25 Best Bucatini Pasta Recipes

Are you looking for some tasty bucatini pasta recipes to add to your repertoire?

Awesome!

That’s exactly what I’m sharing today.

Bucatini pasta is one of my favorites because it’s so versatile.

You can use it in place of any other type of pasta, and it always pairs well with a variety of sauces.

So whether you are looking for a traditional bucatini all’Amatriciana recipe or something a little more unique, like bucatini with zucchini pesto, I’ve got you covered.

Keep reading for 25 of the best bucatini recipes!

25 Easy Bucatini Pasta Recipes

I really love cooking with bucatini pasta because it’s so versatile.

You can use it in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to hearty main courses.

And since bucatini is a type of pasta that is slightly chewy with a hole running through the center, it is the perfect vessel for all sorts of sauces and flavors.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when cooking with bucatini:

1. First, make sure to properly measure your pasta. One cup of dry bucatini pasta is typically equal to about two servings.
2. Next, be careful not to overcook your pasta. Bucatini has a tendency to absorb liquid, so it can become mushy if you cook it for too long. aim for al dente (just tender) when cooking this type of pasta.
3. Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your recipes! Bucatini pairs well with just about anything, so feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations.

Need some inspiration?

Try one of these 25 bucatini pasta recipes:

Bucatini Amatriciana

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/11962755249620263/

A classic Italian pasta made with dried bucatini pasta, cherry tomatoes, guanciale, and Pecorino Romano cheese.

This dish is simple to make but packed with flavor.

The key to making this dish is to use high-quality ingredients.

The better the ingredients, the better the dish will taste.

How to Add Extra Flavor

• Add some crushed red pepper flakes to give the dish a little bit of heat.
• Swap out the guanciale for pancetta for a different flavor profile.
• Use fresh bucatini pasta for a more authentic taste.

How To Improve This Recipe

• Use a different type of cheese, such as Parmesan or Grana Padano, for a different flavor.
• Add some chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.
• Roast the cherry tomatoes before adding them to the pasta for a more intense flavor.

Bucatini with Spinach, Bacon, Creamy Parmesan Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/268527196520259461/

Bucatini pasta with spinach, bacon, and buttery garlic parmesan sauce is my new favorite weeknight meal!

This dish is easy to make, but packed with flavor.

The bucatini pasta is the perfect vehicle for the creamy sauce, and the spinach and bacon add a delicious salty crunch.

This dish is hearty and filling, but still light enough to enjoy on a warm summer evening.

How to Add Extra Flavor

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little bit of heat.
• Use fresh Parmesan cheese instead of the pre-grated stuff for a richer flavor.
• Swap out the bacon for pancetta or prosciutto for an even more decadent dish.

How To Change It Up

• Use a different type of pasta: If you’re not a fan of bucatini, you could use another type of pasta like fusilli or rigatoni (See Also: 13 Best Sauces for Rigatoni Pasta).
• Change up the greens: If you’re not a fan of spinach, you could use kale or Swiss chard.
• Make it vegetarian: If you’re looking for a meatless option, you could omit the bacon and add mushrooms or roasted cherry tomatoes.

The Best Bucatini Bolognese

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/115615915425618683/

Full of flavor and rich texture, this bucatini bolognese recipe is one of my favorites.

It’s a hearty dish that’s perfect for a winter night, and it’s also easy to make.

I love that you can add extra flavor with Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs.

And, if you want to lighten it up, you can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.

How to Add Extra Flavor

• Add Parmesan cheese: This will add a nice depth of flavor to the dish.
• Add red pepper flakes: This will give the dish a little bit of heat.
• Add fresh herbs: This will brighten up the flavors of the dish.

Garlic Shrimp Bucatini Pasta

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/154318724723876769/

This easy bucatini pasta recipe tossed with garlic shrimp and cherry tomatoes is healthy, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes!

It’s a simple weeknight dinner that the whole family will love, and it can easily be made ahead of time for meal prep.

How to Add Extra Flavor

• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a bright flavor.
• Swap out the cherry tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper flavor.

How To Change It Up

• Use a different type of pasta for a change of pace. Try whole wheat bucatini or even spiralized zucchini noodles.
• Add in some protein like chicken or tofu for a complete meal.
• Use a different type of tomato like grape tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes.

Authentic Italian Pasta Amatriciana

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/143270831890138208/

Made with bucatini pasta, canned tomatoes and guanciale, Pasta Amatriciana is a traditional Italian pasta dish that is simple, yet incredibly flavorful.

I love this recipe because it is the perfect balance of salty, sweet and acidic, and the pasta absorbs all of the delicious flavors of the sauce.

This dish is also relatively easy to make, and can be on the table in under an hour.

How to Add Extra Flavor

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
• Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a brighter flavor.
• Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for a touch of acidity.

How To Change It Up

• Cook the pancetta or guanciale in the sauce for extra flavor.
• Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
• Add a bit of cream to the sauce for a richer flavor.

Authentic Cacio E Pepe (Bucatini, Pecorino Romano, Black Pepper)

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/349732727323580481/

This recipe is a simple pasta recipe of pecorino romano cheese, coarse black pepper, and bucatini pasta.

It’s a classic Italian dish that is so easy to make and so delicious.

I love it because it is a quick and easy recipe that is full of flavor.

How to Add Extra Flavor

• Add a little bit of garlic. Garlic always adds a nice flavor to dishes.
• Use fresh black pepper. Freshly ground black pepper tastes so much better than pre-ground black pepper. It makes a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
• Use good quality cheese. A good quality cheese will make the dish taste so much better.

How To Change Things Up

• Use a different cheese. If you don’t like pecorino romano, you could use a different cheese. Parmesan would be a good option.
• Add some vegetables. Adding some vegetables would make the dish more nutritious. You could add some chopped spinach or kale.
• Make your own pasta. Making your own pasta would be a lot of work, but it would be worth it. Homemade pasta tastes so much better than store-bought pasta.

Bucatini Pomodoro

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/172966441930000321/

This bucatini pomodoro recipe comprises thick, spaghetti-like pasta tossed in a simple sauce made with garlic, tomatoes, and olive oil.

It is then finished with a shower of Parmesan cheese and some chopped parsley leaves.

I love this recipe because it is super easy to make, and yet it is so full of flavor.

The pasta is cooked perfectly al dente, and the sauce is just the right balance of acidic and sweet.

How to Add Extra Flavor

• Add a pinch of sugar to the sauce – This will help to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes and give the sauce a little bit of sweetness.
• Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned – This will make a big difference in the flavor of the sauce. Fresh tomatoes are much sweeter and more flavorful than canned ones.
• Add some chopped basil leaves to the sauce – This will give the sauce a nice herby flavor.

Bucatini Pasta with Puttanesca Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/213850682297979757/

Why not try something new for dinner tonight?

This Bucatini Pasta with Puttanesca Sauce is a delicious and easy recipe that is sure to please.

The sauce is made with a combination of olives, capers, and tomatoes, and is flavored with garlic, red pepper flakes, and oregano.

The bucatini pasta is the perfect vessel for this flavorful sauce, and the dish is finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

This recipe is simple to make and can be on the table in just 30 minutes.

How to Add Extra Flavor

• Add a handful of chopped fresh parsley to the sauce for a bright and fresh flavor.
• Substitute half of the pasta water with white wine for an extra flavorful and elegant dish.
• Stir in a spoonful of tomato paste to the sauce for a richer flavor.

How To Mix It Up

• Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a fresher flavor.
• Use a different type of pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, in place of the bucatini.
• Add some protein to the dish by stirring in cooked chicken, shrimp, or crumbled tofu.

Chicken Bucatini with Creamy Garlic, Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/511510470189899391/

Twirlable bucatini pasta, juicy chicken breasts, fresh spinach, and a zesty sun-dried tomato and garlic cream sauce come together in this easy and delicious chicken bucatini recipe.

I love this recipe because it is packed with flavor, but is still relatively simple and quick to make.

Plus, it is a great way to use up any leftover sun-dried tomatoes you might have.

How to Add Extra Flavor

• To amp up the garlic flavor, I like to add an extra clove or two of garlic to the sauce.
• I also think that this dish could benefit from a little bit of spice, so I like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• For an extra hit of flavor, I like to add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the sauce.

How To Change It Up

• If you want to make this dish a little bit healthier, you could swap out the chicken breasts for chicken thighs.
• If you want to make this dish vegetarian, you could omit the chicken and just add extra vegetables to the sauce.
• If you are looking for an even creamier sauce, you could add a bit of heavy cream to the sauce.

Bucatini with Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/21110691996096818/

Bucatini pasta is tossed through a delicious tomato and roasted red pepper sauce in this easy recipe.

I love how the roasted peppers give the sauce a lovely smoky flavor, and the addition of cream makes it silky and smooth.

This dish is simple to make but really packed with flavor, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends.

How to Add Extra Flavor

• Add some spice with a pinch of red pepper flakes. This will give the dish an extra kick of heat that is really delicious.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a more intense flavor. I love to use basil and parsley in this dish.
• Add a bit of Parmesan cheese to the sauce. It adds a lovely depth of flavor and makes the sauce even more creamy.

How to Mix It Up

• If you want a more substantial dish, you could add some cooked chicken or shrimp to the bucatini.
• Use a different type of pasta if you prefer. I think this sauce would be great with penne or fusilli.
• Use a different type of cheese in the sauce. I think goat cheese would be really nice, or even a sharp cheddar.

Bucatini with Spinach, Bacon, Creamy Parmesan Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/257831147408355095/

Creamy pasta is seasoned with coarsely ground black pepper, fresh Parmesan, and nutty Pecorino Romano cheeses.

This delicious dish is made even better with the addition of crispy bacon and fresh spinach.

It’s the perfect comfort food for a cold winter night.

How to Add Extra Flavor

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a little bit of heat.
• Swap out the Parmesan cheese for a sharp cheddar for a more intense flavor.
• Use smoked bacon instead of regular bacon for a smoky twist.

How To Change It Up

• Use half and half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Add some chopped garlic to the sauce for an extra punch of flavor.
• Use baby spinach leaves instead of regular spinach for a more delicate flavor.

Shrimp with Bucatini Pasta

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/356347389277192945/

Sometimes the simple recipes are the best, and this shrimp with bucatini pasta is a perfect example.

The pasta is cooked in a garlic and tomato sauce, then finished with some fresh basil leaves.

It’s a quick and easy meal that is packed full of flavor.

How to Add Extra Flavor

• Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the pasta sauce for a little bit of heat.
• Stir in some sun-dried tomatoes for a touch of sweetness.
• Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for an extra bit of acidity.

Crab, Chilli and Lemon Bucatini Pasta Recipe

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/24699497951941896/

Flavored with the sweet subtle flavor of crab, pepped up by chili, lemon juice and zest for a bit of acidity, this dish is simple yet refined and oh-so-satisfying.

It’s definitely a keeper in my books!

How to Add Extra Flavor

• For extra sweetness, add a touch of honey.
• For extra zing, add a splash of white wine vinegar.
• For extra creaminess, add a dollop of mascarpone cheese.

Bucatini Pasta Recipe With Sausage & Kale

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/33565959713181427/

The sausage and kale round out this dish perfectly, and the Bucatini pasta itself is so delicious.

I love that it’s a one pot meal, so cleanup is a breeze.

This recipe is definitely a keeper!

How to Add Extra Flavor

• Use a good quality sausage – I think this really makes a difference in the flavor of the dish.
• Add a splash of white wine – it adds a nice acidity to the dish.
• Use chicken or beef broth instead of water – it adds a lot of extra flavor.

How To Mix It Up

• Use a different type of pasta – I think something like rigatoni would work really well in this dish.
• Add some extra vegetables – I think mushrooms would be really good in this.
• Use a different type of cheese – I think something like Parmesan would be really good in this.

Garlic Sauce Bucatini with Roasted Shrimp and Broccoli

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/7036943156305020/

Roasted shrimp and broccoli twirled with garlic oil noodles – what’s not to love about this dish?

This is my go-to recipe when I want something healthy and filling, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

It’s also perfect for days when I’m craving something carb-heavy, but don’t want to totally derail my diet.

How to Add Extra Flavor

• Use fresh shrimp: This may seem like an obvious one, but fresh shrimp really does make a difference. The shrimp will be more plump and juicy, and will add a great deal of flavor to the dish.
• Use good quality olive oil: This is another ingredient that may seem like a no-brainer, but using a good quality olive oil will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish. I like to use a fruity olive oil for this recipe, as it pairs well with the garlic and shrimp.
• Roast the broccoli: Roasting the broccoli gives it a nice char and brings out its natural sweetness. It’s a great way to add some extra flavor and depth to the dish.

How To Change It Up

• Use fresh pasta: If you can find fresh pasta, it will make a world of difference. The pasta will be more tender and have a better flavor.
• Use a good quality bucatini: This is the star of the show, so using a good quality bucatini will make a big difference in the dish. I like to use a De Cecco bucatini, as it has a great flavor and is very reasonably priced.
• Use homemade garlic oil: This is a great way to add a ton of flavor to the dish. Making your own garlic oil is very easy, and it will make the dish taste that much better.

Spicy Bucatini

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/310959549284880976/

A spicy, briney, smokey red sauce clinging to delicious chewy pasta – what’s not to love about this recipe?

It’s the perfect comfort food, and it’s so easy to make!

How to Add Extra Flavor

• Adding extra spice: If you like your food with a little extra kick, then I suggest adding some extra red pepper flakes to the sauce. It’ll give the dish an extra bit of heat without being too overwhelming.
• Using a smoked cheese: I love using a smoked cheese like gouda or cheddar in this dish. It adds a nice depth of flavor to the sauce that really takes it to the next level.
• Adding some bacon: I know, I know – bacon makes everything better. But it’s true! Adding some crisp, salty bacon to this dish really takes it over the top. The smokiness of the bacon pairs perfectly with the sauce and the pasta.

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe with Crispy Prosciutto

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/186688347047049043/

Crispy, salty prosciutto pairs so well with the creamy sauce and pasta in this dish.

The dish is simple to make but has so much flavor.

It is the perfect comfort food.

How to Add Extra Flavor

• Use a good quality Parmesan cheese – it will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
• Add a little bit of crushed red pepper flakes for a little bit of heat.
• Use fresh parsley as a garnish – it brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color.

How To Mix It Up

• If you want a bit more of a crunch in your dish, you could add some chopped up nuts.
• You could also add some chopped up vegetables, like mushrooms or zucchini, for a bit more of a hearty dish.
• If you want a bit more of a cheesy flavor, you could add in some other types of cheese.

Bucatini Seafood Pasta

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/134404370118148057/

With lobster, clams, shrimp, squid, and loads of fresh herbs, this seafood-packed bucatini pasta is not for the faint of heart.

It’s a little bit of a project, but it’s worth it for the ultimate seafood feast.

The variety of seafood ensures that there’s something in every bite, and the herbs add a bright, fresh flavor.

How to Add Extra Flavor

• Use good quality seafood – This dish is all about the seafood, so you want to make sure you use the best quality you can afford. fresh, sustainable seafood will make a big difference in both taste and texture.
• Use fresh herbs – The fresh herbs in this dish really make it special. Don’t skimp on them, and make sure they’re nice and fresh.
• Use good quality olive oil – A good quality olive oil will add a lot of flavor to this dish. Look for a cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.

Bucatini Pasta with Green Olives

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/456763587220672889/

Tangy citrus, briny olives, robust garlic, and fresh herbs all come together in this Bucatini Pasta with Green Olives recipe to create a dish that is both complex and simple at the same time.

I love how the different flavors play off of each other in this dish, and the bucatini pasta is the perfect vessel to soak up all of the deliciousness.

How to Add Extra Flavor

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add a bright pop of flavor to this dish that really takes it to the next level. I like to use a mix of oregano, thyme, and parsley.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes: A little bit of heat from the red pepper flakes really rounds out the flavors in this dish.
• Use good quality olive oil: A really good olive oil will make a big difference in the flavor of this dish. Look for an olive oil that is fruity and has a bit of a peppery finish.

How To Change It Up

• Use a different type of pasta: If you’re not a fan of bucatini pasta, you could easily substitute another type of pasta in its place. I think that a long, thin pasta like spaghetti or linguine would work well in this dish.
• Add some protein: If you’re looking to add a little bit of protein to this dish, you could try adding some cooked chicken or shrimp.
• Use a different type of olive: If you’re not a fan of green olives, you could try using a different type of olive. Kalamata olives would be a good option, or you could even use a mix of different types of olives.

Bucatini Pasta with Burrata & Fried Breadcrumbs

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/198158452346551010/

Don’t be fooled by its simplicity- this bucatini pasta dish is absolutely delicious.

The combination of creamy burrata, crispy fried breadcrumbs, and fresh parsley is heavenly.

It’s the perfect meal for a date night in, or a casual dinner party.

How to Add More Flavor

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pasta water– This will give the pasta a slight spicy kick that is incredibly addicting.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs– Store-bought breadcrumbs just don’t compare to the flavor and texture of fresh breadcrumbs. They’re super easy to make- just pulse some day-old bread in a food processor until they’re coarse crumbs.
• Use good quality olive oil– A high quality olive oil will make a world of difference in this dish. It will add a fruity, peppery flavor that really elevates the dish.

How To Mix It Up

• Add some greens– A handful of spinach or arugula would be a great way to add some extra nutrition to this dish.
• Swap out the burrata for mozzarella– If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to burrata, mozzarella would work just as well.
• Use a different type of pasta– If you’re not a fan of bucatini, feel free to use another type of pasta. I think this dish would be just as good with spaghetti or rigatoni.

Parmesan Garlic Butter Bucatini

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/423127327501541887/

Hearty enough for a main dish or a yummy side, this parmesan garlic butter bucatini is a new favorite in our house.

I love that it’s easy to make and can be tailored to your liking.

The best part is that it only takes 30 minutes from start to finish!

How to Add More Flavor

• Add extra Parmesan cheese on top. This will give the pasta an even more cheesy flavor that is sure to please.
• Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder. This will give the pasta a more intense garlic flavor that is sure to be a hit.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This will give the pasta a little bit of heat that takes it to the next level.

How To Improve This Dish

• Use a different type of pasta. Bucatini is a great pasta for this dish, but you could also try penne, fusilli, or even linguine.
• Use a different type of cheese. Parmesan is the traditional cheese for this dish, but you could also try Asiago, Pecorino, or even Gruyere.
• Use a different type of butter. You could use olive oil instead of butter for a healthier version of this dish.

Easy Creamy Mushroom Bucatini Recipe

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/118008452728454686/

This tasty and flavourful mushroom pasta comes together in a flash, making it the perfect weeknight meal.

It’s creamy and comforting, but still light enough that you won’t feel weighed down.

I love that it’s so versatile too – you can easily add in extra vegetables, proteins, or cheeses to tailor it to your liking.

How to Add Extra Flavor

• Sauté the mushrooms in butter – This adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish.
• Use a good quality parmesan cheese – This will make the sauce extra creamy and flavorful.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes – This gives the dish a nice little kick of heat.

Improvements You Could Make

• Use a different type of pasta – This recipe would be just as delicious with a different type of pasta, like rigatoni or fusilli.
• Swap out the mushrooms for another type of vegetable – This is a great way to add in extra veggies. Try it with spinach, kale, or roasted tomatoes.
• Add in some protein – This will make the dish more filling and satisfying. Try cooked chicken, shrimp, or crumbled bacon.

Garlic Cream Bucatini with Peas and Asparagus

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1337074884600512/

Bucatini noodles in a garlic-infused creamy sauce and twirled around buttery bits of asparagus and sweet peas is a match made in pasta heaven.

This dish is so good, I could eat it every day.

And that’s coming from someone who doesn’t even really like pasta that much.

How to Add Extra Flavor

• Use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic for a more mellow, sweet flavor.
• Add a little bit of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Use Parmesan cheese instead of plain old shredded cheese for a more robust flavor.

Creamy Thyme Mushroom Bucatini Recipe

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/314759461468234173/

Simple but elegant and packed with flavor, this Creamy Thyme Mushroom Bucatini Recipe is one of my favorites.

I love how the bucatini pasta pairs with the mushrooms and thyme, and the cream adds a lovely richness to the dish.

It’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening.

How to Add Even More Flavor

• For a bit of extra sweetness, add a splash of white wine to the dish.
• If you’re a fan of garlic, add a few cloves to the mushrooms as they cook.
• For a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dish.

Bucatini Carbonara with Bacon & Peas

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/21603273202197100/

Made with bacon ends and peas, this Bucatini Carbonara is a delicious and easy weeknight meal.

The dish is hearty and filling, but can easily be lightened up by using less bacon and adding more vegetables.

I love that it only takes a few minutes to cook and is easily customizable to my liking.

How to Add Extra Flavor

• Cook the bacon in a cast iron skillet – This gives the bacon a nice smoky flavor that really elevates the dish.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese – This adds a nice sharpness to the dish that balances out the richness of the bacon and cream.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes – This gives the dish a nice bit of heat that really rounds out the flavors.

How To Mix Things Up

• Use a thicker pasta – I like to use bucatini because it’s nice and hearty, but you could also use a thicker pasta like rigatoni or penne. This will help the dish stand up to the hearty ingredients.
• Use less bacon – If you’re looking to lighten up the dish, you can use less bacon and add more vegetables. I like to add mushrooms and zucchini, but you could also add spinach or kale.
• Use a different cheese – If you’re not a fan of Parmesan, you could use a different cheese like Pecorino Romano or Asiago. These will also add a nice sharpness to the dish.