Italy is home to some of the most beloved dishes in the world, and its cuisine never fails to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, these 14 must-try Italian pasta recipes will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. Get ready to explore flavors that are comforting, bold, and absolutely unforgettable!

Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Craving comfort food? This Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser! With rich, cheesy layers and flavorful sausage, it’s perfect for a family dinner or when hosting friends.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

Bolognese Sauce

Bolognese Sauce. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Take spaghetti night to the next level with this hearty and authentic Bolognese Sauce! Slow-cooked with classic Italian ingredients, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to time and time again for its soul-warming depth of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Bolognese Sauce

Sausage and Mushroom Risotto

Sausage and Mushroom Risotto. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Creamy, delicious, and packed with earthy flavors, this Sausage and Mushroom Risotto is the definition of indulgent comfort food. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your table.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Mushroom Risotto

Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara

Pasta Marinara inside a grey plate with extra sauce and basil leaves on the side.
Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Enjoy the rich flavors of classic Marinara with a modern low-carb twist! Gluten-free and grain-free, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for family dinners, offering healthy indulgence without compromising on taste.
Get the Recipe: Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara

Lamb Bolognese

Lamb bolognese with tagliatelle noodles.
Lamb Bolognese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A rich, savory twist on a classic Italian favorite, Lamb Bolognese is simmered with red wine, herbs, and tender vegetables. Toss it with tagliatelle, and you’ve got yourself a luxurious pasta dish to wow any guest.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Bolognese

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Ricotta and Tomato Pasta in a white bowl.
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Fresh tomatoes and creamy ricotta combine in this easy-to-make pasta recipe that’s perfect for the chilly nights ahead. It’s a burst of flavor and comfort, whether as a hearty side dish or a satisfying main course.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside gnocchi paired with savory sausage and slightly bitter broccoli rabe? This one-pan wonder is a true treat that checks all the flavor boxes!
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Giant Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells in two black serving dishes.
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Big, cheesy, and comforting! These Giant Cheese-Stuffed Shells are packed with creamy goodness and topped with a flavorful sauce, creating a pasta dish that’s as satisfying as it is drool-worthy.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Pesto Orzo Salad

Orzo salad resting on a dark plate.
Pesto Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Take a culinary trip to the Mediterranean with this vibrant Pesto Orzo Salad. Bursting with basil pesto, juicy tomatoes, and creamy cheese, it’s the perfect refreshing dish for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Best Lemon Pasta

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Tangy, zesty, and delightfully simple, this Lemon Pasta is the perfect balance of citrus and creaminess. Ideal for a light yet satisfying meal, this dish adds a refreshing twist to your pasta night.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta

Baked palmini with feta in a light blue casserole.
Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Low-carb eats meet viral trends with this Palmini Baked Feta Pasta! Creamy, cheesy flavor paired with tender palmini noodles makes for a guilt-free yet indulgent dish.
Get the Recipe: Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta

Low Carb Spaghetti Bolognese

Low Carb Spaghetti Bolognese in a grey bowl with extra sauce on the side.
Low Carb Spaghetti Bolognese. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Savor the flavors of Italy without the carbs! This Low Carb Spaghetti Bolognese combines homemade spaghetti and a rich meat sauce for a healthy, diabetic-friendly take on a classic dish.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Spaghetti Bolognese

Low Carb Pasta Carbonara

Pasta Carbonara inside a bowl with herbs and bacon.
Low Carb Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Make the Best Low Carb Pasta Carbonara with low carb homemade noodles and crispy bacon bits as your Italian classic easy family dinner or a meal plans for the week. Our gluten-free, low carb, trim healthy mama, grain-free pasta carbonara made with homemade low carb pasta and topped with grated parmesan cheese will be your go-to recipe everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Pasta Carbonara

Low Carb Fettuccine Alfredo

Red plate filled with alfredo sauce and keto noodles.
Low Carb Fettuccine Alfredo. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Our extra cheesy, rich, and creamy, easy Fettuccine Alfredo with homemade noodles made with only 5 ingredients will blow your mind. This low carb garlic parmesan cream sauce made with heavy cream is fully gluten-free, grain-free, and just the right fit if you are diabetic as well.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Fettuccine Alfredo

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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