Name: Savory Charcuterie Pasta Board Tutorial
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz. penne pasta; 1 cup alfredo sauce; 1 cup marinara sauce; 1/2 cup parmesan; 1/2 cup pecorino; 1 cup baby spinach; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes; 1 cup grilled chicken; 1 cup ground beef

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Some nights are just perfect for pasta, but what about turning that pasta night into a fun food adventure? This savory charcuterie board idea is brilliant! A DIY pasta board can turn a boring pasta night into a delicious and fun way to serve dinner. No matter what type of pasta or sauce you like, this is a perfect choice to turn into a foodie adventure!

Pasta Board Tutorial

Charcuterie boards are always popular and fun to make. They can be a great choice for any weeknight meal, but can also be used at parties or events.

I have made a hot cocoa charcuterie board, a dessert charcuterie board, and even shared how to make meat roses for charcuterie boards. They are, definitely, a favorite way to serve food. But, pasta? Yes! It's a great way to make this a fun meal idea!

What Pasta is Best for This?

One of the reasons pasta is so popular is that there are so many different options available. I love a good basic spaghetti, but that doesn't mean it's the only option you can use when serving pasta. As shown, a nice penne is great for this, and I believe that smaller pasta works best for this type of charcuterie board. They are easier to serve and don't stick together as much as others.

Some ideas to use for pasta on your board:

Penne
Farfalle
Tortellini or ravioli
Radiatori
Campanelle
Fusilli
Shells or orecchiette
Potato gnocchi or homemade cauliflower gnocchi
Zoodles (squash or zucchini)

While it's not always great for a board like this, you may also want to check out these delicious homemade egg noodles. They are seriously delicious and easy to prepare, plus they go well with tons of different flavors.

What Sauces Should I Add?

The sauce is what makes the pasta. Sometimes going traditional is best, but other times, you really want something unique. For this pasta board, you can add any type of sauce you want. I like going with traditional when serving guests, so I know it's something most will enjoy. However, depending upon the audience, I will get a little more creative.

Some classic options to consider:

Homemade pasta sauce
Meat bolognese sauce
Pesto
Alfredo sauce
Vodka sauce
Brown butter with fresh herbs
Basic diced tomatoes or tomato sauce with herbs on the side

You can add anything you want in bowls on this board that is from a jar, can, or homemade. If going with very simple flavors, I recommend adding some fresh herbs, garlic, or similar items on the side to mix in with your choice of pasta.

What Vegetables Go on a Pasta Board?

Even if you are a plain pasta kind of person, it's a good idea to add some veggies for others to choose from. On this board, we added broccoli, some peppers and onions, and tomatoes. All are classics, but there are others that are delicious. Below are some ideas you can roast, steam, or fry to add texture and flavor to your pasta bowl.

Bell peppers, chile peppers, pepperoncini's, or jalapeno peppers
Red, yellow, white, green, or pearl onions
MushroomsPecarino
Sundried tomatoes
Asparagus spears
Zucchini or squash
Cauliflower or broccoli
Spinach or kale

Alongside the vegetables, you should also add some fresh herbs. Basil, thyme, rosemary, and parsley are all common options to tear apart or chop and add to the board to mix into the pasta.

What Meats Can I Add to a Pasta Board?

Any and all meats or even meat substitutes can be used in a pasta board. Just make sure they are cooked and seasoned. Basic Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic are classics, but you can season however you prefer.

Ground beef, turkey, chicken, or pork.
Hot, mild, or sweet Italian sausages.
Grilled, shredded, roasted, or fried chicken breasts and thighs.
Clams, oysters, salmon, or shrimp.
Any preferred meat substitutes.

What Cheeses Go on a Pasta Board?

You can add any cheese you want to your pasta board. Think about the combinations your family or guests might want to create. Some common choices are below.

Parmesan
Asiago
Pecorino
Mozzarella
Jack
Cheddar
Ricotta
Cottage cheese

How Can I Keep the Sauces Hot?

Keeping the pasta, meats, and sauces hot makes it better for all eating and serving, but it can be hard to manage. I love the idea of using small chafing dishes that are stacked on top of the board for sauces. You can also place the cooked pasta in a ceramic bowl instead of directly onto the board. This will help keep the pasta hot for a bit longer.

A charcuterie board may traditionally be arranged beautifully directly on the board, but in some cases, bowls or containers arranged on the board give a better aesthetic and final result.

How Long Can I Leave Out a Pasta Board?

One thing that I know is common with more traditional charcuterie boards, is that you may have a limited time to eat what is on the board before it needs to be refrigerated. The same goes for a pasta board. While some of the toppings are fine left out, many are actually unsafe if out at room temperature too long.

A standard with most food items is to serve within 2 hours of preparing or to refrigerate and reheat. In the case of pasta, I recommend putting this out just before time to eat and serving hot. Once everyone has made their bowl, you can quickly and easily put away leftovers for another time!

What's the Best Way to Serve This to Guests?

I love the idea of serving this at a party, but it can be a bit messy. Preparing to serve to guests may seem hard, but in this instance, it's super easy to manage. Just a few little steps can make it ideal for guests to enjoy.

Always have tongs and spoons for every ingredient.
Create boards with a variety of options so multiple guests can dish up at the same time.
Create a buffet-style board with bowls and plates along with spoons, forks, and knives.

What is On This Board

The following items are included on this board but can be adjusted to suit your preferences.

Marinara sauce
Alfredo sauce
Pesto
Baby spinach
Grilled chicken
Ground beef
Bell peppers and onions
Broccoli
Penne

If you want some ideas for inspiration, check out the baked feta pasta with tomatoes, cheesy taco spaghetti, sundried tomatoes and garlic pasta, or zucchini spaghetti with pesto. All are fun ideas that are delicious and easy to prepare on a board like this!

Handy Kitchen Tools

How to Assemble a Pasta Charcuterie Board

Prepare the pasta to al dente, drain, and set aside. I recommend adding oil to the cooking liquid and tossing well before adding to the board so the pieces don't stick together too much.

Prepare the sauces or heat until piping hot and pour into bowls for serving.

Arrange the pasta on the board first.

Then bowls of sauce.

Then fill in open spaces with cheese, vegetables, and meat.

More Tasty Pasta Recipes

Pasta is definitely one of my favorite foods and since there are so many different types of pasta out there, it's a must to have a few ideas on your menu. Below are some more of my favorite options for pasta. From classics to fun new spins, the list below has some great ideas that are perfect for turning your pasta into a delicious meal any night of the week!

📖 Recipe

Yield: 4