In Italy, the midday meal, or il pranzo, is traditionally the biggest and most substantial meal of the day. Naturally, it almost always involves a plate of pasta, generally served as a first course to be followed by a second hot meal of protein and vegetables.
Pasta for lunch makes a lot of sense. A dose of carbs partway through your day to keep you going full steam ahead. The hit of dietary fibre that pasta provides can also be useful for, um, steaming in other ways.
However, the best thing about pasta for lunch has got to be the way eating a 'proper meal' forces us to slow down and take a moment to really enjoy our midday repast(a). Pasta needs preparation, it needs cooking time (though only a little - lunch is not the time for baked or slow-cooked dishes) and it needs cutlery. It's basically an exercise in mindfulness and guaranteed to fuel your soul as well as your tum.
Eating a 'proper meal' forces us to slow down and take a moment to really enjoy our midday repast(a).
Each of these pasta recipes is quick to make and delightful to eat. It's definitely time for a midday conference with your inner Italian.
Unbeatable with a good dash of pecorino and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Source: One-pot puttanesca (Wok Vs Pot)
Dry white wine flavours this dish, but don't worry, the alcohol evaporates in the cooking. Source: Wok Vs Pot with Marion and Silvia
Nduja pork sausage is a traditional Calabrian ingredient that cooks down into the sauce. Source: Bonacini's Italy
Garlic prawn pasta for lunch means you're having a really good day. Source: Donna Hay: Fast, Fresh, Simple
On second thoughts, there's nothing mean about this pesto. It's actually very nice indeed. Source: Donna Hay
Small pasta shapes like orecchiette concentrate the sauce-to-pasta ratio in a dish, enhancing the flavour. Source: China Squirrel
It’s unlikely that mac and cheese will ever be considered a health food, but this version comes pretty close. Source: China Squirrel
Coma sounds good, thanks
Beany mac and cheese
Tuna, lemon, parsley and leftover bread combine to create the kind of lunch you'll spend the afternoon reminiscing over. Source: SBS Food
Bucatini is the spaghetti with the hole in the middle, which makes it quick to cook and fun to slurp. Source: David Loftus
Chilli loves pasta
Prawn and chilli pasta
Don’t be put off by the sardines – they soften in flavour as they cook and provide a lovely back note to the spices and herbs. Source: Alan Benson
Mangia mangia
Red lentil penne with Sicilian pesto
