There are a number of perfect pairings in the culinary world. One that should not be overlooked is meat and fresh pasta. Pasta is known for its versatility, making it a fantastic partner for a variety of cheeses and fresh vegetables. Meat and pasta make for many versatile and hearty meals. Below, discover a few types of meat that go exceptionally well with this classic Italian staple.

3 Meats to Serve With Pasta

1. Beef

Beef is perhaps the most popular meat to serve with fresh pasta. Ground beef is often sautéed and added to pureed tomatoes, as in traditional Bolognese sauce. It can also be mixed with seasoning and breadcrumbs, rolled into balls, and cooked right in a red sauce and served over pasta. Fresh pasta is also a nice accompaniment to steak. A medium filet sliced atop spaghetti and red sauce is a great combination for an easy dinner. Fettucine alfredo is also a delicious side dish for any cut of steak.

2. Chicken

Chicken is most commonly added to white sauces in pasta dashes, like alfredo, bechamel, or white wine sauce. Because these sauces are naturally thicker and more luxurious than a traditional tomato-based variety, the leanness of the chicken adds a nice lightness that balances out the richness. One exception to this rule is chicken parmesan, in which the chicken is served with tomato sauce, fresh pasta, and grated parmesan cheese.

3. Bacon

Fresh pasta can be enhanced even more by the addition of bacon. A classic recipe is spaghetti carbonara, which is a combination of pasta, bacon, Romano or parmesan cheese, and egg. Bacon is also a popular feature in pasta salad, giving a salty counterpoint to the creaminess of the pasta and mayo-based dressing.

Enjoy any of these meats the next time you dine on fresh pasta. Paul's Pasta Shop in Groton, CT, features a full menu of delicious Italian food. Since 1988, they have been a popular restaurant destination for lunch and dinner. They also sell their pasta on its own so you can pick up a few extra packages to take home. Call (860) 445-5276 or visit their website to learn more about their menu.