When time is tight but you still want to enjoy a fresh, vibrant meal, this easy recipe for a summer pasta dinner is a game-changer. Inspired by Jamie Oliver’s incredible cooking style, this meal combines a fresh tagliatelle pasta with a zesty lemon and basil sauce, a crisp and flavorful pancetta salad, and a delightful pear tart dessert — all ready in less than 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this feast is sure to impress with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Getting Ready: The Right Mindset and Mise en Place
To nail a whole meal in under half an hour, it’s essential to get into the “30-minute meals” frame of mind. Keep your kitchen clean and organized, gather your tools — including a food processor, whipper and fine grater attachments, a sturdy chopping board with a wet cloth underneath, tongs, and good-quality oils. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and get a large pan of water boiling for your pasta. Start by heating a frying pan for your pancetta; it will crisp up quickly on high heat.
A Quick and Easy Pear Tart Dessert
Starting with dessert might sound unusual, but it’s a smart move to get those pear drop tarts in the oven early. Using store-bought pastry shells saves precious time but still delivers excellent results. Simply add a spoonful of raspberry jam (or your favorite jam variety) into each tart shell, and top with thinly sliced tinned pears — a surprisingly convenient and tasty option that saves prep time without sacrificing flavor.
Next, whip up a meringue using two egg whites with a pinch of salt to help it stiffen beautifully. Gradually add sugar while whisking until the mixture is smooth and glossy. For a lovely aromatic twist, fold in a teaspoon of vanilla paste, creating a marbled effect that looks as good as it tastes.
Top each tart with the meringue and bake until golden and bubbling. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a luscious finish to your meal.
The Star of the Show: Fresh Tagliatelle with Lemon, Basil, and Parmesan
While the tarts are baking, focus on preparing the pasta sauce. Grate 150 grams of Parmesan cheese and set most of it aside for the sauce, reserving a little for garnish. Combine the cheese with egg yolks and about six tablespoons of high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
To celebrate summer flavors, add the zest and juice of about one and a half lemons — adjusting to taste. This sauce is incredibly simple yet unique, relying on the residual heat from freshly cooked pasta to gently cook the egg yolks and cheese, resulting in a luscious, silky coating that’s bursting with brightness and richness.
Enhance the sauce with freshly smashed basil leaves, pounded in a pestle and mortar with a pinch of salt to release their aroma. This herbal green paste adds depth and a wonderful perfume to the pasta.
A Crisp Herb Salad with Pancetta and Warm Balsamic Dressing
Now, it’s time to bring some crunch and freshness to the meal with a vibrant salad. Crisp up thin slices of pancetta (or smoky bacon) in a little olive oil, adding a smashed garlic clove and a teaspoon of fennel seeds to infuse the fat with flavor. Once golden and aromatic, remove most of the excess oil and deglaze the pan with balsamic vinegar and a splash of lemon juice to create a warm, tangy dressing.
Assemble a bed of peppery watercress and rocket, then scatter sliced seedless grapes and fresh tarragon leaves for sweetness and herbal notes. Toss the salad with the pancetta and warm dressing, allowing the flavors to mingle beautifully.
Crafting Fresh Pasta Ribbons from Lasagna Sheets
If making fresh pasta from scratch seems daunting during a busy weeknight, here’s a clever shortcut: buy fresh lasagna sheets and cut them into your preferred pasta shapes. Roll the sheets into a loose ball and slice to create tagliatelle, pappardelle, or tagliolini depending on thickness. This method gives you control over the pasta size and texture without the time-consuming process of making dough from scratch.
Cook the pasta in well-seasoned boiling water and drain, reserving some cooking water. Toss the pasta gently with the lemon basil sauce, adding a splash of pasta water to achieve a silky, loose consistency that clings perfectly to the ribbons. Serve immediately, garnished with reserved Parmesan and a few whole basil leaves for a fresh finish.
Bringing It All Together: A Feast in Less Than 30 Minutes
With your pear tarts warming on the table, the salad dressed and ready, and pasta coated in a vibrant sauce, this meal is a celebration of summer flavors and quick, easy cooking. The combination of zesty pasta, crunchy pancetta salad, and sweet, warm pear tarts with meringue creates a balanced and impressive dinner that feels like a special occasion but comes together effortlessly.
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy cooking with easy recipes that don’t compromise on taste or style. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a casual dinner with friends, this pasta feast is sure to become a favorite go-to.
This article was created from the video Epic SUMMER Pasta Recipe | Dinner for 4 People In Less Than 30 Minutes with the help of AI.
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