Beyond Pasta: How to Make the Most of Your Pasta Bowls

Ginny in Food & Drink Aug 21 • 20 min read

Pasta bowls are a versatile addition to any kitchen, and while they are perfect for serving your favorite spaghetti or penne, their functionality extends far beyond pasta.

Whether you are seeking new ways to serve meals or looking for creative home décor ideas, pasta bowls can offer a range of uses that may surprise you.

In this article, we will explore various ways to use pasta bowls for different types of food and even some non-food purposes. We’ll also highlight some fantastic products from Thyme & Table that can help you make the most out of your pasta bowls.

1. Serving Salads: A Fresh Way to Enjoy Your Greens

Salads are a popular choice for a quick, healthy meal, and pasta bowls are an excellent vessel for serving them. The wide, shallow design of pasta bowls allows for easy mixing of ingredients and keeps toppings like nuts, seeds, and croutons from spilling over the sides. The slightly arched walls help in containing dressings, ensuring every bite is perfectly coated.

Why Use a Pasta Bowl for Salads?

Efficient Mixing: The wide base makes it easy to toss the salad without worrying about spillage.
Perfect Presentation: The shallow design displays colorful ingredients beautifully.
Portion Control: Pasta bowls are typically larger than standard salad bowls, allowing you to serve an ample portion without overfilling.

Thyme & Table Harvest 4-Piece Stoneware Round Low Bowl Set

Price: $24
Features: Set of 4 bowls, 8-inch diameter, 1.7-inch height, fall leaf design, dishwasher and microwave safe
Material: Stoneware

These bowls are perfect for serving salads, with their sturdy stoneware construction and beautiful fall leaf design adding a touch of elegance to your table.

2. Soups and Potages: Spill-Free Sipping

Pasta bowls are not just for solid meals; they are also ideal for serving soups and potages. The slightly arched walls of pasta bowls help to prevent spills, making them a better choice than flat bowls when serving hot, liquid-based dishes.

Why Use a Pasta Bowl for Soups?

Spill Prevention: The bowl’s design reduces the likelihood of soup spilling over the edge.
Heat Retention: Stoneware pasta bowls, like those from Thyme & Table, retain heat longer, keeping your soup warm.
Easy Dipping: The wide opening is perfect for dipping bread or crackers.

Thyme & Table Harvest 12-Piece Dinnerware Set

Price: $50
Features: Service for 4 people, fall leaf design
Material: Stoneware

This set includes bowls that are perfect for soups, ensuring you can serve your family or guests with matching, stylish dinnerware.

3. Chinese Cuisine: A Perfect Fit for Saucy Dishes

When it comes to Chinese cuisine, pasta bowls shine in their ability to contain saucy dishes like dumplings, chow mein, or sweet and sour chicken. The design of pasta bowls makes them ideal for foods that require a bit more space and are prone to spill or spread.

Why Use a Pasta Bowl for Chinese Food?

Sauce Containment: The deep sides keep sauces from spilling over.
Portion Versatility: The wide base accommodates larger portions or mixed dishes.
Presentation: The wide opening allows for an appealing presentation of colorful dishes.

Thyme & Table Harvest 17-Inch Oval Stoneware Serve Platter

Price: $23
Features: Oval-shaped platter for appetizers, desserts
Material: Stoneware

While this is not a pasta bowl per se, it’s perfect for serving Chinese dishes family-style, complementing your pasta bowls when you want to create a cohesive table setting.

4. Creative Home Décor: Beyond the Kitchen

Pasta bowls aren’t just limited to the kitchen; they can also serve as unique decorative elements in your home. Their wide and shallow shape makes them perfect for a variety of non-food uses, adding a functional yet stylish touch to your space.

Decorative Uses for Pasta Bowls:

Centerpieces: Fill a pasta bowl with decorative stones, candles, or seasonal items like pinecones or ornaments to create a stunning centerpiece.
Key Bowl: Place a pasta bowl near your front door to catch keys, loose change, or small items you need to grab on your way out.
Landscaping: Use pasta bowls in your garden or patio to hold pebbles, succulents, or other small plants.

Thyme & Table Harvest 2.5-Quart Serving Bowl

Price: $20
Features: Comes with serving spoon and fork, 2.5-quart capacity
Material: Stoneware

This bowl is not only great for serving but can also be a beautiful addition to your home décor. Its sturdy construction makes it versatile enough to be used both indoors and outdoors.

5. Pasta Bowls for Everyday Use: Versatile and Functional

Finally, pasta bowls are perfect for everyday use beyond the specific dishes mentioned above. Whether you’re serving breakfast, lunch, or dinner, pasta bowls can handle a variety of meals with ease.

Everyday Uses:

Breakfast: Use a pasta bowl for serving oatmeal, cereal, or fruit salads. The bowl’s size allows for generous portions and easy mixing.
Lunch: Ideal for grain bowls, pasta salads, or even a sandwich with sides, pasta bowls offer ample space for mixing and matching different foods.
Dinner: From serving roasted vegetables to a hearty stew, pasta bowls are perfect for any dinner course.

Thyme & Table pumpkin-shaped dish

Price: Not mentioned
Features: Shaped like a pumpkin, has a 4-quart interior for soups, stews, and sides
Material: Stoneware

This uniquely shaped bowl adds a festive touch to your table while being practical for a wide range of meals.

Embrace the Versatility of Pasta Bowls

Pasta bowls are an incredibly versatile addition to your kitchen and home. While they are undoubtedly perfect for serving pasta, their utility extends far beyond that. Whether you’re looking to serve salads, soups, Chinese food, or simply looking for a unique decorative piece, pasta bowls can fulfill multiple roles with ease.

The products from Thyme & Table, such as their Harvest 4-Piece Stoneware Round Low Bowl Set and the Harvest 12-Piece Dinnerware Set, offer high-quality options that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Whether you’re using them for food or décor, these stoneware items are built to last and are sure to become a staple in your home.

So, next time you reach for your pasta bowl, remember that it can do much more than just hold spaghetti. Let your imagination run wild and explore the many possibilities that these versatile bowls have to offer. Whether you’re serving a hearty meal or creating a stylish centerpiece, pasta bowls are ready to rise to the occasion.