Big Rig Pasta | Oregano's Copycat Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What seasoning is good for pasta? ›

Fresh or dried herbs will also add flavor to pasta dishes.

"I use a lot of parsley, either fresh or even dried," Montillo said. "Oregano, garlic powder, onion flakes, black pepper all work well in a variety of sauces."

Fresh herbs add so much flavor to a dish. In this recipe, basil, oregano, chives, thyme and parsley turn a normal bowl of penne pasta into an extraordinary main dish meal.

It can be used fresh, but its aroma is stronger when dried. Oregano loses its flavour during the cooking process, so it is best to add it at the end. The recipe: although oregano goes great with most pasta recipes, one of the most popular ones is macaroni with tomato and oregano.

This is the time to add a final hit of black pepper, grated cheese and a splash of acidity – red or white wine vinegar or lemon juice to brighten up the flavour. I often stir some chopped basil, parsley, rocket (arugula) or watercress through once the pan is off the heat. The heat of the pasta will wilt it.

But sauce isn't the only option you can turn to — cooking your pasta in milk can give your dish a uniquely luscious, creamy texture. Mac and cheese is a prime example of a dish you can try this with, as the water-to-milk swap creates a more efficient cooking process with a richer sauce.

Here are some simple tips to enhance the taste of dry pasta: Add salt to the cooking water: While boiling the pasta, add a generous amount of salt to the water. This will help season the pasta from within, making it taste better. Use a flavorful sauce: A delicious sauce can elevate the taste of the pasta.

Herbs: Add flecks of flavor with few tablespoons of finely minced fresh herbs like rosemary or sage. For a bolder green color and flavor, use a purée of soft herbs like basil or parsley. Peppers: Add a couple of roasted and puréed red bell peppers for a pretty orange-red color and subtly sweet flavor.

Do Italians use oregano in pasta sauce? ›

Ironically, oregano is not as commonly used in Italian cooking as other herbs, such as parsley or basil. Oregano is more flavorful in its dried form and is used more commonly in southern Italian and Sicilian dishes.

Season your sauce properly for the best results

You can also choose to go the fresh basil route, but you'll want to pair it with fresh oregano, too. Just make sure to add plenty more fresh herbs than you would dried, since the drying process packs more flavor into the herbs.

Oregano is highly aromatic and has a strong flavor that's both earthy and minty. Oregano is traditionally used in Southern Italian and Sicilian cooking, including in the likes of succulent grilled fish and tomato-based pasta sauces. It's also great sprinkled on pizza.

Cheese is an excellent way to add flavor to your pasta without having to rely on sauce. Try mixing your angel hair pasta with goat cheese, and toss in sun-dried tomatoes to make an amazing meal with just a few ingredients. Garlic butter is a terrific way to season all types of noodles.

Add salt to the boiling water: Season the water generously with salt before cooking the pasta to enhance its flavor. Make a flavorful sauce: Create a delicious sauce using fresh ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, onions, herbs, and spices. Incorporate cheese: Grate some Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese on top of your.