Top 5 Delicious Pasta Recipes You Need to Try

Pasta is one of the most beloved dishes in kitchens around the world, known for its simplicity, versatility, and rich flavors. Whether you're in the mood for a creamy, indulgent dish or a light, fresh meal, pasta can be transformed into a variety of recipes to suit every craving. From classic Italian favorites like Fettuccine Alfredo and Spaghetti Bolognese to creative twists on traditional dishes, pasta offers endless possibilities for delicious meals. In this collection of pasta recipes, you'll find everything from comforting baked pastas to quick, weeknight-friendly options, each designed to highlight the beauty of pasta in different, mouthwatering ways.

Introduction to Pasta cuisines

1. Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian dish that has won hearts worldwide with its rich, savory flavors. Originating from Bologna, Italy, this hearty meal combines a slow-cooked meat sauce made from ground beef, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and aromatic herbs, all served over a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti. The deep, savory sauce clings to the pasta, creating a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to gatherings with friends. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, Spaghetti Bolognese is a timeless recipe that brings warmth and flavor to your table.

Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

40 mins

Servings:

8

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) package spaghetti

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 strips bacon, diced

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped

• 1 carrot, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 2 teaspoons white sugar

• salt and ground black pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

STEP 1

Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Stir in spaghetti and return to a boil. Cook spaghetti uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes; drain.

STEP 2

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat; add bacon. Cook, turning occasionally, until crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Add onion, celery, carrot, and oregano to bacon; continue cooking until vegetables begin to soften, 8 to 10 minutes. Add garlic; cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Crumble in ground beef; cook and stir until no longer pink and completely cooked, 8 to 10 minutes.

STEP 3

Pour vinegar over ground beef mixture; simmer until liquid evaporates, about 5 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and sugar; bring to a boil, season with salt and black pepper, then remove from heat. Stir in basil .

STEP 4

Spoon sauce over spaghetti; top with Parmesan cheese to serve.

2. Fettuccine Alfredo

Fettuccine Alfredo is a creamy, indulgent Italian dish that has become a beloved comfort food around the world. Made with fettuccine pasta, this dish features a rich and velvety sauce crafted from butter, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, creating a luxurious and satisfying experience with every bite. Originally created in Rome, Fettuccine Alfredo has evolved into a favorite in kitchens globally, often enjoyed on special occasions or as a decadent weeknight treat. Its simple yet decadent flavors make it a perfect canvas for additions like grilled chicken, shrimp, or vegetables, making it a versatile dish for every taste.

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

30 mins

Servings:

6

Ingredients

• 24 ounces dry fettuccine pasta

• 1 cup butter

• ¾ pint heavy cream

• salt and pepper to taste

• 1 dash garlic salt

• ¾ cup grated Romano cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

STEP 1

Gather all ingredients.

STEP 2

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.

STEP 3

Melt butter into cream in a large saucepan over low heat; add salt, pepper, and garlic salt.

STEP 4

Increase the heat to medium; stir in grated Romano and Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce has thickened.

3. Carbonara with Chicken

Carbonara with Chicken is a delicious twist on the classic Italian pasta dish, blending creamy, savory flavors with tender pieces of chicken. Traditionally made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and black pepper, this version adds juicy, grilled chicken for an extra layer of protein and richness. The creamy sauce perfectly coats the pasta, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that's quick to prepare yet full of flavor. Ideal for a cozy dinner, Carbonara with Chicken brings together the best of Italian tradition with a modern, hearty touch.

Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

40 mins

Servings:

8

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

• 3 teaspoons minced garlic

• 4 ounces thinly sliced pancetta bacon, chopped

• 4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, chopped

• 4 cups shredded, cooked rotisserie chicken

• 2 ½ cups heavy whipping cream, at room temperature

• 1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, or more to taste

• 3 large egg yolks, at room temperature

• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil

• ¼ cup chopped Italian (flat-leaf) parsley

• salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

STEP 1

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, 10 to 11 minutes. Drain.

STEP 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat; stir in onion and garlic. Cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 4 minutes. Add pancetta and prosciutto; saute until crisp and brown, about 8 minutes. Add chicken and saute until heated through, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.

STEP 3

Whisk cream, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, egg yolks, basil, and parsley together in a large bowl until blended.

STEP 4

Return chicken mixture to the stove over medium-low heat. Add drained penne and cream mixture; toss over medium-low heat until penne is thickly coated, about 4 minutes; do not let it boil or the eggs will scramble. Taste and season with salt and pepper if necessary. Transfer to a large, wide serving bowl and serve immediately.

4. Creamy Mushroom Penne

Creamy Mushroom Penne is a rich and comforting pasta dish that combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with a velvety, creamy sauce. The penne pasta serves as the perfect vessel to hold the luscious sauce, while the sautéed mushrooms add a savory depth that elevates the dish. With its balance of creaminess and a touch of garlic, this dish is both simple and elegant, making it a perfect choice for a cozy weeknight meal or a special dinner. Whether you're a mushroom lover or new to the flavor, Creamy Mushroom Penne is sure to become a favorite in your pasta repertoire.

Prep Time:

40 mins

Cook Time:

30 mins

Total Time:

1hr 10 mins

Servings:

2

Ingredients

• 4 ounces penne pasta

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 1 medium shallot, minced

• 3 small garlic cloves, minced

• 1 (4 ounce) package brown mushrooms, stems removed and thickly sliced

• ½ tablespoon all-purpose flour

• 1 cup chicken stock

• ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary, or to taste

• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, or to taste

• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ¼ cup cream cheese, softened

• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese, optional

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, or more to taste

• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley

Directions

STEP 1

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne to the boiling water and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

STEP 2

At the same time, melt butter in a stockpot over medium-low heat. Add shallots; stir and cook for about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add mushrooms; cook and stir until browned, about 5 minutes.

STEP 3

Sprinkle mushrooms with flour and stir to coat. Pour in chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Sprinkle some rosemary and thyme into your hand and crush herbs to release the oil. Add them to the pot on top of the mushrooms and stir. Add a grind of salt and pepper. Stir and taste.

STEP 4

Pour heavy cream into the simmering pot and stir to combine. Let it cook and bubble up for a few moments, then mix in cream cheese and stir until cream cheese has melted. Taste. Remove pot from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese if the mixture needs a little more salt.

5. lasagna

Lasagna is a classic comfort food that layers rich flavors and textures in every bite. Made with wide pasta sheets, a savory meat or vegetable filling, creamy béchamel sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, it’s a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. Whether you prefer a traditional meat sauce, a vegetarian version, or a twist on the classic, lasagna is always a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and deliciousness to the table.

Prep Time:

30 mins

Cook Time:

2 hrs 30 mins

Total Time:

3 hrs 15 mins

Servings:

12

Ingredients

• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage

• ¾ pound lean ground beef

• ½ cup minced onion

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

• 2 (6.5 ounce) cans canned tomato sauce

• 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste

• ½ cup water

• 2 tablespoons white sugar

• 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided

• 1 ½ teaspoons dried basil leaves

• 1 ½ teaspoons salt, divided, or to taste

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon fennel seeds

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 12 lasagna noodles

• 16 ounces ricotta cheese

• 1 egg

• ¾ pound mozzarella cheese, sliced

• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

STEP 1

Gather all your ingredients.

STEP 2

Cook sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic in a Dutch oven over medium heat until well browned.

STEP 4

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain noodles, and rinse with cold water.

STEP 3

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water. Season with sugar, 2 tablespoons parsley, basil, 1 teaspoon salt, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, and pepper. Simmer, covered, for about 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally.

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STEP 5

Stir sauce again and add pasta. Stir. Turn out mixture into a large, wide-rimmed bowl. Sprinkle parsley on top. Serve hot.

Total Time:

1hr

STEP 5

Add cooked pasta to sauce and toss until thoroughly coated; serve immediately.

Additional Time:

15 mins

STEP 6

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

STEP 5

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, remaining 2 tablespoons parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

STEP 7

To assemble, spread 1 ½ cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over meat sauce, overlapping slightly. Spread with 1/2 of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese slices. Spoon 1 ½ cups meat sauce over mozzarella, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.

STEP 8

Repeat layers, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil: to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray or make sure the foil does not touch the cheese.

STEP 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes.

STEP 10

Rest lasagna for 15 minutes before serving.