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    Home » Pasta

    DIY Pasta Bar

    Updated: Oct 20, 2022 · Published: Sep 2, 2021 · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe
    build your own pasta stations

    Throw together this DIY Pasta Bar for a weeknight dinner or fancy get-together. Build your own pasta station and load it up with fun toppings! This is a fun way to serve up a variety of pasta recipes, so each person can dress their own plate of pasta.

    close up top view of diy pasta bar components
    In this Article:
    • How to Make DIY Pasta Bar 
    • Tips & Tricks for a DIY Pasta Bar 
    • Variations to DIY Pasta Bar 
    • DIY Pasta Bar FAQs
    • More Tasty Ideas
    • Recipe

    With a pasta bar, you can serve a variety of meats, veggies, cheeses, sauces, and pastas all in one meal! I know it seems like a lot, but trust me—this fun pasta dinner is perfect.

    To round out your meal, you can serve your pasta bar alongside some tasty soup or a delicious, refreshing salad. And don't forget a yummy bread on the side!

    This DIY Pasta Bar recipe is...

    • Great for serving guests or family 
    • Easily made gluten-free (use gluten-free pasta) 
    • A fun party food 
    • Versatile

    How to Make DIY Pasta Bar 

    full view of diy pasta bar
    1. Cook your pastas. Toss each variety in oil and place in their own bowls. 
    2. Place varieties of sauces, cheeses, meats, and veggies in their own bowls. 
    3. Place all the bowls on a table or bar. Let each person serve themselves. 

    That's it - instant pasta party!

    Tips & Tricks for a DIY Pasta Bar 

    Pasta 

    Make sure to cook your pasta as directed on the package - they all have slightly different directions. When your pasta is cooked al dente, remove from heat, drain, and lightly toss the pasta in olive oil. This will prevent the cooked pasta from sticking together. 

    To maximize the fun at your pasta bar, serve up a variety of pasta shapes so everyone can choose their favorite or mix-and-match!

    Sauces 

    For my pasta bar, I used a variety of sauces: pesto, marinara, a simple meat sauce, creamy alfredo, etc. You'll want to have at least 2-3 choices on the pasta bar.

    If you want to get fancy, you can use mini slow cookers or roasters to keep your sauces warm on the buffet. I find that warm sauces taste better, but you could always just serve your sauces at room temperature too. 

    If you want to make your own homemade pasta sauces, check out these sauce recipes:

    • Easy Meat Sauce for Pasta
    • Healthyish Creamy Pasta Sauce
    • Easy Homemade Basil Pesto
    • Simple Homemade Tomato Sauce

    Prep Tips

    If you are running short on time, you can prep the veggies and meats in advance. You can choose whether you want to serve them warm or cold for maximum convenience.

    If you want to cook your veggies, wait until the day you are serving the pasta bar so they taste fresh. You can prep your veggies ahead of time by cutting them up and gathering any seasonings beforehand.

    Variations to DIY Pasta Bar 

    closer top view of bowls of components for diy pasta bar

    Gluten-Free Pasta 

    If you can't have gluten, just cook up some gluten-free noodles for your pasta bar. This is a simple swap! Just cook your gluten-free noodles as directed on the package. I'm a fan of these Banza Chickpea Pastas!

    Low-Carb Option 

    Want a pasta bar but without all the carbs? Consider offering your guests spaghetti squash and zoodles (zucchini noodles) as the pasta in the pasta bar.

    Veggie noodles are not only healthier, but also often more flavorful and unique than traditional pasta! They're also gluten-free.

    Learn all about zoodles over here!

    DIY Pasta Bar FAQs

    What is a pasta bar? 

    A pasta bar is like a pasta buffet with lots of toppings to choose from. It's a creative way to ensure each person can enjoy a pasta dish that he or she loves!

    Leave all the items spread out in dishes and let each person assemble their own plate of pasta. 

    What should I serve with a pasta bar? 

    Breadsticks and salad are always great options to pair with pasta. I love serving both, but you could choose one or the other, whip up some garlic bread, or try something completely different!

    More Tasty Ideas

    If you love this DIY pasta bar, check out these other delicious ideas too:

    • Hot Chocolate Charcuterie Board (perfect dessert for your pasta bar!)
    • Easy Lobster Alfredo
    • Healthy Meat Balls
    • More Pasta Recipes!

    Recipe

    build your own pasta stations

    DIY Pasta Bar

    All She Cooks
    Throw together this DIY Pasta Bar for a weeknight dinner or fancy get-together. Build your own pasta station with fun toppings!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Main Course, Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 servings
    Calories 456 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • variety of pasta types cooked and tossed in olive oil
    • variety of pasta sauces such as pesto, cheese, marinara, alfredo, etc.; warmed
    • variety of cheeses parmesan, cheddar, mozzarella, etc.
    • variety of meats beef with onions, sausage, shredded chicken; cooked
    • variety of vegetables spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, broccoli; steamed or raw

    Adjust the amounts to suit the number of guests and personal preferences.

      Instructions
       

      • Place all prepared ingredients in separate bowls. Set bowls in the middle of the table, on an island or bar, or on a serving tray.
      • Provide each family member or guest with a plate and silverware. Then allow them to create and enjoy their own perfect, personalized pasta bowls!
        build your own pasta stations

      Nutrition

      Calories: 456kcal
      Keyword build your own pasta bar, how to host a pasta bar, pasta bar, pasta stations
      Grab your Free Meal Planner!Use our free printable meal planner to plan your meals, keep your grocery list, and more.

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      Nicole is a recipe developer, food photographer, and published cookbook author. At All She Cooks, she shares simple recipes to make every day a little bit more delicious. About Us →


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