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Pasta is a staple food in our homes as the main entree, base, or side dish. It’s beloved, and the possibilities are endless, so endless that settling on a recipe can be overwhelming. 

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That’s why I’ve put together this collection of 45+ of the best pasta recipes. They’re so good you’ll want to try them all! Italian, classic, quick and easy, to even making your own pasta dough from scratch in 5 minutes flat, this list has all the pasta recipes you’ll ever need. 

Classic Pasta

These pasta recipes have stood the test of time. All of the crave-worthy traditional flavors and textures that we’ve all come to love. 

A traditional pasta dish from the town of Amatrice, Italy. This recipe is ready in just 30 minutes, using Bucatini pasta (a hollow cousin to the spaghetti noodle). It has a rich tomato sauce spiced up with red chili flakes. A simple and delicious recipe that works for a busy schedule. 


A dish that’s recipe is well known but varies across different regions of Italy. Traditionally made with flat, broad pasta like pappardelle, it’s a tomato based sauce with pancetta, wine, and various vegetables, that’s finished with a dash of cream. This luscious sauce takes about 90 minutes to cook, perfect for a quiet weekend or special occasion. 


Another classic, this simple and authentic pasta sauce is mostly hands-off and cooks low and slow for about an hour. One of those recipes that you’ll want to learn by heart. 


The perfect quick and easy summer dish. Checca is a raw pasta sauce made of diced tomatoes, raw garlic, and fresh mozzarella tossed with hot spaghetti noodles. With a fresh, bright flavor blast it’s an ideal way to enjoy summer’s peak tomatoes!


A timeless flavor combining the freshness of basil, garlic’s spicy kick, and buttery pine nuts. This recipe takes just ten minutes to whirl up and there are endless ways to enjoy it. 


A rich decadent pasta of olive oil, parsley, lemon juice, and garlic with a kick of crushed red pepper. Made start to finish in under 20 minutes, you’ll have a quick and easy, restaurant-worthy meal.


Brother Devil, that’s the translation of this dish in Italian. Tossed with tender pasta and juicy shrimp, the red pepper tomato sauce with garlic, olive oil, and white wine packs a spicy punch. Made in just 30 minutes, this one is worthy of a dinner party and weeknight easy.


Have you ever tried and failed to make the Italian classic Cacio e Pepe? It’s a dish with a reputation for being dead simple (just 3 ingredients), but also fussy (easy to end up with clumpy sauce) But no more! This is a truly no fail recipe. It’s made in minutes with a method that might surprise you.


The key to this recipe is fresh broccoli rabe (rapini) and quality Italian sausage. You can choose between sweet or spicy, or use a combination to adjust the spiciness. Another delicious Italian classic with a bright pop of green from the broccoli rabe.


This vegetarian pasta meal is made in a smooth, spicy sauce loaded with creamy roasted eggplant. Rigatoni pasta is ideal. Red pepper flakes, tomato base, garlic, and olive oil to create the signature flavor of the sauce. 


Bucatini Carbonara is one of those easy pasta recipes where method and timing make the difference between a so-so dish and a restaurant quality meal. With this no-fail method, you’ll have the latter every single time.


A tomato-based dish using a long, thin pasta. Capers, black olives, and anchovies give this dish a blast of umami. If anchovies and black olives aren’t your jam, it’s simple to adjust to your tastes. 


A hearty stew that is based on old Italian peasant dishes. The meat, veggies, rich broth, and pasta blend together for a satisfying and delicious meal that only takes half an hour start to finish. 

Quick & Easy

In a rush but don’t want to sacrifice the taste and feel of a home-cooked meal? These quick pasta recipes are the solution. Many of these recipes are vegetarian and can be easily made vegan.

This zesty recipe has a simple combo of ingredients that deliver a delightful, straightforward flavor. Creamy butter and olive oil mellow the lemon’s acidity and pungency of ample garlic. Chili flakes and pepper add a gentle kick.

A mix of flavorful sausage, succulent peppers, and zesty tomatoes creates a quick yet satisfying pasta dish ideal for weekday dinners.

Savor the essence of Italian flavors in just 20 minutes with Pancetta Pasta, a delightful blend of tender penne, crispy pancetta, and zesty arugula, all brightened with a hint of lemon.

A quick and easy, crowd pleasing pasta made with fresh broccoli and a handful of pantry staples that you probably have on hand!

Juicy shrimp, al dente pasta, and a heavenly garlic butter sauce make this dish a mouthwatering favorite. Quick and easy to make!

A crowd pleasing pasta that’s weeknight easy and dinner party elegant!


A pasta dish you can make in minutes that’s delicious on it’s own and goes with everything. And if you’ve never tried gemelli pasta, you’re in for a treat!

A quick and satisfying Italian-inspired dish with tender broccoli, pasta, and succulent chicken.


This vegan pasta dish has the classic flavors of olive oil and garlic with dashes of lemon, fresh herbs, and capers. With tender pasta, buttery olives and pine nuts, it’s a hearty dish that even the most devout carnivore will love.


Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a quick 30-minute dish that balances everyday comfort with a touch of elegance, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions at home.


With only five ingredients, this meal is made in 15 minutes flat. It’s a hearty blend of tender rotini, creamy brie cheese, earthy broccoli, and buttery toasted walnuts rounded out simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper. 


You’d never know how simple this pasta dish is by its robust flavor. You’d think it took all day to prepare instead of just minutes! Penne pasta, jammy roasted tomatoes and tender kale are topped with olive oil and mozzarella that melts into creamy perfection.


Truffles are readily available in Italy and can be a challenge to find in the United States. But that doesn’t change how delicious they are. They’re worth seeking out for this 20 minute bucatini pasta dish with shaved truffles and anchovies that’s absolutely bursting with flavor.


This is a unique recipe combining grated hard-boiled eggs, anchovy fillets, and capers. A splash of lemon juice and fresh Italian parsley gives it a fresh, bright flavor that’s perfect for tossing with torchiette or other short pasta. Made in just 30 minutes. 


Zucchini pasta is a great way to turn a pasta dish into a lighter meal for the summertime. This recipe combines zucchini noodles with bucatini pasta for a light texture and satisfying flavor. The classic cacio e pepe flavors of butter, black pepper, and pecorino cheese shine in this lovely dish that’s on your table in about 25 minutes.


Have you ever made pesto and wondered how it would be as a coarse sauce where you stop short of blending it smooth? It’s divine! If you love the flavors of classic pesto, then you must try this recipe.


This riff on classic pesto is made with smoky, charred cauliflower, buttery hazelnuts and briny capers blended then tossed with tender bucatini pasta for a dish full of savory and delectable flavors. 

Seafood Pasta

Seafood and pasta are a timeless combination. The options are endless! Here are some of my favorite options for beautiful and delicious pescatarian dishes to add to your weekly lunch and dinner plans. 

This succulent pasta dish blends lemon, garlic, and juicy shrimp in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce for a delectably satisfying meal. It takes just 20 minutes to prepare this restaurant-worthy dish. 


Scallops seem fancy don’t they? But the truth is they’re dead simple to prepare and easy to keep on hand in your freezer. Before tender pasta gets topped with perfectly seared scallops, it’s tossed with fresh garlic sautéed in butter and fresh lemon juice and zest, with a bit of arugula for a fresh peppery bite. 


Sometimes a few humble ingredients add up to something spectacular. This Tuna Pasta is a great example. With good quality canned tuna and just a few pantry and staple ingredients you can make delectable dish (with a no cook sauce!) in minutes.


Though this ingredient combination might sound pretty adventurous, I promise you won’t be disappointed. Bursting with sweet, buttery, umami flavors, this is a pasta dish you will crave.


This is an elegant, delicious dish with fresh herbs, butter, and whole clams. It is surprisingly quick to make and can be scaled to serve as many as you like.


The options for this shrimp salad are endless. Tender flavorful shrimp and crunchy celery are tossed in a delectably creamy dressing. Serve it as is or stir it into pasta, heap onto a salad, or layer into sandwiches.

Pasta Sauce

Yes, these sauces are delicious on pasta, but don’t stop there. You’ll find that they’re entirely versatile and amenable to endless variations. 

A classic Italian-style sauce that simmers low and slow for an incredible depth of flavor. Ground lamb is simmered in an aromatic blend of tomatoes, garlic, red wine, and vegetables for a delicious sauce that’s as delicious over rice as it is with pasta. 


A mouthwatering spin on classic pesto! Switching it up with almonds, and pecorino cheese while keeping basil as the bright base. You’ll find so many ways to enjoy this nutty, vibrant sauce. 


This hearty textured sauce tastes meaty, but is actually vegan. A delicious blend of eggplant, mushrooms, and tomatoes are flavored with garlic and sweet onion. The roasted vegetables are blended together for a rich and wonderful sauce that’s delicious tossed with your favorite pasta.

Homemade Pasta

Have you always wanted to try making your own pasta or noodles? Look no further. You can count on these tried and true recipes for homemade pasta and noodles that are excellent every time.

Make delicious homemade pasta in just 5 minutes in a food processor with just 4 simple ingredients.


Using the recipe above, this is a simple and easy-to-follow guide to making your own lasagna noodles.


Knowing how to make your own ramen noodles at home can be a delicious and fun skill to have. This recipe will teach you how to mix and roll your ramen noodles to perfection.

Baked Pasta

Baked pasta is a wonderful thing and lasagna may be the best baked pasta there is. 

This is truly the ultimate lasagna. A rich, decadent, super meaty lasagna made with oven ready / no boil noodles that’s a simplified version of the NY Times recipe with more than 5,000 5-star reviews! 


Most of us think of lasagna and think of meaty red sauce layered with noodles and cheese. This is a fresh take on the baked favorite, no tomatoes or meat in sight. The star of this cheesy lasagna is loads of tender mushrooms. 

Pasta Salad

The options for salads are endless! Here are a couple that everyone loves. 

A rich, creamy pasta salad with real lump crab and tender shrimp with a fresh crunch of celery and dill. It tastes like summer and is just right for almost any occasion.


A bright and delicious pasta salad with sliced cherry tomatoes, olives, salami, and diced cheese that make it ideal for picnics and backyard BBQs.

Vegetarian Pasta

With so many flavors and textures you’ll never miss the meat in these vegetarian pastas. 

Comfort food at its best, you’ll be enjoying this luscious noodle dish in just 20 minutes.


A mixture of sautéed fresh summer vegetables tossed with tender pasta. This is a simple, feel-good dish that tastes amazing. 


A delicate pasta dish with butter, garlic and heavy cream and topped with buttery walnuts and pleasantly bitter radicchio. 


Blending zucchini noodles with traditional spaghetti lightens up this simple pasta dish while lemon zest and green olives give it pop, and pecorino and pine nuts add richness and make it irresistible. 


If you haven’t tried the toasty little round pasta called Fregola Sarda from Sardinia, you’ve been missing out. With a blend of flavors that are unique and unforgettable, this salad is the perfect place to start.


Loaded with summer herbs and briny olives this rustic pasta dish is one you’ll crave often. 

Ravioli

We all love the stuffed and delightful pasta that is ravioli. It’s like a little present of flavor wrapped in tender pasta that we get to experience with each bite. 

A unique and vibrant take on traditional ravioli. Delicate egg roll wrappers are filled with a silky puree of red beets and potatoes then finished with a savory poppy seed butter sauce and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. 


These extra large ravioli are all about the sweet and wildly flavorful filling. 

Soup

There’s nothing like the soothing warmth of good soup on a cold day. Here are two of my favorites. 

This savory rich soup has tangy notes of lemon and peppery brightness from arugula. Farfalle pasta and eggs poached right in the broth make it a meal.


Is there a more comforting soup? And this is the best version of Chicken Noodle Soup I know. It’s like a warm hug, loved by children and adults alike. 

Noodle Recipes

A few of my noodle dish favorites from Japan and China. 

A hearty and delicious bowl with earthy, nutty soba noodles tangled with tender bok choy and crunchy almonds with a rich, spicy sauce all topped with a softly boiled egg. Ready in about 30 minutes. 


Ramen noodles aren’t just for soup! With bacon, shrimp, snap peas, a trifecta of fresh herbs (Thai basil, mint and cilantro), and an umami rich sauce, this stir fry is spectacular!


A dish with deeply complex flavors with a simple list of ingredients. Savory broth, tender ramen noodles, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly, soft-cooked egg, and green onions make this a ramen house classic that you will love to make at home.

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6 Comments

  1. David @ Spiced says:

    Oh what a great collection! Pasta is one of our favorite go-to meals, and this list has SO much inspiration. Come to think of it, we don’t have anything planned for dinner yet tonight…I think pasta might need to happen!

  2. Karen H says:

    These look amazing! Thank you for the compilation. Is there a simple way to print this collection?

  3. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says:

    Gimme all the pasta PLEASE! So many great recipes Marissa!

  4. Ben | Havocinthekitchen says:

    Oooo so many fabulous pasta ideas – hard to pick one! I definitely love all baked pasta variations, and I am also intrigued with that hazelnut pesto (Must be scrumptious!) And Daisy, of course, is voting for pasta with seared scallops ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. angiesrecipes says:

    What a great collection of delicious pasta recipes!

    1. Marissa Stevens says:

      Thanks so much, Angie!