27 Authentic Italian Pasta Recipes That Will Transport You to Rome
Ready to ditch the jarred sauce and embark on a culinary journey straight to the heart of Italy?
Forget everything you thought you knew about pasta night, because we’re about to unlock 27 authentic Italian pasta recipes so delicious, they’ll have you saying “Mamma Mia!” with every bite. From creamy carbonara to zesty puttanesca, prepare to transport your taste buds to Rome without ever leaving your kitchen.
So, grab your apron, crank up some Italian tunes, and let’s dive into this incredible collection of pasta perfection. Buon appetito!
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe
Simple, yet bursting with flavor, Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a testament to the beauty of Italian simplicity. Garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and a touch of parsley create a symphony of taste that’s surprisingly satisfying. It’s the perfect weeknight meal when you’re craving something delicious but don’t have a lot of time.
Cacio e Pepe Recipe
This Roman classic is all about technique. Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and pasta water combine to create a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti. The key is to emulsify the sauce properly to avoid clumps. Trust us, once you master this, you’ll make it again and again!
Carbonara Recipe
Forget the cream! Authentic Carbonara is made with eggs, guanciale (or pancetta), Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. The heat from the pasta cooks the eggs to create a rich and decadent sauce. This is a must-try for any pasta lover.
Amatriciana Recipe
Hailing from the town of Amatrice, this pasta is characterized by its use of guanciale, San Marzano tomatoes, Pecorino Romano cheese, and a touch of chili pepper. The salty guanciale and the sweet tomatoes create a harmonious balance of flavors.
Puttanesca Recipe
This bold and briny pasta is not for the faint of heart! Olives, capers, anchovies, garlic, tomatoes, and chili flakes come together to create a sauce that’s both savory and spicy. It’s the perfect pasta for when you’re craving something with a kick.
Spaghetti alle Vongole Recipe
A coastal classic, Spaghetti alle Vongole features fresh clams, garlic, white wine, and a touch of chili pepper. The briny clams and the fragrant garlic create a light and refreshing sauce that’s perfect for a summer evening.
Pesto Genovese Recipe
Fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano cheese, and olive oil are all you need to make this vibrant green sauce. Toss it with your favorite pasta for a burst of fresh flavor.
Ragù alla Bolognese Recipe
A slow-cooked meat sauce that’s rich, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. Ground beef, pork, and sometimes veal are simmered in tomatoes, vegetables, and wine for hours to create a sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Serve it with tagliatelle for the ultimate comfort food.
Lasagna Recipe
Layers of pasta, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese baked to perfection. This is a classic Italian dish that’s perfect for a crowd. Be prepared to share (or not!).
Ravioli with Butter and Sage Recipe
Simple, elegant, and delicious. Fresh ravioli tossed with melted butter, sage leaves, and Parmesan cheese. This is a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce Recipe
Soft and pillowy potato dumplings tossed with a simple tomato sauce. This is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cold winter day.
Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe Recipe
Orecchiette pasta (little ears) tossed with sautéed broccoli rabe, garlic, chili pepper, and Parmesan cheese. This is a healthy and delicious meal that’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Pasta alla Norma Recipe
A Sicilian classic featuring eggplant, tomatoes, ricotta salata cheese, and basil. The eggplant is fried until golden brown and then tossed with a flavorful tomato sauce and topped with salty ricotta salata.
Risotto alla Milanese Recipe
While technically not pasta, risotto is a staple of Italian cuisine. This creamy saffron-infused risotto is a classic from Milan. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect as a side dish or a light meal.
Pasta e Fagioli Recipe
A hearty pasta and bean soup that’s perfect for a cold day. Cannellini beans, ditalini pasta, vegetables, and herbs are simmered in a flavorful broth to create a soup that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Seafood Linguine Recipe
Linguine pasta tossed with a medley of seafood, such as shrimp, mussels, clams, and calamari, in a light tomato sauce. This is a flavorful and elegant dish that’s perfect for a special occasion.
Lobster Ravioli with Cream Sauce Recipe
Decadent lobster ravioli served with a creamy sauce that complements the rich flavor of the lobster. A true indulgence for pasta lovers!
Tortellini en Brodo Recipe
Delicate meat-filled tortellini served in a clear broth. A classic comfort food, especially during the colder months.
Penne Arrabbiata Recipe
Penne pasta in a spicy tomato sauce with garlic, chili flakes, and sometimes red bell peppers. A fiery dish for those who love a little heat!
Mushroom Risotto Recipe
A creamy risotto with earthy mushrooms, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs. A vegetarian delight that’s both comforting and elegant.
Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage Butter Sauce Recipe
Sweet and savory pumpkin ravioli with a delicate sage butter sauce. A perfect autumnal dish that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni Recipe
Pasta tubes filled with a creamy mixture of spinach and ricotta, topped with tomato sauce and béchamel sauce, then baked until golden brown. A comforting and satisfying dish.
Orrechiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe
Orecchiette pasta tossed with crumbled Italian sausage, broccoli, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. A hearty and flavorful dish.
Trofie al Pesto Recipe
Trofie pasta, a twisted pasta shape from Liguria, tossed with pesto Genovese. A simple yet flavorful dish that showcases the freshness of the pesto.
Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Fettuccine pasta tossed with butter and Parmesan cheese. A classic dish that’s both simple and elegant.
Cavatelli with Shrimp and Zucchini Recipe
Cavatelli pasta tossed with shrimp, zucchini, garlic, and olive oil. A light and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a summer meal.
Arancini Recipe
While not directly a pasta, these filled rice balls, coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried, are a Sicilian staple often served before or alongside pasta. A must-try!
