27 Perfect Pasta Recipes for Home Cooking

When it comes to comfort food, pasta is hard to beat. Whether you’re in the mood for something creamy, spicy, or packed with veggies, there’s a pasta dish out there that’s just right for you. I’ve put together a list of 27 of the best pasta recipes, each one tried and tested to perfection. From classic Italian dishes to modern twists, these recipes are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and impress your dinner guests.

Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish known for its rich and creamy sauce. This dish is made with eggs, Parmesan cheese, pancetta, and pepper, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying meal. The key to a perfect Carbonara is to mix the eggs and cheese off the heat to avoid scrambling the eggs. Pancetta can be substituted with guanciale for a more authentic taste. Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of cheese and black pepper. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners.

Fettuccine Alfredo

Fettuccine Alfredo is an indulgent pasta dish that features a creamy white sauce made from butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. The pasta is cooked until al dente and then tossed in the sauce until fully coated. For added flavor, garlic can be sautéed in the butter before adding the cream and cheese. This dish pairs well with a side of steamed broccoli or a green salad. It’s a great option for a cozy, comforting meal at home.

Pesto Pasta

Pesto Pasta is a vibrant and aromatic dish that uses a basil-based pesto sauce. The pesto is made from fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil, blended until smooth. This sauce is then tossed with cooked pasta, such as spaghetti or penne. For a bit of variation, you can add cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken, or shrimp. This recipe is both quick and full of fresh flavors, perfect for a light summer meal.

Lasagna

Lasagna is a hearty, layered pasta dish that combines layers of pasta sheets with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella. The meat sauce is typically made with ground beef or sausage, tomatoes, and Italian herbs. Each layer is built with pasta, sauce, and cheeses, then baked until bubbly and golden. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd and makes excellent leftovers. Serve with garlic bread and a simple salad.

Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp Scampi is a delightful pasta dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a garlic, lemon, and butter sauce. The shrimp are sautéed with garlic and red pepper flakes, then finished with white wine and lemon juice. Tossed with linguine or spaghetti, this dish is light yet flavorful. Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese before serving. It’s a quick and elegant dish suitable for any occasion.

Bolognese

Bolognese is a traditional Italian meat sauce made with ground beef, pork, and veal, slow-cooked with onions, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and a splash of wine. This rich and hearty sauce is served over wide pasta like tagliatelle or pappardelle. The key to a great Bolognese is to simmer the sauce for several hours to develop deep flavors. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese and a side of crusty bread.

Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese is a beloved comfort food made with elbow macaroni and a creamy cheese sauce. The sauce is made from a roux of butter and flour, mixed with milk and a blend of cheeses like cheddar and Gruyere. The pasta is then mixed with the sauce and baked until bubbly and golden on top. For a twist, add ingredients like bacon, jalapenos, or truffle oil. This dish is perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Penne alla Vodka

Penne alla Vodka is a creamy tomato-based pasta dish that includes a splash of vodka for depth of flavor. The sauce is made with tomatoes, heavy cream, and vodka, simmered until thickened. Penne pasta is tossed in the sauce and finished with Parmesan cheese. The vodka helps to release the flavors from the tomatoes, creating a rich and velvety sauce. This dish is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Aglio e Olio

Aglio e Olio is a simple yet flavorful pasta dish made with spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. The garlic is sautéed in olive oil until golden, then mixed with the cooked pasta and red pepper flakes. This dish can be topped with parsley and Parmesan cheese for added flavor. It’s a quick and easy recipe, perfect for a light dinner or a late-night snack. Serve with a side of crusty bread.

Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera is a colorful and nutritious dish that features a variety of fresh vegetables. Common ingredients include bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and peas, all sautéed and tossed with pasta. The sauce is typically light, made from olive oil, garlic, and a splash of white wine. This dish is versatile and can be adapted with seasonal vegetables. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal.

Spaghetti Puttanesca

Spaghetti Puttanesca is a bold and savory pasta dish made with tomatoes, olives, capers, garlic, and anchovies. The sauce is simmered until thick and fragrant, then tossed with spaghetti. This dish has a unique flavor profile with a mix of salty, tangy, and spicy notes. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for those who love robust flavors. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and grated Parmesan.

Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Alfredo is a creamy and comforting pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a rich Alfredo sauce. The sauce is made from butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, with the addition of garlic for extra flavor. The cooked pasta and chicken are tossed in the sauce until well-coated. This dish is best served immediately with a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad.

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a delicious baked pasta dish filled with a mixture of ricotta cheese, spinach, and Parmesan. The jumbo pasta shells are cooked until al dente, then stuffed and arranged in a baking dish with marinara sauce. The dish is topped with mozzarella and baked until bubbly and golden. This is a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.

Tortellini Soup

Tortellini Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that features cheese-filled tortellini in a flavorful broth. The soup typically includes ingredients like tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and Italian sausage. The tortellini are added to the simmering soup just before serving to prevent them from becoming too soft. This soup is perfect for cold weather and can be served with a side of crusty bread.

Cacio e Pepe

Cacio e Pepe is a simple yet delicious pasta dish made with just a few ingredients: pasta, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. The cheese and pepper are mixed with a bit of pasta water to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta. This dish is all about the quality of the ingredients and the technique of mixing the sauce. It’s quick to prepare and a true Italian classic.

Clam Linguine

Clam Linguine is a delicious seafood pasta dish made with fresh clams, garlic, white wine, and parsley. The clams are cooked in the sauce until they open, releasing their juices into the broth. This flavorful broth is then tossed with linguine and finished with a squeeze of lemon juice. This dish is light yet satisfying, perfect for a special dinner.

Mushroom Stroganoff

Mushroom Stroganoff is a vegetarian twist on the classic beef stroganoff, using mushrooms instead of meat. The sauce is made with sautéed mushrooms, onions, garlic, and a creamy base of sour cream or yogurt. This rich and flavorful sauce is served over egg noodles or another type of pasta. It’s a comforting and hearty dish perfect for mushroom lovers.

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta alla Norma is a Sicilian dish made with eggplant, tomatoes, basil, and ricotta salata cheese. The eggplant is sautéed until tender and mixed with a simple tomato sauce, then tossed with pasta. This dish is topped with grated ricotta salata and fresh basil. It’s a flavorful and satisfying meal that highlights the best of Mediterranean cuisine.

Pappardelle with Ragu

Pappardelle with Ragu is a rich and hearty dish featuring wide pappardelle noodles and a slow-cooked meat sauce. The ragu is made with a combination of ground meats, tomatoes, red wine, and Italian herbs. The sauce is simmered for several hours to develop deep flavors. This dish is perfect for a special dinner and pairs well with a glass of red wine.

Pasta e Fagioli

Pasta e Fagioli is a classic Italian soup made with pasta and beans. The soup includes ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, onions, and Italian herbs, along with small pasta shapes like ditalini. The beans add protein and heartiness to the soup, making it a complete meal. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a side of crusty bread.

Gnocchi with Sage Butter

Gnocchi with Sage Butter is a simple yet elegant dish featuring potato gnocchi tossed in a brown butter and sage sauce. The butter is melted and cooked until golden, then mixed with fresh sage leaves. The cooked gnocchi are tossed in the sauce and served with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a light and flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp with a zesty lemon garlic sauce. The shrimp are sautéed with garlic and red pepper flakes, then finished with lemon juice and zest. The cooked pasta is tossed in the sauce and garnished with fresh parsley. This dish is quick to make and perfect for a summer meal.

Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish made with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil. The salad is tossed with cooked pasta and a simple balsamic vinaigrette. This dish is perfect for picnics and potlucks, as it can be served cold or at room temperature. It’s a light and refreshing option that highlights the flavors of summer.

Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a creamy and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. The chicken is sautéed with garlic and Italian herbs, then mixed with the sauce and cooked pasta. This dish is rich and satisfying, perfect for a comforting dinner at home. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad.

Lobster Mac and Cheese

Lobster Mac and Cheese is a luxurious twist on the classic mac and cheese, featuring tender lobster meat. The cheese sauce is made with a blend of cheddar and Gruyere, creating a rich and creamy base. The cooked pasta and lobster are mixed with the sauce and baked until golden and bubbly. This dish is perfect for special occasions and dinner parties.

Eggplant Parmesan Pasta

Eggplant Parmesan Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines breaded and baked eggplant with marinara sauce and pasta. The eggplant is sliced, breaded, and baked until crispy, then mixed with the sauce and pasta. This dish is topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and baked until bubbly. It’s a great vegetarian option that’s both satisfying and delicious.

Salmon Pasta

Salmon Pasta is a light and healthy dish featuring flaky salmon and a creamy dill sauce. The salmon is cooked until tender and mixed with a sauce made from Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and fresh dill. This sauce is tossed with pasta and garnished with additional dill and lemon zest. This dish is perfect for a nutritious and flavorful meal.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout

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