Pasta is a versatile and beloved staple in many kitchens. From quick weeknight dinners to special occasions, there’s a pasta dish for every taste and situation. With so many options to choose from, you’ll never run out of delicious ideas.
These 40 pasta recipes offer something for everyone, whether you prefer classic Italian flavors or want to try new and exciting combinations. You’ll find dishes that are easy to prepare, perfect for busy days, as well as more complex recipes for when you have extra time to spend in the kitchen. Get ready to explore a world of pasta possibilities that will satisfy your cravings and impress your family and friends.
Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic Italian pasta dish that’s both simple and luxurious. You’ll love how creamy and rich it tastes.
To make it, you need just three main ingredients: fettuccine pasta, Parmesan cheese, and butter. Some recipes add heavy cream for extra richness.
Cook the fettuccine until al dente. Then, mix it with melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese. The heat from the pasta melts the cheese, creating a silky sauce.
You can customize this dish by adding chicken, shrimp, or vegetables. It’s perfect for a quick family dinner or when you want to impress guests.
Penne alla vodka is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish you’ll love. To make it, start by sautéing onions and garlic in butter. Add tomato paste and red pepper flakes for a kick.
Pour in vodka and let it simmer until the alcohol evaporates. Stir in tomato sauce and cream to create a rich, velvety texture. Cook the penne pasta separately until al dente.
Combine the sauce with the cooked pasta, tossing to coat evenly. You can add crispy pancetta or bacon for extra flavor. Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party.
Lasagna Bolognese is a classic Italian dish that combines layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese. To make it, you’ll need to prepare a rich Bolognese sauce with ground beef, vegetables, and tomatoes.
Start by cooking the meat and vegetables, then simmer the sauce for a few hours to develop deep flavors. While the sauce cooks, make a creamy bechamel sauce with butter, flour, and milk.
Layer the pasta sheets with the Bolognese sauce, bechamel, and grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat until you’ve used all the ingredients. Bake the lasagna in a preheated oven until it’s golden and bubbly.
This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Serve it with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Linguine with clams is a classic Italian pasta dish that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need fresh clams, linguine pasta, garlic, white wine, and parsley.
Start by cooking the linguine according to package instructions. While it’s cooking, sauté garlic in olive oil until golden. Add the clams and white wine, then cover and cook until the clams open.
Toss the cooked pasta with the clam sauce, adding some pasta water if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. This dish is best enjoyed immediately while the pasta is hot and the clams are tender.
Pasta primavera is a colorful dish that celebrates fresh vegetables. You’ll love this light and tasty meal that’s perfect for any season.
The recipe typically includes pasta tossed with a variety of sautéed or roasted veggies. Popular choices are zucchini, squash, carrots, bell peppers, and onions.
A creamy sauce made with butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese coats the pasta and vegetables. For a brighter flavor, add some lemon zest to the mix.
You can customize this dish with your favorite seasonal produce. Try it with cherry tomatoes, corn, or fresh basil for a summery twist.
Pasta primavera comes together quickly, making it great for busy weeknights. Serve it with a glass of white wine for a simple yet satisfying meal.
Tortellini Alfredo is a rich and creamy pasta dish that’s easy to make. You’ll love the combination of cheese-filled tortellini and smooth Alfredo sauce.
Start by boiling the tortellini according to package directions. While it cooks, prepare the sauce by melting butter in a pan and adding minced garlic.
Whisk in some flour, then gradually add milk and cream. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Drain the cooked tortellini and add it to the sauce. Gently toss to coat the pasta evenly. For extra flavor, you can add cooked vegetables or ham to the dish.
Serve your Tortellini Alfredo hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
Bucatini Amatriciana is a classic Italian pasta dish from Rome. It features thick, hollow spaghetti-like noodles called bucatini.
The sauce is made with guanciale (cured pork cheek), tomatoes, and pecorino cheese. If you can’t find guanciale, pancetta works as a substitute.
To make it, sauté the pork until crispy. Add crushed red pepper flakes and onions, then cook until golden. Pour in some white wine and let it reduce.
Next, add canned tomatoes and simmer the sauce. While it cooks, boil the bucatini pasta. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce and top with grated pecorino cheese.
This hearty dish has a rich, savory flavor with a hint of spice. It’s perfect for a comforting dinner on a cool evening.
Ravioli with sage butter is a simple yet elegant pasta dish. You can use store-bought or homemade ravioli filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables.
To make the sauce, melt butter in a pan until it turns light brown and smells nutty. Add fresh sage leaves and let them crisp up for a minute or two.
Cook the ravioli in boiling salted water according to package instructions. Once done, gently add them to the pan with the sage butter.
Toss the ravioli carefully to coat with the sauce. Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy this classic Italian combination.
You can make delicious pumpkin ricotta gnocchi at home. This autumn dish combines pumpkin puree, ricotta cheese, flour, and eggs to create soft, pillowy dumplings.
To start, mix pumpkin puree with ricotta, Parmesan cheese, and eggs. Gradually add flour until a dough forms. Roll the dough into ropes and cut into small pieces.
Cook the gnocchi in boiling water until they float to the surface. Serve them with a sage butter sauce or brown butter and walnuts for added flavor.
This easy recipe is ready in under an hour. You can freeze extra gnocchi for later meals. Enjoy this comforting pasta dish on cool fall evenings.
Pesto Genovese is a classic Italian sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta. You can make this delicious sauce at home with just a few ingredients.
To create authentic pesto, you’ll need fresh basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil, Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino cheese, pine nuts, garlic, and salt. Blend these ingredients together until smooth.
For the best flavor, use a mortar and pestle to crush the ingredients by hand. This traditional method helps release the oils from the basil and garlic.
Toss your homemade pesto with your favorite pasta shape. You can add extras like white beans, cherry tomatoes, or small mozzarella balls for extra taste and texture.
Eggplant Parmesan Pasta brings the flavors of a classic Italian dish to your weeknight dinner. You’ll love this comforting meal that combines tender eggplant with a savory tomato sauce and pasta.
To make it, start by cubing eggplant and browning it with onions and garlic. Then simmer the eggplant in a quick tomato sauce until it’s meltingly soft.
Choose a short, tubular pasta like rigatoni or fusilli to capture the sauce. Toss the cooked pasta with the eggplant sauce and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
For extra crunch, add some toasted breadcrumbs on top. This dish is a great way to enjoy eggplant in a new form that’s sure to please the whole family.
Chicken pesto pasta is a tasty and simple meal you can whip up quickly. Start by cooking your favorite pasta according to the package directions.
While the pasta cooks, sauté chicken pieces in a skillet until golden brown. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Mix in heavy cream, chicken broth, and pesto sauce. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy chicken pesto mixture. Add some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
This dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich pesto cream sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual get-together with friends.
Mushroom stroganoff penne is a tasty vegetarian twist on the classic Russian dish. This recipe swaps beef for meaty mushrooms, creating a rich and satisfying meal.
Start by sautéing sliced mushrooms with garlic and shallots in butter. Add thyme for extra flavor. Cook penne pasta until al dente.
Make a creamy sauce using sour cream and vegetable broth. Toss the cooked pasta with the mushroom mixture and sauce. The result is a comforting, flavorful dish that comes together in about 30 minutes.
You can use any type of mushroom you like. Porcini mushrooms add a deep, earthy taste. For extra protein, consider adding some white beans or chickpeas to the dish.
Spinach artichoke pasta combines two popular ingredients into a creamy, comforting dish. You’ll love this easy weeknight meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes.
Start by cooking your pasta of choice in salted water. While it boils, sauté onions and garlic in butter until soft. Add chopped artichokes and cook for a few minutes.
Create a creamy sauce using milk, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir in fresh spinach and let it wilt. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss the cooked pasta with your spinach artichoke sauce. For extra richness, top with more Parmesan cheese before serving.
Four cheese stuffed shells are a delicious pasta dish that’s easy to make. You’ll need jumbo pasta shells, ricotta, mozzarella, Asiago, and cottage cheese.
Cook the shells until al dente. Mix the cheeses with spinach and chives for extra flavor. Spread sauce in a baking dish, then fill each shell with the cheese mixture.
Place the stuffed shells in the dish and cover with more sauce. Bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes until the shells are tender and the sauce is bubbling.
This cheesy pasta dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner. You can prepare it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when ready to eat.
Lobster mac and cheese takes comfort food to the next level. This luxurious dish combines tender lobster meat with creamy cheese sauce and pasta.
You’ll need cooked lobster, pasta shells or cavatappi, and a blend of cheeses. Popular choices include Gruyère, fontina, and mascarpone.
Make a roux with butter and flour, then add milk to create a creamy base. Stir in the cheeses until melted. Mix in the cooked pasta and lobster pieces.
Top with panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish. Bake until golden and bubbly. This indulgent meal is perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself.
Pappardelle with ragu is a hearty Italian dish that combines wide ribbon pasta with a rich meat sauce. You’ll love the tender, slow-cooked beef that melts in your mouth.
To make the ragu, brown seasoned beef chunks in a Dutch oven. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery for flavor. Pour in wine and crushed tomatoes, then let it simmer for hours until the meat is falling apart.
Cook the pappardelle pasta separately until al dente. Toss the pasta with the ragu sauce and top with grated Parmesan cheese. This comforting meal is perfect for chilly evenings or when you want to impress dinner guests.
This classic Italian pasta dish is simple yet delicious. You’ll need spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes.
Start by cooking the spaghetti in salted water until al dente. While it cooks, slice garlic thinly and sauté it in olive oil until golden.
Add red pepper flakes to the garlic and oil. Toss the cooked pasta with this flavorful mixture. Use some pasta water to help the sauce coat the noodles.
Top your spaghetti aglio e olio with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for extra flavor. This quick meal is perfect for busy weeknights.
Butternut squash ravioli is a delicious autumn-inspired pasta dish. To make it, you’ll need to roast butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper until tender.
Blend the roasted squash with ricotta cheese, parmesan, and a touch of honey for a smooth filling. You can add extra flavor with sage, nutmeg, or gorgonzola cheese.
Fill fresh pasta dough with the squash mixture to create ravioli. Cook the ravioli in boiling water until they float to the surface.
Serve your butternut squash ravioli with a simple brown butter and sage sauce. Sprinkle with toasted pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
This comforting dish combines sweet and savory flavors perfectly. It’s sure to become a favorite fall meal in your home.
Sausage and peppers pasta is a tasty, quick meal you can make in about 30 minutes. This dish combines spicy Italian sausage with colorful bell peppers and pasta.
To make it, cook your favorite pasta according to the package directions. While the pasta cooks, brown sliced sausage in a large skillet.
Add chopped bell peppers and onions to the skillet. Cook until the veggies start to soften. Stir in some garlic and seasonings like oregano for extra flavor.
Toss the cooked pasta with the sausage and pepper mixture. You can add a splash of pasta water to help create a light sauce. Serve hot with grated cheese on top if you like.
Pasta puttanesca is a zesty Italian dish that packs a flavorful punch. You’ll love its bold combination of ingredients.
To make it, start by sautéing garlic and anchovies in olive oil. Add crushed tomatoes, capers, and olives to create a tangy sauce.
While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta until al dente. Spaghetti is the traditional choice, but any long pasta works well.
Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce and sprinkle with fresh parsley. The result is a quick, satisfying meal with a perfect balance of salty, briny, and savory flavors.
You can customize this dish by adjusting the amount of garlic or adding red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Pasta al forno is a classic Italian baked pasta dish. You’ll love this comforting meal that combines pasta, sauce, and cheese. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.
To make pasta al forno, you start by cooking your favorite pasta shape. Then, mix it with a rich meat sauce and layer it in a baking dish. Top it with plenty of cheese before baking until golden and bubbly.
You can customize pasta al forno with different ingredients. Try adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini. Or swap out the meat sauce for a vegetarian version with roasted veggies.
This versatile dish is great for using up leftovers too. Toss in any extra meats, cheeses, or veggies you have on hand.
Spinach ricotta stuffed shells are a tasty Italian-inspired dish. You’ll love these jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese and spinach.
To make this recipe, cook the pasta shells until al dente. Mix ricotta cheese with cooked spinach, herbs, and seasonings for the filling. Stuff each shell with the mixture.
Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish and cover with tomato sauce. Top with mozzarella cheese for extra gooeyness. Bake until the cheese melts and the sauce bubbles.
Serve these stuffed shells as a main course with garlic bread and salad. They’re great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Creamy avocado pasta is a quick and delicious meal you can whip up in no time. You’ll need ripe avocados, pasta, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs like basil or cilantro.
Cook your pasta according to package directions. While it’s cooking, blend the avocados with garlic, lemon juice, and herbs in a food processor until smooth.
Once the pasta is done, drain it and mix in the creamy avocado sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste. You can top it with cherry tomatoes or corn for extra flavor and color.
This pasta dish is best served immediately, as the avocado sauce may turn brown if left too long.
Porcini mushroom risotto is a tasty Italian dish that brings earthy flavors to your plate. You’ll need dried porcini mushrooms, Arborio rice, onion, garlic, and broth to make this creamy meal.
Start by soaking the dried porcini in hot water for about an hour. This step brings out their rich flavor. While they soak, heat your broth in a separate pot.
Sauté onions and garlic in a pan with olive oil and butter. Add the rice and toast it for a couple of minutes. Then, start adding warm broth little by little, stirring often.
Add the chopped porcini mushrooms to the rice as it cooks. Keep stirring and adding broth until the rice is creamy and cooked through. This process takes about 20-25 minutes.
Start by seasoning chicken with Cajun spices and cooking it in a skillet. Remove the chicken and sauté bell peppers and onions in the same pan.
Add heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese to create a rich sauce. Stir in cooked pasta and return the chicken to the skillet.
The result is a flavorful pasta dish with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a zesty cream sauce. Adjust the spice level to your taste by adding more or less Cajun seasoning.
Pesto Rosso, or red pesto, gives pasta a unique twist. This sauce uses sun-dried tomatoes as its base, creating a rich, tangy flavor.
To make Pesto Rosso, blend sun-dried tomatoes, almonds, garlic, herbs, and olive oil. The result is a vibrant, red-colored paste that coats pasta beautifully.
Cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions. Toss the hot pasta with the Pesto Rosso, adding a little pasta water to help the sauce stick.
For extra flavor, add roasted cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of red chili flakes. You can also top your dish with grated Parmesan cheese for a salty kick.
Pasta with Pesto Rosso works great as a quick weeknight meal or a tasty lunch option. Try it with different pasta shapes to find your favorite combination.
Pumpkin sage pasta is a comforting fall dish you can make in about 30 minutes. It combines creamy pumpkin sauce with savory sage for a delicious flavor blend.
To make this pasta, you’ll need pumpkin puree, pasta, fresh sage, and Parmesan cheese. Cook your favorite pasta shape according to package directions.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce by mixing pumpkin puree with cream, garlic, and warm spices. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Top your pumpkin pasta with crispy sage leaves and grated Parmesan cheese. This dish makes a great vegetarian main course or side dish for autumn meals.
This zesty pasta dish combines the tangy flavor of lemons with the rich taste of artichokes. You’ll love how quickly it comes together for a satisfying meal.
To make it, cook your pasta until al dente. While it’s boiling, roast artichoke hearts with olive oil, salt, and pepper in the oven for about 20 minutes.
Toss the cooked pasta with the roasted artichokes, lemon juice, and a touch of butter or olive oil. Add some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for extra flavor.
This light yet flavorful pasta is perfect for warm summer evenings. You can easily customize it by adding other veggies or proteins to suit your taste.
Benefits of Pasta
Pasta offers many advantages as a staple food. It provides energy and nutrients while being easy to prepare in countless delicious ways.
Nutritional Advantages
Pasta is a good source of complex carbohydrates. These give you steady energy throughout the day. Most pasta is also enriched with B vitamins and iron. Whole grain pasta adds extra fiber, vitamins, and minerals to your diet.
Pasta is low in sodium and cholesterol-free when eaten plain. It’s also low in fat, with only about 1 gram per serving. This makes pasta a heart-healthy choice.
When paired with vegetables and lean proteins, pasta becomes part of a balanced meal. The protein helps you feel full, while veggies add nutrients.
Versatility in Meals
You can enjoy pasta hot or cold in many dishes. It works well with all kinds of sauces, meats, and vegetables. This variety keeps meals interesting.
Pasta comes in many shapes and sizes. Each type pairs well with different ingredients. Long noodles like spaghetti go great with olive oil or tomato sauces. Short shapes like penne hold chunky sauces well.
You can make pasta ahead of time for quick meals. Leftovers often taste even better the next day. Pasta salads are perfect for picnics or lunch boxes.
Pasta dishes can be simple or fancy. You can whip up a quick meal or create an impressive dinner for guests. Either way, pasta is sure to please many taste buds.
Cooking Techniques
Mastering pasta cooking techniques is key to creating delicious meals. The right methods ensure your pasta has the perfect texture and flavor.
Boiling Pasta Perfectly
Start with a large pot of water. Use about 4 quarts for every pound of pasta. Add salt – about 1 tablespoon per quart. This seasons the pasta as it cooks.
Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding pasta. Stir immediately to prevent sticking. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally.
Check the package for cooking times, but taste test for doneness. Pasta should be “al dente” – tender but firm to the bite.
Reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid can help thicken sauces.
Achieving the Right Texture
Different pasta shapes need different cooking times. Thin pasta like angel hair cooks faster than thick rigatoni.
Don’t add oil to the water. It can make sauce slide off the pasta.
For stuffed pasta like ravioli, use a gentle simmer instead of a full boil. This prevents them from breaking open.
Drain pasta quickly to stop cooking. Don’t rinse unless making a cold pasta salad.
If your sauce is ready, transfer pasta directly from water to sauce. The extra moisture helps the sauce coat each noodle.
Pairing Pastas with Sauces
Matching the right pasta with the perfect sauce can take your meals to the next level. The shape and texture of pasta play a big role in how well it holds different sauces.
Classic Sauce Pairings
Long, thin pastas like spaghetti, linguine, and angel hair work best with light, oil-based sauces. These allow the delicate noodles to shine. Try pairing them with a simple garlic and olive oil sauce or a light tomato sauce.
Tube-shaped pastas such as penne and rigatoni are great for thicker, chunkier sauces. Their hollow centers trap bits of meat and vegetables. Use these with hearty meat sauces or creamy alfredo.
Shapes with twists and ridges, like fusilli and rotini, are perfect for pesto. The sauce clings to all the nooks and crannies, giving you lots of flavor in each bite.
Innovative Flavor Combinations
Get creative by mixing unexpected pastas and sauces. Try using wide, flat noodles like pappardelle with a light lemon cream sauce. The contrast between the hearty pasta and the bright sauce can be really tasty.
Consider pairing small shapes like orzo or ditalini with chunky vegetable sauces. This creates an interesting mix of textures in your dish.
For a twist on mac and cheese, use shell pasta instead of elbows. The shells catch even more of that gooey cheese sauce inside.
Don’t be afraid to mix flavors from different cuisines. A spicy Thai-inspired peanut sauce can be great with thick udon noodles for a fusion dish.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
