Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsRomano's Macaroni GrillCreate Your Own Pasta Recipe

Create Your Own Pasta Recipe

Time30m
Serves4

You pick, we perfect. Customize your pasta with fresh Italian ingredients.

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Ingredients

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Pasta Base

Sauce Options

Protein Options

Vegetable Options

Seasoning Options

Method

Cooking Pasta

  1. 1

    Boil Water

    Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring to a rolling boil.

  2. 2

    Cook Pasta

    Add your chosen pasta to the boiling water. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Preparing Sauce

  1. 3

    Sauté Garlic

    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

  2. 4

    Add Tomatoes

    Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir. Simmer for 5 minutes.

  3. 5

    Add Cream

    If using, add heavy cream to the sauce and stir until well combined.

  4. 6

    Add Fresh Basil

    Stir in the chopped basil and let simmer for another 2 minutes.

Cooking Protein

  1. 7

    Cook Chicken/Shrimp/Tofu

    In a separate pan, cook your chosen protein over medium heat until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes for chicken and shrimp, and 3-5 minutes for tofu.

Combining Ingredients

  1. 8

    Mix Pasta and Sauce

    Add the drained pasta to the sauce in the skillet. Toss to combine and coat the pasta evenly.

  2. 9

    Add Protein and Vegetables

    Stir in the cooked protein and your choice of vegetables. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.

Serving

  1. 10

    Plate and Garnish

    Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian herbs to taste.

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