluten Free Pasta – There are many gluten free options now at the stores. They will be marked and a great option to serve on your pasta bar.
• Low Carb Pasta – Depending on the crowd, I like to make spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles.
• Sauces – Make sure to have an option of just a garlic butter sauce.

How to Store Leftovers:

Store you leftover pasta, sauces, and topping in separate containers. Then store in the refrigerator for an easy meal to serve again. Make sure to serve within about 4 days.

Print Recipe for Pasta Bar:

More easy Party food ideas:

• Easy Nacho Bar Recipe
• How to Make Tail Mix
• Build your own Pizza