So You Bought Pasta Sheets. Now What?

Pasta sheets are usually bought with one thing in mind: lasagna.

And yes, they're great for that. But if you have pasta sheets in your fridge or freezer, you have a lot more options than you might think. You can fill them, roll them, cut them, or use them as a starting point for a completely different dinner. If you've picked up Perfect Pasta Pasta Sheets and aren't sure what to make first, here are a few ideas.

Start with Lasagna, Then Switch It Up

Lasagna is the obvious place to start, but that doesn't mena you have to make the same version every time.

Go classic with meat sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, or switch things up with Alfredo sauce, chicken and spinach. You can add roasted vegetables, Italian sausage or whatever you already have on hand.

Once you have the pasta sheets, the rest is really up to you.

Try Making Your Own Ravioli

Making pasta from scratch can be a project. Starting with pasta sheets makes homemade ravioli a lot more approachable.

Add small spoonfuls of filling to one sheet, leaving enough room between each one. Place another pasta sheet on top, press around the filling to remove any air, seal the edges, and cut into individual ravioli.

Ricotta and Parmesan is an easy place to start, but you can use spinach and cheese, mushrooms, meat or come up with your own filling

It;s also a fun way to use ingredients you already have at home.

Make Rotolo

If you want to try something different, make rotolo.

Spread a filling over the pasta sheets, roll them up, slice into pieces, and arrange them in a baking dish with sauce. Add cheese on top and bake until evereything is hot and bubbly

Spinach and ricotta is a classic combination, but you can use mushrooms Italian Sausage, roasted vegetables, or other favorite ingredients.

It takes a little more time than a regular pasta dinner, but the finished dish is worth it.

Cut Them Into the Pasta You Need

One of the easiest ways to use past sheets is also one of the most overlooked.

Cut them.

Slice the sheets into wide ribbons for pappardelle, cut them into squares for more of a rustic pasta dish, or use them to make whatever shape works best with the sauce you're serving. You don't always need a specific pasta shape in the kitchen. Sometimes you can make the ones you need.

A Few Things to Know Before You Start

Pasta sheets are easy to work with, but a few simple things can make tthe process easier. Keep the sheets covered while you're working so they donn't dry out. If you're making ravioli or another filled pasta, don't overfil them and make sure to press out any air before sealing the edges.

When cutting the sheets, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to get clean edges. And if you're working with several pieces at once, keep a little space between them so they don't stick together. Most importantly, don't feel like everything has to look perfect. Homemade ravioli can e different sizes. Hand-cut pasta doesn't have to be completely even. That's the part of making it yourself.

More Than Just Lasagna

Pasta sheets are one of those products that can be as simple or creative a you want them to be. Make lasagna when you want something familiar. Try homemade ravioli when you have a little more time. Make rotolo for something different, or cut the sheets into the apsta shape you need for dinner.

Next time you pick up a package, don't stop at lasagna.

*Perfect Pasta Pasta Sheets can be found at select Gordon Food Service Stores. Availability may vary by location.