Pasta Plating Ideas

Have you ever wondered how the food stylist and chefs plate their pasta to look so attractive?  You only need to know the process of pasta plating and the tools required to make the pasta attractive. Next time use these tricks to plate your pasta at the comfort of your house.

What is Food Plating?

You may be wondering what food plating is. It means an appealing way of serving food on the plate. Most food stylish plate food can be cooked well to perfection and taste delicious, but they look unappealing to the eyes. The 3 main features of plating are the food, plate, and food arrangement.

Why is Pasta Plating Necessary?

Pasta plating is vital to accompany your meal. The appearance of the pasta is also important for the taste. Food stylists say for most people to crave a specific meal, it needs to be presentable. People tend to focus on how the pasta is presented on the plate and think it is more delicious. Here are reasons why pasta plating is essential:

• It improves creativity
• Enhances the dining experience
• It adds appetite
• It makes the pasta taste better
• It leads to a good reputation

Serving Pasta: Bowl Vs. Plate

When it comes to serving pasta, you can either use a bowl or a plate. A bowl tends to create more substantial pasta plating since it elevates the food to enhance its appearance. The bowl shape can help you to nest your pasta into an appealing mountain. You can also add garnish on top to have attractive plating.

On the other hand, a plate allows you to be flexible for different menus. You can also create nice pasta plating on the plate. You should consider an irregular plate or one with an attractive color or design. You can also use wide oval plates for your pasta presentation but avoid round and flat plates to prevent it from spreading out.

How to Plate Pasta

Long Pasta Twirl

It is one of the ordinary pasta pasting styles, and you need to use a fork or twirl it in the pot to create this beautiful twirl. The style is best for pappardelle, spaghetti, linguine, and fettuccini pasta.

Use of twirling Fork

You can use a twirling fork to roll, lift and arrange slippery the cooked pasta nicely on a bowl or a plate at the center.  In case you don’t have the fork, you can use the regular serving fork.

Twirl the pasta in the pot

Twirl the pasta in the pan, then transfer it to the dish; it keeps the shape and doesn’t spread or drip sauce all over the plate.

How to Twirl Pasta Step By Step

You will need

• Twirling fork
• A pair of tong
• Soup ladle

Step 1: tossing the pasta in a pot with sauce

When the pasta is fully cooked, put it in a pan with sauce and soak for some minutes.

Step 2: Twirl up the pasta.

Next, insert the twirling fork into the pan and twirl up a large amount of pasta to prevent it from falling off.

Step 3: placing the pasta on the bowl

Now place the wrapped pasta on the fork gently on the plate to prevent breaking the strands.

Step 4: Repeat until all the pasta has been plated.

Step 5: now garnish and serve

Short Pasta Switch

You may think it is not possible to plate short pasta. However, there are many tricks to enhance the short pasta. You need to use a mold to hold the pasta together on the plate. It is best for penne, bowtie, fusilloni, ziti and rigatoni.

 You will need:

• A round cutter
• Tin can
• A slotted spoon

Step 1:  use your cookie cutter or cut both ends off of the tin.

Step 2: Place the cookie cutter or pan in the center of the plate and pour the pasta into the pan with the slotted spoon.

Step 3: press down, compacting the pasta.

Step 4: Remove the pasta after it is fully packed, leaving the pasta on a plate. It creates an appealing style for your short pasta.

Take Note: To prevent the sauce from dripping on the plate, fold up a piece of paper or towel next to your plate.

Baked Pasta plates

You will be pleased to see the clean edges of your baked pasta. It only requires the right tools when plating your pasta to achieve an appealing meal. It works best for macaroni, lasagna, ziti, and penne.

You will require

• Plastic ruler, a knife, and a thin spatula
• Large square cutter and a thin spatula

Method 1

Place the baked pasta in a tray and use a ruler to make evenly spaced cuts. Carefully remove the pieces using a thin spatula to a plate.

Method 2

Press your baked pasta into the large cutter and use a spatula to remove your pasta. Place it at the center of the plate and gently make cuts in between the portions.

Stuffed Pasta Plating

This style makes the plates remain clean. It works significantly on manicotti and conchiglioni

You will need

• Parchment paper
• Slotted spoon

Step 1: use parchment paper to line the outer edges of the plate. Next, cut a square to place the stuffed pasta in the center.

Step 2: Now remove your stuffed pasta with a slotted spoon and place it in the center of the plate.

Step 3: gently remove the parchment, taking all the drips.

Pasta Plating Tips

1. Pasta plate

Use a white porcelain plate to serve the plated pasta so that you can notice the pasta and sauce vibrancy. The plate should be wide with a flat bottom to keep the pasta in place and warm.

2. Garnishing

It is one of the standard techniques in cooking. You sprinkle a lemon wedge, fresh herbs, or diced pepper to add beauty.

3. Keep a portion to be served in a serving dish.

Present the dish with the pasta in some of the water used when boiling it. Next, use a twirling fork to make twirls of pasta after placing it on the serving plate.

4. Use a serrated knife to cut portions of the pasta.

For baked pasta, use a serrated knife to cut into portions so that it can remain intact. Then use a spatula to lift the pieces from the bottom.

5. Do not overcrowd the plate with pasta.

When serving the pasta, ensure there is room for the color to shine out. This will bring a gentle touch to the table.

How to Improve your Pasta Plating Skills

• Pick the right plate

You need to choose the right plate or bowl for your pasta and ensure you don’t serve big pieces. This makes the pasta you are plating stand out.

• Play with colors

Add colors to the pasta to attract people and give good energy.

• Place everything in place.

It is important to place everything gently. You can use diced peppers, herbs, and lemon zest to add more beauty to the plate. Besides, you can add edible flowers to create a perfect appearance.

• Set the table properly

Keep in mind your table setting because it makes everything look good.

• Keep time

Serve the pasta while warm. Don’t take much time decorating it. It is vital to inform the visitors of the time the pasta will take to be served.

• Widen your plating ideas

Play with texture, shape, colors, and heights to widen your plating ideas.

Wrapping Up

Pasta plating doesn’t only make it taste better, but it is also a great and fun way to showcase your pasta creation to your family and friends. They will enjoy the meal since the presentation is appealing and attractive to the eyes.