When you’re looking for an easy way to host a crowd, all you need to know is How to Host a Pasta Bar! Everyone loves pasta, especially when they can mix and match their desired pasta shape, sauce and toppings.
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Putting together a buffet-style pasta party is a stress-free way to entertain a small or large group any time of year. Your guests will love the variety of choices, which is a picky eaters dream.
How to Host a Pasta Bar
Although pasta bars tend to be more informal and relaxed, it doesn’t mean you have to skimp on the details to give your pasta party a bit of style.
I have a few simple and budget-friendly ideas on how to host a pasta bar for any event.
Pasta Bar Serveware
White dishes are probably one of the most versatile entertaining secrets. They are much easier to mix and match, regardless of the style or age of the dish. All the dishes you see are from Better Homes & Gardens at Walmart and I store them in my BHG cabinet for quick access.
Home
Pasta Party Pasta Suggestions
You can keep it really simple and just offer one type of pasta, or you can add a variety. I decided to offer a few. It can also depend on what type of sauce or sauces you offer.
- Bow Tie Pasta
- Spaghetti
- Rotini
- Ravioli
- Tortellini
After cooking and draining all the pasta, I always add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil and mix before adding to a serving bowl. This keeps the pasta from sticking to each other. This casserole dish added character and was the perfect size for the buffet table.
How to Keep Pasta Warm?
- I cook up extra and rinse in cold water to stop the cooking process. I add olive oil and store in a large ziplock baggy until needed, then I heat in a microwave friendly bowl before serving.
- You can also keep cooked and oiled pasta in a large crockpot on warm or in the oven in a large covered casserole dish until needed.
- You can use a disposable chafing dish.
Pasta Bar Sauce and Toppings
I only offered two sauce choices for this particular pasta bar and a few popular toppings. Just enough to give people a variety of choices. Don’t be afraid to use your everyday dishes. I used my white bowls from my farmhouse dish set, as well as other smaller bowls for topping and sauces.
Sauce Suggestions
Don’t be afraid to use store-bought pasta sauce. It cuts down on cost and time and it’s still delicious!
Topping Suggestions
- Parmesan Cheese
- Olives
- Broccoli (fresh or steamed)
- Mixed Vegetables (steamed)
- Fresh Tomatoes
- Sundried Tomatoes
- Mushrooms
- Fresh Herbs
- Chicken
- Meatballs
- Sausage
Don’t forget a green salad and garlic bread.
I actually just picked up frozen garlic knots and heated them up! They were delicious!
These bowls are both melamine and are so pretty! That marble look has my heart! See them both in my shopping list below.
When you create a pasta bar that’s also pleasing to the eye, it makes the food look even better!
Pasta Buffet Serveware Shopping List
- 16 Piece Dinnerware Set – $47
- Rose Gold Flatware Set – $23.99
- Small Coupe Bowl – $1.98
- Oven to Table Oval Casserole Dish – $16.88
- Marble Print Oval Dish – $11.99
- Melamine Salad Dish with Tongs (comes in 3 different colors) $9.99
- Pasta Bowls, Set of 4 – $19.88
- Large Pasta Serving Bowl – $14.88
- Farmhouse Cabinet – $289.00
When you realize the simplicity of how to host a pasta bar, that’s all you’ll ever want to serve. It’s inexpensive, everyone loves it and you can do much of the prep a day before.
Party Planning Ideas
No-Stress party planning ideas.
Party Pantry for Party Supplies
I keep a cupboard well-stocked for any planned and unplanned events.
Andrea Thueson says
I had some girlfriends over for dinner for Bunco and thought this would be a fun way to feed everyone! It was so tasty, and everyone LOVED it! Thanks for the idea and the tips!
Kim says
What a great idea for a bunco night!
Carrie says
I love this idea, especially for the fall weather! and thank you for the tips on how to keep the pasta warm!
Betsy says
LOVE this idea! I’ve done a taco bar, but this is a fun new idea! This is perfect for the next party we do! love, love, love!
Beth says
What a great kid and adult friendly meal idea! Loved your tips on how to keep pasta warm – I never thought of using my crockpot!
April says
This is brilliant! Absolutely doing this for our next family get together.
Jocelyn says
What a fun idea for a dinner party with a big group! I love that everyone can customize their own.
Kristyn says
Great tips & ideas!! Pasta is always a hit with everyone, so I can’t wait to do this!
Kim says
Yes! Always a hit!
April says
This is brilliant! I’m totally doing this for my next party!
Kim says
Sure makes thing easy! Thank you!
Katerina @ diethood .com says
A pasty party sounds fantastic!! Thanks for sharing!
Kim says
Pasta is always a good time! 🙂
Courtney O'Dell says
Such an awesome dinner party idea – my friends would LOVE this!
Kim says
You’ve got the right types of friends! So easy!! Thank you!
Raquel says
I could definitely do a pasta party! Love your suggestions for toppings so that there is something for everyone.
Kim says
Thank you! Such a great idea for a buffet!
Nellie Tracy says
Such a great idea and looks so delicious! Can’t wait to get a pasta party planned!
Kim says
Thanks Nellie! People love a simple pasta bar!