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The 32 Best Pasta Dishes

The 32 Best Pasta Dishes

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Pasta! A beloved dish enjoyed around the world.

From simple weeknight dinners to feasts, pasta has a way of always hitting the spot. But with so many shapes, sauces, and flavour combinations, where do you even begin?

Don’t worry, pasta lovers! I’ve compiled a list of 32 of the absolute best pasta dishes. Your only task is to choose one for dinner tonight.

1. Spaghetti Carbonara

The wonders of Spaghetti Carbonara!

If you’ve ever tried making it, you know the secret lies in the dance between eggs and cheese. In Rome, this dish is a timeless treasure. The key is to enjoy it with a sprinkle of pecorino. You’ll find yourself transported straight to an Italian kitchen.

2. Tagliatelle Al Tartufo

This dish is all about truffles. They are the diamonds of the culinary world.

When tagliatelle meets truffles, magic happens. The aroma alone can make you feel hungry. However, it’s not just about smell; the taste is a symphony of earthy richness.

3. Penne All’Arrabbiata

However spicy you like it, Penne all’Arrabbiata delivers a kick!

This fiery dish is for those who dare to savor the heat. Here spice meets pasta perfection. The sauce is rich with tomatoes and red chili. It’s a dish that says, “Wake up!” Fresh basil we makes it even more special.

4. Lasagna Alla Bolognese

If comfort food were a kingdom, Lasagna alla Bolognese would be a capital.

Layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese are what this pasta is all about. What makes it truly special is the slow-cooked Bolognese sauce. Don’t rush it. Great things take time.

5. Fettuccine Alfredo

Fettuccine Alfredo, a classic. A proof that we don’t need to complicate perfection. If you’ve ever twirled its noodles around your fork, you know the allure.

It is very simple : just butter, cream, and Parmesan. It’s perfect for a family dinner.

6. Linguine Alle Vongole

Linguine alle Vongole shines on every table. Fresh clams, white wine, and a hint of lemon create a coastal treat.

The briny clams pair perfectly with the linguine. The white wine sauce that ties it all together. So, next time you’re by the seaside, I suggest trying Linguine alle Vongole. Let the flavors of the ocean wash over you.

7. Ravioli Di Zucca

With sweet pumpkin filling and sage butter sauce, Ravioli di Zuccait’s a taste of fall. You don’t know how good sage can be in pasta until you try this one.

If you’ve ever meandered through a pumpkin patch, you’ll understand the nostalgia. Each bite is a journey through golden leaves and crisp air. So, wrap yourself in a cozy sweater and let Ravioli di Zucca be your seasonal comfort.

8. Cacio E Pepe

If simplicity were an art, Cacio e Pepe would be its masterpiece. Just pecorino and black pepper. That’s all!

How can so few ingredients create such magic? It’s all in the technique. The creamy sauce clings to every strand of pasta, delivering a peppery punch. Also, make sure the cheese melts just right.

9. Pappardelle Al Cinghiale

In Pappardelle al Cinghiale flavors run wild! This hearty Tuscan dish features wild boar sauce and wide pappardelle noodles.

It’s a taste of the rugged Tuscan countryside. It is an adventure on a plate, The sauce is bold, full of depth. So, whether you’re in the hills of Tuscany or your own kitchen, embrace the wild flavors of this dish.

10. Tortellini In Brodo

Delicate tortellini are floating in a savory broth. It’s a dish that reminds me of family gatherings and cozy kitchens.

The quality of the broth is very important. So, when the weather turns chilly, I suggest reaching for this comforting dish. Let Tortellini in Brodo warm you.

11. Orecchiette Con Cime Di Rapa

In Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa pasta meet greens! This is an Apulian dish.

It combines earthy broccoli rabe with “little ears” pasta. If you don’t have this pasta, the Italians will forgive you. Just use your favorite kind instead. The bitterness of the greens balances the pasta’s softness, creating harmony. It’s a taste of southern Italy.

12. Cannelloni Ricotta E Spinaci

How does one turn spinach into a star? Cannelloni Ricotta e Spinaci shows the way to turning spinach into star. and that’s not an easy job!

Stuffed with creamy ricotta this dish is baked to perfection. If you’ve ever doubted the power of greens, this will change your mind. The tomato sauce adds a contrast, while the melted cheese crowns it all.

13. Bucatini All’Amatriciana

However you twist it, Bucatini all’Amatriciana delivers bold flavors.

This Roman classic features bucatini pasta in a rich tomato sauce with guanciale. If you’ve ever craved a dish that balances tradition and taste, look no further. It’s a dish that demands attention. So, take your time making it.

14. Gnocchi Al Sugo Di Pomodoro

In the tapestry of Italian cuisine, there are dishes that transcend mere sustenance. They are becoming iconic symbols of home, family, and tradition. Gnocchi al Sugo di Pomodoro is undoubtedly one of them.

Gnocchi al Sugo di Pomodoro is an exercise in minimalist perfection. The gnocchi, small dumplings typically made from potatoes, flour, and a touch of salt (sometimes with egg). Unlike complex ragùs, tomato sauce here is a celebration of fresh, high-quality ingredients.

15. Rigatoni Alla Norma

Rigatoni alla Norma
© biancabosso

Sicily is new on our pasta trip and Rigatoni alla Norma is a favorite here.

This dish celebrates the island with eggplant, tomato sauce, and ricotta salata. The eggplant adds a velvety texture, while the ricotta salata provides a salty contrast. Let Rigatoni alla Norma transport you to a sun-kissed island.

16. Fusilli Al Pesto

Fusilli al Pesto beautifully captures summer’s essence . This dish features spiral pasta coated in green pesto.

The pesto is made with basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan, and sings with flavor. However, it’s the sun-kissed vibe that truly sets it apart.

17. Spaghetti Alle Cozze

When we think of Italian cuisine, images of rich tomato sauces and hearty meatballs often spring to mind. But Italy’s coastline offers a few dishes that capture the essence of the sea as beautifully as Spaghetti alle Cozze.

This simple meal, features perfectly cooked pasta and succulent mussels. A testament to the power of fresh ingredients and straightforward preparation.

18. Penne Alla Vodka

Penne alla Vodka
© saltandlavender

If you seek a dish with flair, Penne alla Vodka will do!

Creamy tomato sauce meets a splash of vodka in this Italian-American classic. The vodka adds a subtle depth, while the cream smooths it all out. So, for a dish that’s both fun and flavorful, I suggest trying Penne alla Vodka.

19. Capellini Pomodoro

Thin angel hair pasta is coated in fresh tomato sauce. What a testament to minimalism!

When we want to impress, we tend to make complicated dishes. Next time try this pasta. You’ll see what I’m talking about. If you’ve ever enjoyed a sun-ripened tomato, you’ll appreciate its freshness. The simplicity allows the ingredients to shine.

20. Farfalle Al Salmone

Bow-tie pasta mingles with smoked salmon in a creamy sauce.

You’ll appreciate the luxurious touch smoked salmon gives. The cream sauce enhances the flavors, while the dill adds a fragrant finish. This dish whispers luxury.

21. Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera is the best way to celebrate the arrival of spring! of course!

This dish is full of colorful vegetables and light olive oil sauce. They add a crisp texture. Let its lively flavors bring a touch of sunshine to your table.

22. Maccheroni Al Ferro

This dish features hand-rolled pasta with a rich ragu sauce. If you’ve ever longed for a taste of old-world Italy, this is your dish.

The ragu is slow-cooked to perfection. The best would be to make it the day before. This way flavors have enough time to combine. You will be transported to a rustic Italian kitchen with just one bite.

23. Pasta Alla Genovese

Patience is the main ingredient while cooking Pasta alla Genovese. So maybe the weekend would be a perfect time for it.

This Neapolitan classic features pasta with a slow-cooked beef and onion sauce. The onions caramelize into sweetness, while the beef adds richness.

24. Paccheri Ai Frutti Di Mare

This dish features large pasta tubes with seafood in a tomato sauce. If you’ve ever dreamed of dining by the coast, this is your dish.

The seafood adds a taste of the sea, while the tomato sauce enhances the flavors. However, it’s the generous portion that truly satisfies. Have these ocean-inspired flavors and imagine yourself at a seaside haven.

25. Pasta Puttanesca

Pasta Puttanesca is known for being a bold dish.

It combines olives, capers, and anchovies. I tried anchovies for the first time in this pasta. It gave it an amazing flavor. They are salty, so go easy on adding additional.

26. Anolini In Brodo

Anolini in Brodo is a true comfort pasta dish.

These stuffed pasta rounds swim in a savory broth. Perfect for the winter days. The broth is rich and comforting, while the filling adds depth. However, it’s the family tradition that makes it special.

27. Spaghetti Al Nero Di Seppia

This dish features spaghetti in a rich squid ink sauce.

Squid ink is not very common, but you need to try it. Very different, but I’m sure you’ll love it. So, for a taste of the mysterious deep, I suggest trying Spaghetti al Nero di Seppia. Let its unique flavors transport you to an oceanic adventure.

28. Pasta Alla Sorrentina

This dish combines pasta with tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil.

The mozzarella melts into gooey goodness, and the basil adds a fragrant finish. It is a dish that radiates happiness. It will brighten your day. You can’t really ask for more!

29. Pasta E Fagioli

Pasta e Fagioli combines pasta with beans in a savory tomato broth.

For a lot of Italians this is a taste of home. The beans add a true comforts, while the broth wraps you in warmth. It will keep you full for a long time.

30. Trenette Al Pesto

Trenette al Pesto
© pelinospasta

The green of pesto, the satisfying bite of trenette pasta – it’s a culinary match made in heaven. This pasta dish will transport you straight to the sun-drenched shores of Liguria.

Pesto, meaning “pounded” in Italian, has ancient roots. Traditionally made with a mortar and pestle, this sauce is a blend of fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan (and often Pecorino) cheese, and olive oil. While variations exist, the true Genovese pesto is pure magic.

31. Garganelli Al Ragù

 Garganelli, are small, quill-shaped pasta tubes. Their distinctive ridges are created using a special wooden comb. They are ideal for capturing and holding onto the rich, hearty sauce they’re served with.

The process of making garganelli, while time-consuming, is a labor of love, passed down through generations of Italian families. This pasta is traditionally made with just two simple ingredients: fresh eggs and durum wheat flour.

32. Udon Carbonara Fusion

Imagine a world where Italian and Japanese cuisine collide. Udon Carbonara Fusion brings this dream to life.

Rich pancetta complements the thick noodles perfectly. The dish is completed with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a touch of chives. A mix of quality ingredients you didn’t know you needed.