Welcome to the culinary world of 35 Italian pasta recipes, where we celebrate quick, easy, and delicious meals.
Italian cuisine is celebrated for its simplicity and rich flavors, and pasta is a quick way to make a tasty and satiating lunch and dinner.
You might also enjoy these easy italian recipes and spaghetti aglio e olio.
Pasta is more than just a meal and a “primo piatto” in Italy; it’s a cultural icon deeply ingrained in Italian life.
Italian pasta recipes are as diverse as the country itself, offering myriad shapes, sauces, and ingredients to suit every palate.
1. Cherry tomato pasta
Cherry tomato pasta is a traditional Italian recipe from Naples. It was originally “pasta allo scarpariello” because it was popular among the shoemakers (“scarpari” means shoemakers in Neapolitan) who lived in the city.
The ingredients cannot be more straightforward: pasta, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, basil, and parmesan cheese tossed in a creamy and light pasta meal.
2. Broccoli pasta
The recipe is excellent for a last-minute dinner. Kids and picky adults will love it—it was one of Nico’s favorite pasta dishes growing up.
The recipe takes inspiration from Italian cuisine, and it’s especially popular in the south in and around the Apulia region.
You’ll love this broccoli pasta because of its delicious taste, creamy texture, and wholesome ingredients.
3. Fettuccine Alfredo
Pasta with Alfredo sauce is a popular Italian-inspired American recipe. While the original recipe for fettuccine Alfredo is delicious, we love it with added veggies.
Browned mushrooms‘ flavor and texture perfectly match the cream, butter, and parmesan in this Alfredo sauce.
4. Puttanesca
Originally from Naples, pasta puttanesca or aulive e chiapparielle in Napolitan (olives and capers in English) is popular worldwide thanks to its simplicity, beautiful colors, and wonderfully rich taste.
Here, we’ll show you how to make a restaurant-worthy vegetarian dinner with little effort at home and a few pantry staples.
5. Tortellini soup
Our tortellini soup is a warm and soothing meal that combines comforting Italian flavors. It features tender tortellini cooked with delicious vegetables in a rich and savory broth.
This soup is easy to make in one pot, and you can customize it with your favorite vegetables, herbs, and stuffed pasta.
6. Lemon pasta
Lemon pasta is an evolution of Italian aglio olio with the addition of lemon zest, lemon juice, and optionally parmesan cheese.
The resulting sauce is rich, creamy, zesty, and refreshing, and paired with al dente Italian pasta creates a simple yet satisfying meal.
If you have a portion, you’ll be transported to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, where lemons and pasta are staple ingredients.
7. Spaghetti pomodoro
Spaghetti Pomodoro, also known as tomato basil pasta, is a classic Italian recipe famous worldwide for its taste and simplicity.
In 20 minutes, with simple ingredients, you can prepare an authentic Italian vegetarian dish that will leave everyone begging for more.
8. Paccheri pasta
Paccheri is an Italian pasta type that originated in the Neapolitan pasta–making tradition.
This easy pasta recipe demonstrates how to prepare them with a quick and easy cherry tomato sauce, basil, and chickpeas for extra protein.
9. Casarecce pasta
Casarecce is a short pasta from Sicily. Here, we toss it with a quick, healthy, and tasty sauce, along with broccoli rabe, olives, and sun–dried tomatoes.
This casarecce recipe can be made in less than 30 minutes. Top it with feta, ricotta, or a non-dairy cheese alternative, and serve it as an easy lunch or dinner.
10. Spaghetti aglio e olio
Garlic and oil pasta (spaghetti aglio e olio, or spaghetti aglio olio e peperoncino) is an Italian pasta recipe that originated in southern Italy and is now famous worldwide for its simplicity and taste.
The sauce has the same basic ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, red pepper flakes, and finely chopped parsley.
11. Penne arrabbiata
Penne arrabbiata is an Italian dish famous for its simplicity, comforting taste, and spicy tomato sauce.
It’s excellent as a weeknight dinner, as you can make it with simple ingredients like canned tomatoes, garlic, chili, and parsley in less than 30 minutes.
Our recipe also shows you how to transform traditional penne arrabbiata into a nutritious, tasty, high-protein dinner.
12. Orecchiette with broccoli rabe
Orecchiette, translated as small ears in Italian, is an ear-shaped pasta from the southern Italian regions of Puglia and Basilicata.
Like many of our other pasta recipes, this protein-packed pasta will help you eat more veggies in a delicious, comforting, and simple way.
13. Pasta e Ceci
Pasta e ceci – pasta and chickpeas in English – is a one-pot, easy Italian recipe known for its comforting flavors and simplicity.
You’ll love its creamy texture, earthy flavor, and the warm and rustic taste of chickpeas simmered in a rich broth with garlic, rosemary, and tomato.
14. Pasta alla Norma (eggplant pasta)
In Italy, pasta alla norma is so beloved that the Italians have instituted a national pasta alla norma day on the 23rd of September to celebrate its history and tradition.
Try it, and you’ll see why. This easy pasta dish with roasted eggplant represents the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.
15. Lentil pasta
Lentil pasta is a nutritious, tasty, and wholesome traditional Italian recipe called pasta e lenticchie made with ditalini pasta and brown lentils.
It’s a perfect main dish for lunch or dinner; it’s family-friendly and excellent for meal prep.
16. Mushroom bolognese
With this mushroom ragu, we wanted to make a quick and easy sauce without simmering for a long time, like a traditional meat-based ragu.
The mushroom bolognese is delicious with tagliatelle and spaghetti, but it’s also great on tacos, wraps, lasagna, creamy polenta, gnocchi, or simply on a slice of toasted bread.
17. Ricotta and spinach pasta
The 20-minute pasta dish is inspired by pasta al limone, a classic Italian recipe that is a family favorite for its simplicity and taste.
The result is a beautiful combination of colors, textures, and flavors that we are sure you’ll love.
18. Pesto pasta
Italy’s most popular and traditional pesto recipe is made with basil. It’s called pesto alla Genovese because it originated in the city of Genova in the northwestern region of Liguria in Italy.
With this pesto pasta, we show you how to make a quick and easy basil pesto pasta as they do it in Italy and to make a version without dairy.
19. Creamy kale pasta
This kale pasta combines Italian rigatoni with a creamy and luscious sauce, tasty sautéed kale, creamy ricotta, and savory parmesan cheese.
Lemon zest, garlic, and red pepper flakes are added for an extra zing that elevates the taste of this satiating dish.
20. Lentil bolognese
Lentil bolognese is the meat-free version of a classic Italian sauce, ragù alla Bolognese.
Lentils are an excellent ground meat replacement because they have a rich earthy taste, keep their texture, and are rich in minerals, iron, and plant protein.
21. Pasta e Fagioli
Pasta and fagioli provide plenty of wholesome plant protein and other nutrients, helping you stay satisfied for several hours.
You might know Olive Garden pasta e fagioli, an Italian restaurant in the United States, but this recipe goes back hundreds of years to mainland Italy.
You can serve pasta e fagioli as a soup, with enough liquid to grant the use of a spoon, or thicker, more like a pasta dish.
22. Zucchini pasta
Zucchini pasta, as in pasta with zucchini, is a creamy and easy Italian recipe for a tasty weeknight dinner for the whole family.
You can make it with grated zucchini, lemon zest, parmesan cheese, and creamy Greek yogurt.
23. Pasta salad
Thanks to our tasty mustard dressing, this chickpea pasta salad recipe is Mediterranean-inspired, fresh, crunchy, and a little zesty.
It’s excellent for meal prep, potlucks, and picnics, and it can be served as a quick lunch or a light dinner.
24. Asparagus pasta
This Italian asparagus pasta contains no butter or heavy cream, just a parmesan to bring out the asparagus flavor.
The sautèed and blended asparagus enhances the flavor of this beautiful spring vegetable, adding a bright green color and a velvety texture.
25. Pasta al limone
Pasta al limone is a creamy lemon pasta recipe popular in Italy. It is made with ricotta and fresh herbs from my family cookbook.
My grandma used to make this dish with delicious ripe lemons from the Amalfi coast or Sorrento in the Campania region in Italy, mixing lemon zest with fresh ricotta from the local farm.
26. Artichoke pasta
We use canned artichoke hearts for this pasta recipe, which allows us to put this dish together in about 15 to 20 minutes.
This 20-minute recipe is creamy, tangy, and packed with tender artichoke hearts. It’s an easy yet restaurant-worthy everyday meal.
27. Butternut squash pasta
Butternut squash is an excellent autumn vegetable. You can make anything with it, from gnocchi and ravioli to risotto and this Italian creamy butternut squash pasta.
This recipe is straight-up beginner-level since there’s not much cooking involved. But the taste is not beginner-level, as every bite has a flavor and an irresistible chewy-creamy texture.
28. Artichoke pasta bake
This artichoke pasta bake is a creamy oven-baked pasta recipe that is easy to make and excellent as a family dinner.
We make it with jarred artichoke hearts and frozen peas blended into a creamy, delicious artichoke sauce that coats every piece of pasta.
29. Kale pesto pasta
This 20-minute creamy kale pesto pasta is a fall and winter dinner favorite! Make it with our tasty kale pesto for a wholesome and quick meal.
Perfect for when you’re short on time, the kale pesto pasta sauce can be made in a few minutes. If you want to add more veggies, try tossing in some roasted pumpkin. It’s delicious!
30. Pesto pasta salad
Pesto pasta salad is a quick and delicious meal with your favorite pesto and fresh veggies. It’s packed with fresh flavors and excellent for potlucks or an easy dinner with your family.
It’s safe to say that everyone will love this recipe; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and an excellent way to add more veggies to your diet.
31. Vegan Mushroom pasta
Our vegan mushroom pasta recipe is inspired by an Italian dish with mushrooms and cherry tomatoes.
The recipe is quick and simple, perfect for weeknights. However, thanks to its rich and gourmet-like flavors, it’s excellent for special dinners too.
Homemade Italian pasta recipes
Making homemade Italian pasta is a delightful family activity that can foster connection and togetherness.
From mixing the dough to shaping each delicate strand, every step is a shared experience that results in a delicious dinner meal.
32. Sweet potato gnocchi
Our 3-ingredient sweet potato gnocchi is a delicious, comforting, and cozy Italian-inspired dish excellent for weeknight dinner, meal prep, and freezer-friendly.
This simple and tasty recipe can be made in about 30 minutes and served as a lovely meal with your family. It’s easier than you think.
33. Cavatelli pasta
Cavatelli is easy to make with two simple ingredients: durum wheat semolina flour and water. They are easy to shape with two fingers.
They are delicious with most sauces, from homemade pesto to lentil ragù and mushroom sauce.
34. How to make orecchiette pasta
Orecchiette pasta is easy to make with two simple ingredients: durum wheat semolina flour and water.
You won’t need any special equipment, and this recipe won’t take much longer than 45 minutes.
35. Butternut squash ravioli
Butternut squash ravioli are soft and delicious pasta pillows filled with incredible butternut squash, ricotta, and parmesan filling.
We’ll show you how to make your own butternut squash ravioli from scratch using simple steps. You’ll be surprised how easy they are to put together.
More Italian pasta ideas
- Kabocha squash pasta
- Homemade potato gnocchi
- Trofie pasta
- Cauliflower pasta
- Vegetable soup with ditalini pasta
Italian Pasta Recipes: Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 ounces orecchiette pasta or any other
- 1 pound broccoli 2 medium heads
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic grated
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 handful grated parmesan cheese or dairy-free alternative
- 1 pinch salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut 1 pound broccoli into small florets. Boil them in a large pot of salted water for 5 minutes.Tip: we recommend cooking the broccoli in 1 gallon (4 liters) of water seasoned with 1½ tablespoons (20 grams) of sea salt.
- In a large skillet, fry 2 cloves garlic (grated) and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes in 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil for 1 minute on low heat.Take the broccoli out of the water with a slotted spoon (do not discard the water) and add them to the skillet.Add 1 cup of the reserved cooking water and simmer for 10 minutes, then mash the broccoli with a fork.
- In the meantime, cook 12 ounces orecchiette pasta in the same large pot of water where you cooked the broccoli.Cook as per package instructions minus 2 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce. Reserve a cup of pasta water and add half to the pan with the sauce.
- Finish cooking the pasta on medium heat for about a minute while stirring it in the sauce. Add more pasta water if necessary.When the pasta is al dente, turn the heat off and stir in 1 handful grated parmesan cheese.Taste and adjust for salt and pepper and serve immediately.
- You can add a sprinkle of parmesan and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top.
Notes
Nutrition
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Hi! We are Nico & Louise
Welcome to The Plant-Based School, a food blog with vegetarian and vegan recipes.