If you love pasta, you’re in for a treat! This collection of over 31 Italian pasta recipes brings together a variety of classic and contemporary dishes that are easy to make and full of flavor. Whether you’re in the mood for comforting carbonara or a fresh primavera, there’s something here for everyone. Get ready to whip up some delicious meals that will impress your family and friends!
Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Pesto pasta with sun-dried tomatoes is a delightful dish that brings together fresh flavors and vibrant colors. The image showcases a bowl of perfectly cooked spaghetti, tossed with a rich green pesto sauce. The sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and a pop of red, making the dish visually appealing.
To make this dish, you’ll need spaghetti, fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil for the pesto. The sun-dried tomatoes can be added for extra flavor. Start by blending the basil, garlic, nuts, cheese, and oil to create the pesto. Cook the pasta until al dente, then mix it with the pesto and sun-dried tomatoes.
This recipe is not only simple but also quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve it warm, garnished with extra basil leaves for a fresh touch. Enjoy this delicious meal with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete experience!
Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe
Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe is a classic Italian dish that brings together simple ingredients for a delightful meal. The orecchiette pasta, shaped like little ears, pairs perfectly with the slightly bitter broccoli rabe. This combination creates a beautiful balance of flavors and textures.
The image shows a vibrant plate of orecchiette tossed with fresh broccoli rabe and a sprinkle of nuts for added crunch. The bright green of the broccoli contrasts nicely with the golden pasta, making it visually appealing.
To make this dish, you’ll need orecchiette pasta, broccoli rabe, garlic, olive oil, and some crushed red pepper for a bit of heat. Start by cooking the pasta and blanching the broccoli rabe. Sauté garlic in olive oil, add the broccoli, and then toss everything together with the pasta. It’s quick and easy!
This dish is not just tasty; it’s also a great way to incorporate greens into your meal. Serve it warm, and enjoy a comforting bowl of Italian goodness!
Fettuccine Alfredo with Grilled Chicken
This dish is a creamy delight that combines fettuccine pasta with a rich Alfredo sauce. The grilled chicken adds a savory touch, making it a complete meal.
The pasta is cooked to a perfect al dente, then tossed in a velvety sauce made from butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. The grilled chicken is sliced and placed on top, adding both flavor and protein.
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can be sprinkled on for a pop of color and taste. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a satisfying dinner.
Classic Spaghetti Carbonara
Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that brings comfort and flavor to the table. The image shows a beautiful plate of spaghetti, perfectly coated in a creamy sauce, topped with crispy pancetta and a sprinkle of cheese. The vibrant colors make it look irresistible!
This dish is simple yet elegant, making it a favorite for many. It typically includes ingredients like spaghetti, eggs, cheese, pancetta, and black pepper. The creamy sauce comes from the eggs and cheese, creating a rich texture that clings to each strand of pasta.
To make Spaghetti Carbonara, start by cooking the spaghetti until al dente. In a separate pan, cook the pancetta until crispy. Then, whisk together eggs and cheese in a bowl. Once the pasta is ready, combine it with the pancetta and remove from heat. Quickly mix in the egg and cheese mixture, allowing the heat to create a creamy sauce. Finish with a dash of black pepper for that extra kick!
Lasagna with Homemade Meat Sauce
This lasagna is a true comfort food classic. Layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese come together to create a dish that warms the heart. The image shows a beautifully baked lasagna, with its golden cheese bubbling on top and a hearty meat sauce peeking through the layers.
To make this delicious meal, you’ll need ingredients like lasagna noodles, ground beef, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and of course, mozzarella cheese. Start by preparing the meat sauce, letting it simmer to develop deep flavors. Then, layer the noodles, sauce, and cheese in a baking dish.
After baking, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This lasagna is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Serve it with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love!
Ravioli in Sage Butter Sauce
This dish features tender ravioli swimming in a rich sage butter sauce. The ravioli are perfectly cooked, showcasing their delicate texture. The sauce glistens, hinting at the buttery goodness that awaits. Fresh sage leaves add a pop of color and a fragrant aroma, making this dish visually appealing and inviting.
To make this delightful meal, you’ll need ingredients like fresh or frozen ravioli, butter, fresh sage, and a sprinkle of seasoning. Start by cooking the ravioli according to the package instructions. In a separate pan, melt the butter and add fresh sage leaves, allowing them to infuse their flavor. Once the ravioli is ready, toss it in the sage butter sauce, ensuring each piece is coated.
This dish is simple yet elegant, perfect for a cozy dinner at home or impressing guests. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra touch. Enjoy the comforting flavors and the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen!
Linguine Vongole with Clams
Linguine Vongole is a classic Italian dish that brings the taste of the sea right to your table. The image shows a beautiful plate of linguine pasta, perfectly cooked and tossed with fresh clams. The clams are opened and nestled among the strands of pasta, creating a delightful presentation.
This dish is not just about looks; it’s packed with flavor. The combination of garlic, olive oil, and white wine creates a light sauce that complements the briny taste of the clams. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, making it a feast for the eyes as well.
To make this dish, you’ll need linguine, fresh clams, garlic, olive oil, white wine, and parsley. Start by cooking the linguine until al dente. In a separate pan, sauté garlic in olive oil, then add the clams and white wine. Cover the pan until the clams open, and then toss everything together with the pasta. Finish with parsley for that fresh touch.
Linguine Vongole is perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests. It’s simple yet elegant, making it a go-to recipe for any pasta lover.
Penne Arrabbiata with Fresh Basil
Penne Arrabbiata is a classic Italian dish that packs a punch with its spicy tomato sauce. The vibrant colors in the image showcase the fresh ingredients that make this recipe a favorite. The bright red tomatoes and lush green basil create a feast for the eyes, making it hard to resist.
This dish is not just about looks; it’s simple to prepare. You’ll need penne pasta, ripe tomatoes, garlic, red chili flakes, and fresh basil. The combination of these ingredients brings out a rich flavor that warms the soul.
To make it, start by cooking the penne until al dente. In a separate pan, sauté garlic in olive oil, add the tomatoes and chili flakes, and let it simmer. Toss in the cooked pasta and finish with fresh basil for that aromatic touch. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Serve it hot, topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you like. This dish is sure to impress anyone at your table!
Farfalle with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Farfalle pasta, often called bow-tie pasta, pairs beautifully with a creamy mushroom sauce. This dish is a comforting choice for any pasta lover. The image showcases a bowl filled with perfectly cooked farfalle, coated in a rich, creamy sauce and adorned with sautéed mushrooms.
The mushrooms add an earthy flavor that complements the creaminess of the sauce. Fresh parsley sprinkled on top not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a pop of color and freshness. This dish is simple yet satisfying, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
To make this dish, gather ingredients like farfalle, mushrooms, cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Cook the pasta until al dente, sauté the mushrooms with garlic, and then combine everything with the cream. Finish with a sprinkle of cheese and parsley for a delightful meal.
Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella
Baked Ziti is a classic Italian dish that brings comfort to any table. The image showcases a bubbling casserole filled with pasta, rich tomato sauce, and layers of creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella. The melted cheese creates a golden crust, inviting you to dig in.
This dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a go-to recipe for busy nights. The combination of flavors is simply delightful, with the tanginess of the sauce balancing the richness of the cheeses.
To make Baked Ziti, you’ll need ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, and some herbs for seasoning. Cook the pasta until al dente, mix it with the sauce and ricotta, and layer it in a baking dish with mozzarella on top. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or garlic bread. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy!
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chili Flakes
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian dish that’s simple yet full of flavor. The image shows a beautiful plate of spaghetti, perfectly twirled and topped with a sprinkle of chili flakes. This dish is all about the basics: garlic, olive oil, and a hint of heat from those chili flakes.
To make this dish, you’ll need just a few ingredients: spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, and parsley for garnish. Start by cooking the spaghetti until al dente. In a pan, heat the olive oil and sauté minced garlic until golden. Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan, toss it with the oil and garlic, and finish with chili flakes and parsley.
This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. It’s comforting, satisfying, and a great way to enjoy the flavors of Italy without spending hours in the kitchen.
Pappardelle with Slow-Cooked Ragu
Pappardelle with slow-cooked ragu is a classic Italian dish that warms the heart. The wide, flat noodles are perfect for holding onto the rich, meaty sauce. The image showcases a generous serving of pappardelle topped with a hearty ragu, garnished with fresh herbs.
The ragu is made by simmering meat, tomatoes, and spices for hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This dish is all about comfort and tradition, making it a favorite for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
To make this dish, you’ll need pappardelle pasta, beef or pork, canned tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs. Start by browning the meat, then add the onions and garlic. Pour in the tomatoes and let it simmer. Cook the pappardelle separately, then combine everything for a delicious meal.
Stuffed Shells with Marinara Sauce
Stuffed shells are a classic Italian dish that brings comfort and joy to any table. These large pasta shells are filled with a creamy mixture, often made from ricotta cheese, spinach, and herbs. Once stuffed, they are generously covered in a rich marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese.
The image showcases these delightful shells, beautifully arranged on a plate. The vibrant red marinara sauce contrasts nicely with the creamy filling peeking out from the shells. Fresh basil leaves add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
To make this dish, you’ll need ingredients like large pasta shells, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, and some fresh herbs. Start by cooking the shells until al dente. While they cool, mix the ricotta with herbs and cheese. Fill each shell and place them in a baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with more cheese before baking until bubbly.
This recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. Serve with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal!
Pasta Primavera with Seasonal Vegetables
Pasta Primavera is a delightful dish that celebrates fresh, seasonal vegetables. The vibrant colors of the ingredients make it not just tasty but also visually appealing. Imagine a bowl filled with perfectly cooked pasta, tossed with cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and fresh basil. Each bite bursts with flavor and freshness.
To make this dish, you’ll need some simple ingredients: your favorite pasta, seasonal veggies like zucchini, asparagus, and tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. Start by cooking the pasta until al dente. In a separate pan, sauté garlic in olive oil, then add the vegetables and cook until tender. Toss everything together with the pasta and finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
This recipe is versatile. You can mix and match vegetables based on what’s in season. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of the season while keeping your meal light and healthy. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering!
Tagliatelle with Lemon Cream Sauce
Tagliatelle with Lemon Cream Sauce is a delightful dish that brings a burst of flavor to your table. The image showcases a beautiful plate of tagliatelle, perfectly twirled and topped with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of cheese. The vibrant yellow tones from the lemon zest add a cheerful touch, making it visually appealing.
This recipe is simple yet elegant, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The creamy sauce, infused with lemon, complements the pasta beautifully, creating a refreshing taste. You’ll want to savor every bite!
To make this dish, you’ll need tagliatelle, heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and some herbs like parsley for garnish. Start by cooking the pasta until al dente. In a separate pan, combine the cream, lemon juice, and zest, heating gently. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, ensuring it’s well coated. Finish with a sprinkle of cheese and herbs for that extra touch.
