10 Traditional Italian Pasta Dishes You Must Try

traditional Italian pasta dishes

In this article, we’ll examine 10 popular traditional Italian pasta dishes and explore the ingredients, regions, and unique characteristics that make them special.

Italian cuisine is known for its diverse and delicious pasta dishes. From classic favorites like spaghetti and meatballs to lesser-known regional specialties, there is no shortage of delicious pasta dishes to discover.

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1. Spaghetti alla Carbonara

spaghetti carbonara

Packed with flavor, this dish hails from Rome and is a simple yet delicious pasta dish made with spaghetti, eggs, pancetta or bacon, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese.

The sauce combines the eggs and cheese and then adds the pancetta or bacon. The dish is typically finished with a sprinkle of black pepper. There are many variations to this dish. You can use bacon rather than pork or zucchini or bacon or pork as a vegetarian style. Get the recipe.

2. Fettuccine Alfredo (Fettuccine al Burro)

fettuccine al burro

This dish is from Rome and is made with fettuccine pasta, butter, and Parmesan cheese. The pasta is cooked until tender and then tossed with butter and cheese. The dish is typically finished with a sprinkle of black pepper.

Note: the original recipe differs from whatever you may find in the United States. Get the recipe.

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3. Lasagna alla Bolognese

Italian lasagna with besciamella sauce

Lasagna is a traditional pasta dish from Emilia-Romagna. It consists of wide, flat noodles, meat sauce, béchamel or ricotta cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. The dish is typically baked in the oven, creating delicious layers of pasta, meat, and cheese. Get the recipe.

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4. Tagliatelle al Ragù

tagliatelle al ragu'

This dish comes from Emilia-Romagna and is made with tagliatelle pasta, meat sauce, and grated Parmesan cheese. The sauce is typically made with beef, pork, and pancetta or bacon and then slow-cooked for several hours. Get the recipe.

5. Penne all’Arrabbiata

penne arrabbiata

This dish is from Lazio, made with penne pasta, tomatoes, garlic, and red pepper flakes. The sauce is typically made by sautéing garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil and adding tomatoes to create a spicy and flavorful pasta dish. Get the recipe.

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6. Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

gnocchi alla sorrentina

This dish is from Campania and is made with potato dumplings, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil. The dumplings are typically made by mixing mashed potatoes with flour and eggs and then boiled. The dish is generally finished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Get the recipe.

7. Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe

cacio e pepe

This dish is from Lazio, made with spaghetti, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. The sauce is made by grating the cheese, mixing it with black pepper, and then tossing the pasta with the sauce. Get the recipe.

8. Spaghetti allo Scoglio

Spaghetti allo Scoglio

Spaghetti allo scoglio is a classic Italian seafood pasta dish. It features spaghetti noodles tossed with fresh shellfish and seafood, such as clams, mussels, shrimp, and calamari.

All these ingredients are cooked in savory garlic, white wine, and tomato sauce, capturing the flavors of the Mediterranean coast. Get the recipe.

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9. Cannelloni

cannelloni

This dish is from Campania and is made with large, tube-shaped pasta filled with meat, spinach, and ricotta cheese. Moreover, the pasta is typically rolled and baked in the oven with a tomato or meat sauce. Get the recipe.

10. Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

Spaghetti aglio olio e peperoncino

Spaghetti aglio olio e pepperoncini (also called “Midnight Spaghetti“) is a simple yet flavorful Italian dish made with spaghetti, garlic (aglio), olive oil (olio), and red chili flakes (peperoncino). The pasta is lightly coated in the aromatic blend of these ingredients. Get the recipe.

These are 10 popular traditional Italian pasta dishes, each with a unique flavor and history. From spaghetti alla Carbonara in Rome to Tagliatelle al Ragù in Bologna, these dishes are beloved for their rich flavors and comforting textures.

Whether you’re a pasta lover or a newbie, these dishes will impress. Each pasta dish accurately represents its region, showcasing the local ingredients and culinary traditions.

Next time you’re looking to try something new or want to explore the diversity of Italian cuisine, try one of these dishes and experience the authentic taste of Italy.

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