Pasta Party! Italian Themed Dinner Ideas & Recipes (2024)

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My family LOVES pasta, I mean really LOVESit! I make pasta at least once a week, sometimes more often if my oldest son is having a varsity swim meet. He needs the extra boost of energy to beat his time in the 500 relay. So, when Ineed an easy way to feed the family after a long day at work, I will pop somepasta in the oven. You know, for those days where you have to stop at the store on the way home from work, grab a trunk full of groceries, unload and put the groceries away…then don’t have time to make a full meal from scratch?Ya, those days (please tell me you can relate)!

I also turn to pasta for our parties. It’s fills everyone up, it’seasy to serve and I haven’t met a person yet that doesn’t love pasta!

My little man loves pasta so much that we had a little Pasta Party! This kid would literally try to eat his weight in macaroni and cheese and lasagna if I let him, can you see his excitement?Today, I’msharing how you can host a Pasta Party with STOUFFER’S® Lasagna and STOUFFER’S® Mac & Cheese in family and party sizes!

How to Host a Pasta Party

Set the Stage:

Of course you don’t need a little chef, but it sure adds extra fun! My little man played the part with a simple napkin handkerchief, chef hat and a drawn in mustache! ItalianRestaurant themed decor such as an open sign, marquee letters and table settings set the mood. Red & White checkered tablecloths bring a taste of the traditionalItalian Restaurantin your home as well as some sunflowers and a little candle for a centerpiece. I set out my chalkboard chargers and wrote in some pasta related words for fun. I folded some napkins, restaurant style and placed them on the plates for our guests. I added checkered straws to milk glasses and borrowed a set of Italian chef figurines from my Mom for the table. I also hung a tissue banner andadded some flowers in a vase of macaroni, it is a pasta party after-all!

The Food:

Serving several guests is a cinch withthe family and party size portions from STOUFFER’S®, I served Lasagna with Meat and Sauce, Meat Lovers Lasagna and Mac & Cheese. I love that the Lasagna with Meat and Sauce is made with real mozzarella and the Mac & Cheese is made with real cheddar. My oldest loves the Meat Lovers Lasagna made with Italian sausage, ground beef and pepperoni. I also made an easy Antipasto salad and Capresesalad as well as fresh garlic bread. I served Pizzelles (Italian Waffle Cookies)sprinkled with powdered sugar for dessert. Party food is always more fun in individual party cups, I served the Antipasto salad and Mac & Cheese in checkered cups with mini forks.

Easy Antipasto Salad Recipe

What you will need:

• Lettuce or Spinach
• Tomatoes
• Chopped Onion
• Olives
• Zucchini
• Salami
• Provolone Cheese
• Pepperoncinis (optional)
• Artichokes (optional)
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Antipasto salad is so easy and delicious! Simply chop all the veggies and cut the salami and cheese in strips. I like to keep my olives whole, but you can slice them as well. Toss them atop a bed of greens and add pepperoncinis and artichokes. Add some Italian dressing and you’re good to go!

My kids love this salad and it’s a great way for them to eat their spinach (they prefer spinach over lettuce)!

Caprese Salad

What you will need:

• Tomatoes (sliced)
• Fresh Mozzarella
• Fresh Basil
• Italian herb seasoning
• Olive Oil
• Balsamic Vinegar
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Fresh mozzarella often comes already sliced in the package, simple layer the sliced tomatoes, basil and mozzarella slices on a platter. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and Italian herb seasoning.

Top witholive oil and balsamic vinegar before serving and that’s it! Fresh Caprese Salad! Doesn’t it look delicious? It’s so refreshing too!

You can findSTOUFFER’S® Lasagna and STOUFFER’S® Mac & Cheese in family and party size portions at Walmart in the Frozen Food Aisle. As well as all the produce you need to make the salads. Don’t forget the bread! You can stock up and save on STOUFFER’S with the current Ibottaoffer;Buy two family size or bigger 28 oz., earn $2.00!

And there you have it! Everything you need to host your very own Pasta Party! Don’t forget to head to Walmart for all your party planning needs and stock up onSTOUFFER’S® Lasagna and STOUFFER’S® Mac & Cheese!

Happy Party Planning!

Ciao!