Who doesn’t love pasta?
In this article you will find amazing Italian recipes with pasta, all authentic and approved by Italians themselves.
Discover now how to make Italian recipes with tasty pasta, perfect for your dinners with your friends or to have as a quick lunch.
Pasta is the dish for excellence of Italian tradition.
It is a versatile dish that can be seasoned in a thousand ways.
From the most elaborate and refined sauces to the simplest ones that you prepare while you wait for the pasta to cook.
Italian Pasta Recipes: How to Cook Pasta
Cooking pasta might seem like a fairly simple task, but in fact, to prepare a good pasta dish it is good to follow a few tips.
- Choosing the right pot
Cooking pasta requires a pot, which should be chosen taking into consideration the amount of water needed to fill it and the pasta format to be cooked.
If we are cooking spaghetti we would need a tall pot with high edges, on the contrary if we are cooking short pasta a pot with lower edges may be fine.
- Use enough water
The ratio of water to pasta should be 1 liter of water for every 100 g of pasta.
Another suggestion is to never fill the pot completely, but up to 2/3 of the capacity.
- The salt in the water
Salt should be added when the water boils, because if added earlier it delays boiling.
The ideal dose should be7 grams of salt per 100 grams of pasta.
In any case, it is always better not to overdo it. Taste the pasta while it is cooking and if necessary add it a little at a time.
- Cook the pasta
Always check the cooking times given on the package; they vary according to the size of pasta.
Once the water boils we can lower the pasta, one advice is to stir the pasta every 2/3 minutes, preferably using a wooden spoon, to prevent sticking and to taste it.
Only in this way can you know for sure whether you have achieved the desired cooking result.
- No oil in the water
It is generally not recommended to add oil to the cooking water, unless you are using a poor quality pasta.
This is because it risks greasing the pasta and causing the sauce (which is added later) to slip through and not stick to the pasta.
- Save the cooking water
Always, it’s something I do in all my pasta recipes. It will help the pasta mix well with the sauce.
- Season the pasta immediately
Once the pasta has been drained, immediately combine it with the sauce to allow the elements to blend best and flavor evenly.
Italian Pasta Recipes – Frequently Asked Questions
- Did you put too much salt in the water?
If you accidentally happen to put too much salt in the pasta cooking water, be calm. There is a remedy for this, too.
Put a pot of water (without salt) on the stove and bring it to a boil.
At this point throw some of the water out of the pot with a ladle, and add the unsalted water a little at a time.
- What happens if you cook pasta too long?
Cooking pasta too long causes starch to be released into the cooking water and a loss of nutritional properties.
The mushy effect is not good at all!
- How many types of pastas are there?
About 350 types of pasta.
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In Sicily we eat pasta everyday for lunch, and most people from other nations think we are crazy.
But it’s simple, hearty, and often made with only a handful of ingredients.
The Mediterranean diet puts it at the first place in the food pyramid, in fact, a pasta seasoned with a well cooked tomato sauce and cheese is enough to obtain a complete, balanced and even economical meal.
What is certain is that it was this classic Italian food that made our cuisine famous all over the world.
So if you are looking for a few cheap, easy and simply delicious pasta ideas, then this list is for you!
34 Traditional Italian Pasta Recipes
Below is a list of 34 delicious pasta recipes, all made the Italian way.
I hope you enjoy!
#1 Pasta With Potatoes & Bacon
Directly from The bella Vita, a plate of pasta you definitely will love!
#2 Penne Pomodoro
Delicious roasted tomato sauce made from scratch will take you right to Italy with this amazing Penne Pomodoro!
#3 Baked Mostaccioli Recipe
Baked Mostaccioli is made with a delicious combination of hearty tomato sauce, Italian sausage, spices, and cheese.
Make-ahead or freeze for later, this classic mostaccioli is the perfect Italian pasta recipe perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
#4 Pasta With Broccoli
This is such an easy pasta dish that is so hearty and comforting.
I make it the same way my mom does, the secret is to turn half of the broccoli into a cream: that way, when you go to mix the pasta, you’ll create a tasty green cream that no one can resist!
#5 Tortellini alla Panna
Tortellini alla Panna, a super comforting and rich Italian dish made with Tortellini pasta in a delicious creamy parmesan sauce.
This recipe is really easy and takes just 15 minutes to make.
Grab a glass of vino and dig in!
#6 Pasta Portofino Recipe
Named after Portofino the well-known picturesque fishing village on the Italian Riviera, this is a super simple pasta dish that combines basil pesto with tomatoes.
Full of the flavours of an Italian summer!
#7 Pasta Alla Gricia
Pasta alla gricia, is a recipe born in Rome, in fact the first time I ate it was in Rome.
The ingredients to prepare this delicious recipe are only 4.
#8 Pasta with Sardines
Pasta with sardines and pine nuts is a classic in Southern Italy.
Fresh sardines are ideal, but it is every bit as good with high quality canned ones, too
#9 Homemade Manicotti
This homemade manicotti is a cheesy, hearty and deliciously satisfying meatless Italian meal the whole family will love.
Making the manicotti shells (crepes or crespelle) from scratch is easier than you think and totally worth it!
And it’s easy to make them gluten-free too.
#10 Pesto Pasta Recipe
This pesto pasta is a delicious quick and easy meal that our entire family enjoys.
#11 Pasta alla Norma
An easy recipe from the Sicilian tradition with a tasty and unmistakable flavor.
Eggplant and tomatoes are the main ingredients of this Mediterranean dish made special by a final grating of salted ricotta cheese.
A few simple ingredients for an unforgettable result.
#12 Pasta with Clams and White Wine Sauce
Pasta alle Vongole is a classic, absolutely delicious Italian pasta recipe made even easier thanks to canned clams.
With a garlicky white wine sauce, you can make this delectable dish in under 30 minutes.
#13 Penne Alla Vodka (Vodka Pink Sauce Recipe)
Penne alla vodka is a decadent pink vodka sauce, cooked low and slow with fresh oregano, sweet San Marzano tomatoes and a healthy amount of Parmigiano.
#14 Pasta With Peas And Bacon
There are only a few ingredients in this one, but they marry together beautifully.
The creamy texture of the pasta, the sweetness from the peas, plus a healthy amount of grated cheese, extra virgin olive oil and black pepper make the ultimate comfort food recipe.
#15 Pistachio Pesto Pasta
Sicily is known for their pistachios and Pistachio Pesto Pasta is one of their most popular.
The easy, nutty sauce is made with pecorino, garlic, parsley and olive oil.
#16 Bucatini all’ Amatriciana
Bucatini all’ amatriciana is a traditional Italian pasta dish that you are certain to fall in love with.
This simple recipe is full of flavor and very easy to make.
#17 Vegetarian Bolognese
I’m pretty sure you couldn’t tell the difference between a traditional steaming bowl of pasta with meat sauce (classic Bolognese) and our quicker vegetarian Bolognese sauce made with plant-based ground beef in an Instant Pot.
No kidding – same rich flavor, texture and deliciousness.
#18 Almond Tomato Pesto
This almond tomato pesto is simple to make and full of fresh Mediterranean flavours.
You’ll need just a handful of ingredients and 15 minutes to make this delicious vegan red pesto recipe!
#19 Orecchiette With Sausage And Broccoli Rabe
This Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli rabe is easy to throw together and always a big hit.
There is no better pasta than little bowl-shaped orecchiette, for capturing delicious bits of sausage and broccoli rabe and luscious garlicky sauce.
Traditional Italian Pasta Recipes For A Special Dinner
#20 Spinach Stuffed Shells
Delicious stuffed shells make an impressive dinner.
Filled with ricotta, spinach and Italian sausage.
#21 Classic Italian Bolognese Recipe
When it comes to pasta with meat sauce, nothing compares to a traditional Italian Bolognese sauce.
As with most Italian dishes there are as many ways to make them as there are Italian grandmothers.
But I think this is the best Bolognese Pappardelle Recipe you’ll ever make.
#22 Pappardelle Mushroom Recipe
Sounds like a complicated dish, but it’s actually incredibly easy to put together.
One of my favorite pasta dishes, a first course with an incredibly taste, all accompanied by a good glass of red wine.
#23 Cannelloni Bolognese
Stuffed with classic bolognese and topped with creamy homemade béchamel sauce, this is the best cannelloni bolognese recipe – a huge family favourite!
#24 Roasted Red Pepper Ricotta Pasta
This ricotta red pepper pasta is an indulgent evening meal, with sweetly roasted vegetables, creamy cheese and fragrant herbs.
A tomato-free pasta that is very easy to put together!
#25 Sicilian Pasta
This Sicilian Pasta is a 20 minute meal bursting with flavor from olives, capers, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes and great flavor enhancers!
#26 Sicilian Tuna Pasta with Garlic, Anchovies, and Capers
Authentic Sicilian Tuna Pasta.
All you will need for this delicious plate of pasta are garlic, anchovies, capers, tuna, lemon zest, chili peppers, and pasta.
These ingredients were created for each other!
#27 Spaghetti With Zucchini
Spaghetti with zucchini is a pasta dish that is quick and easy to prepare.
A tasty and economical recipe that makes this beloved vegetable the sole protagonist.
#28 Easy Vegetable Pasta Soup Recipe
Easy vegetable pasta soup recipe – this fresh vegetable and pasta all-in-one pot soup is perfect for any weeknight dinner or easy lunch.
The nutritious, filling and satisfying bowl of this soup is very simple and easy to prepare.
#29 Italian Sausage Gnocchi with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes
Italian Sausage Gnocchi with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes is an easy 25 minute dinner, loaded with fresh garden veggies and amazing Italian flavor!
It all comes together in a skillet with bell peppers, pine nuts and crumbled goat cheese for a delicious creamy coating!
#30 Lemon Ricotta Pasta
This Lemon Ricotta Pasta is packed with fresh, delicious flavors and takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish!
A perfect vegetarian dish for meatless Monday or any day of the week!
#31 Spaghetti alla Nerano
Spaghetti is gently tossed with pan fried zucchini flavoured with garlic, parmesan and fresh basil to make this light pasta dish which is on the table in under 20 minutes.
#32 Pasta Alla Carbonara
#33 Penne Al Baffo
Penne in a tomato and cream sauce with shallots, garlic and pancetta topped with parsley.
An extra decadent, comforting pasta dish!
#34 Pasta Al Forno
his pasta is the best of both worlds with mix of red and white sauce.
Top it off with crunchy breadcrumbs for a dinner that is sure to please.
Enjoy
Jacqueline Debono
Thursday 25th of August 2022
Thank you for including my pasta Portofino in this delicious collection of pasta recipes. I've shared to Pinterest. There are definitely some recipes here I'd love to try myself!