When it comes to comfort food, few things can rival a steaming plate of pasta. The rich flavors and aromas can transport you right to Italy, where every bite tells a story of tradition and passion. Ready to whip up some magic in your kitchen? Let’s explore some authentic Italian pasta recipes that will make your taste buds dance!
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti aglio olio e peperoncino from Ricette GialloZafferano
Rating: 4.2. Ingredients: 15 min Total Time: 15 min.

Spaghetti aglio e olio from Fatto in casa da Benedetta
Rating: 4.1. Ingredients: 10 min Total Time: 10 min.
Simple yet oh-so-delicious, Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic dish from Naples that highlights the beauty of minimal ingredients. Just garlic, olive oil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes come together with al dente spaghetti to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor.
What makes this recipe special is its ability to impress with so little. The garlic is gently sautéed in olive oil, releasing its fragrant aroma, while the red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat. Finish it off with a generous sprinkle of parsley and grated Parmesan, and you’ve got a meal that’s both elegant and comforting!
Fettuccine Alfredo

To Die For Fettuccine Alfredo from Allrecipes
Rating: 4.7. Ingredients: Pint heavy cream, fettuccine pasta, parmesan cheese, romano cheese, garlic salt Total Time: 30 min.

Fettuccine Alfredo from Modern Honey
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Heavy cream, fettuccine pasta, parmesan cheese, butter, garlic Total Time: 20 min.

Best-Ever Fettuccine Alfredo from The Kitchn
Rating: 4.7. Ingredients: Heavy cream, fettuccine pasta, parmesan cheese, garlic, pecorino romano cheese Total Time: 20 min.
Rich, creamy, and utterly indulgent, Fettuccine Alfredo is a favorite that’s loved worldwide. Made with just three main ingredients—fettuccine, butter, and Parmesan cheese—this dish is all about the perfect balance of flavors.
What sets this recipe apart is its creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles. As the butter melts, it combines with the cheese to create a silky texture that coats each strand beautifully. You can add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for an extra twist, making it a versatile dish that everyone will adore!
Penne Arrabbiata
If you’re looking for something with a kick, Penne Arrabbiata is the way to go! This spicy Italian pasta dish features a tomato sauce infused with garlic and red chili peppers, giving it a fiery punch that’s simply irresistible.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its bold flavors and the fresh taste of the ingredients. As the penne cooks, it absorbs the spicy sauce, creating a delightful harmony in every bite. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley, and you’ve got a dish that will warm you up in more ways than one!
Lasagna alla Bolognese

Lasagna Bolognese (Lasagne alla Bolognese) from Inside The Rustic Kitchen
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Ground beef, white wine, pancetta, fresh spinach, carrot Total Time: 5 hr 55 min.

Lasagne alla Bolognese from GialloZafferano Recipes
Rating: 4.2. Ingredients: Red wine, beef, spinach, pancetta, tomato Total Time: 5 hr.

Traditional Lasagna Bolognese (Lasagne Verdi alla Bolognese) from Tina's Table
Rating: 4.5. Ingredients: Pasta, spinach, bolognese, butter, milk
Layers upon layers of goodness, Lasagna alla Bolognese is a hearty dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners. This recipe features sheets of pasta layered with a rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and a generous amount of cheese that melts beautifully in the oven.
What makes this lasagna special is the slow-cooked Bolognese sauce, made with ground meat, tomatoes, and aromatic vegetables. Each layer is a delightful surprise, and the combination of textures—from the tender pasta to the gooey cheese—creates a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic!
Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe

Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe from Love and Lemons
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: Broccoli rabe, sun dried tomatoes, orecchiette pasta, pine nuts, white wine Total Time: 40 min.

Orecchiette con Salsiccia e Cime di Rapa (Orecchiette With Sausage and Broccoli Rabe) Recipe from Serious Eats
Rating: 4.5. Ingredients: Broccoli rabe, hot italian sausage, white wine, red pepper flakes, olive oil Total Time: 30 min.

Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe (Orecchiette alle Cime di Rapa) from Tina's Table
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Broccoli rabe, durum wheat flour, orecchiette, sauce, italian bread
This dish is a delightful representation of Southern Italian cuisine. Orecchiette, which means “little ears” in Italian, is the star of this recipe, paired beautifully with the slightly bitter taste of broccoli rabe and a touch of garlic.
What makes this recipe stand out is its balance of flavors and textures. The chewy pasta contrasts perfectly with the tender greens, while the garlic adds a lovely aroma that brings everything together. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes will give it that extra kick, making each bite a little adventure!
Carbonara

Carbonara (real) from RecipeTin Eats
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Pasta, bacon, eggs, garlic, egg yolks Total Time: 20 min.

Pasta Carbonara from Simply Recipes
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: Olive oil, thick cut, pecorino cheese, black pepper Total Time: 30 min.

Carbonara from NYT Cooking – The New York Times
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Spaghetti, olive oil, pecorino romano, black pepper, inch thick Total Time: 30 min.
Rich and creamy with a smoky twist, Carbonara is a Roman classic that’s sure to impress. Made with spaghetti, eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, pancetta, and black pepper, this dish is both luxurious and comforting.
The magic of Carbonara lies in its sauce, which is made by mixing hot pasta with raw eggs and cheese, creating a creamy coating without the need for cream. The crispy pancetta adds a delightful crunch, making every forkful a savory experience. It’s a dish that showcases the beauty of Italian cooking—simple ingredients transforming into something extraordinary!