Geometric Pasta Plating Angles (Printable)

Pasta with geometric sauce designs, vibrant ribbons, and microgreens for a dramatic, share-worthy meal.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 200 grams dried pappardelle or tagliatelle
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - Salt, for boiling water

→ Sauces and Purees

04 - 100 grams roasted red pepper, pureed
05 - 50 grams basil pesto
06 - 70 grams ricotta cheese
07 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

→ Vegetables and Garnishes

08 - 1 small zucchini, shaved into ribbons
09 - 1 small carrot, shaved into ribbons
10 - 6 cherry tomatoes, halved
11 - 2 tablespoons microgreens
12 - 1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts
13 - 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds

# Method:

01 - Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly, then toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
02 - While the pasta is cooking, use a mandoline slicer or a vegetable peeler to create thin ribbons from the zucchini and carrot. Immediately immerse these ribbons in ice water to ensure they remain crisp. Drain before use.
03 - Prepare the two distinct sauces. For the red pepper puree, blend the roasted red pepper with a pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon of olive oil until a smooth consistency is achieved. For the ricotta component, combine the ricotta cheese with the lemon juice and a pinch of salt for a bright, zesty flavor.
04 - On a large, flat serving plate, employ a spoon or a squeeze bottle to artfully apply the red pepper puree and basil pesto, forming precise geometric shapes such as lines, triangles, or circles. Alternate colors to create visual contrast.
05 - Using a serving fork and tongs, carefully twirl the cooked pasta into compact nests or precise squares. Position each pasta nest on the plate at a distinct angle, aligning it with the underlying geometric sauce patterns.
06 - Artfully place the prepared zucchini and carrot ribbons around and between the pasta nests, arranging them in folded or angular lines that complement the overall composition.
07 - Strategically dot small spoonfuls of the lemon-infused ricotta mixture around the plate, ensuring that the placement maintains the desired geometric symmetry.
08 - Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, microgreens, toasted pine nuts, and black sesame seeds across the plate to introduce vibrant color and textural complexity.
09 - Present the dish without delay, ensuring that all components retain their sharp edges and defined placement for the most impactful visual presentation.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Relies on fresh produce and pantry basics
  • Takes under an hour from start to finish
  • Naturally vegetarian and easily adaptable for dietary needs
  • Impresses with professional presentation using easy home tools
02 -
  • High in fiber protein and vitamins from fresh vegetables and legumes
  • Ready for entertaining no special chef skills required
  • Easily gluten-free and nut-free with a couple ingredient switches
03 -
  • Practice your sauce shapes on parchment paper before plating for the first time
  • Work quickly so your pasta maintains its heat and the vegetables keep their snap
  • Use the widest flattest plate you have for maximum drama with your angles and lines

Return