Travel Journal

A popular legend claims that Marco Polo introduced pasta to Italy after his explorations of the Far East. However, there is evidence of pasta all the way back to the 4th century B. C. Pasta has steadfastly maintained its status as a cultural symbol in Italy and a source of great pride, representing family traditions and culinary heritage. From north to south, the choices of shapes and ingredients are endless and equally delizioso.

Today, traditional Italian pasta remains one of the clearest expressions of the country’s culinary identity.

The best pasta dishes in Italy

Every region in Italy has a unique culinary tradition, and pasta is at the centre of this gastronomic richness. From pasta alla Norma in Sicily to orecchiette in Puglia, explore the most typical pasta dishes of the different Italian regions and find out where to enjoy them in their original context.

These Italian pasta dishes tell the story of local ingredients, cooking traditions and regional pride. From northern Italy pasta dishes to the best-loved southern pasta dishes, each recipe reflects a different side of Italian food culture.

Spaghetti aglio, olio e peperoncino

Popular throughout Italy, this dish is said to originate in the Abruzzo region and is simplicity itself. Sautéed minced garlic in olive oil, with dried chili and tossed in freshly cooked pasta. Often this is the first dish that young Italians learn to make and it’s easy to see why, simple yet delicious.

 Pasta al Tonno

A classic from the coast of Calabria, this simple yet sumptuous dish is perfect to a quick supper or a nice lunch. Salty capers are added to tuna, along with spicy Calabrian chili peppers, mixed with spaghetti.

It is also one of those regional pasta recipes that show how very few ingredients can still create a memorable plate

Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe

An authentic Roman dish that is simple and tasty, ‘cheese and pepper’ pasta is just as the name suggests, a mixture of pasta, pecorino cheese, and black pepper. Cook the pasta al dente and reserve a little of the cooking water to create a creamier sauce.

If you are wondering how to cook perfect spaghetti al dente, controlling the cooking time and saving some pasta water are two essential steps.

Lasagne alla Bolognese

A family favourite in the region of Emilia-Romagna, and the rest of the world, this northern Italian pasta dish is made with egg pasta, delicious creamy bechamel sauce and a rich meaty ragù.

Among the best Italian pasta dishes, lasagne remain one of the most recognisable examples of Italian first courses.

Pasta alla Norma

A typical dish from Catania in Sicily, pasta alla Norma is a tasty dish comprised of aubergine, ripe tomatoes, ricotta salata, garlic, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Combine this sauce with your favourite pasta and serve.

Ragù Napoletano

This dish, consisting of a rich, creamy meat sauce, is a real labour of love, as many Napolitans will cook this overnight, getting up every few hours to stir to get the sauce exactly right. Various meats such as pork ribs, and prosciutto are combined with tomatoes, wine, onions, and garlic for a sumptuous Italian pasta dish.

Orecchiette con le cime di rapa

This is an extremely popular southern pasta dish originating in Puglia. Orecchiette or ‘little ears’ is a type of pasta and often served with a fresh green sauce made from Rapini, garlic, anchovies, olive oil, pecorino, and breadcrumbs.

Vermicelli alla puttanesca

A true ‘less is more’ dish, the simplicity of this sauce is what makes it so special. Consisting of tomatoes, olives, capers, olive oil and oregano, this classic is a favourite for a quick, easy, and delicious supper.

It is often mentioned among the Italian pasta dishes that are easiest to prepare at home.

Ravioli di ricotta e spinaci al burro e salvia

The earliest mentions of ravioli are from the 14th century in Venice and Tuscany and has been a popular Italian pasta dish ever since. Stuffed with spinach, ricotta, Parmigiano Reggiano, and egg in a simple sauce of melted butter and slightly crisped sage leaves.

Trofie al pesto

A typical Ligurian dish that is light and herby. A classic pesto a la Genovese is added to, preferably fresh and al dente trofie pasta with a little of the cooking water for a silky, smooth dish. One of the best Italian pasta recipes and certainly one of the easiest.

It is a perfect example of how regional pasta recipes can be both simple and deeply rooted in local tradition.

Shopping at Fiumicino airport

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Pasta in Italy is more than just food, it’s a symbol of national pride, bringing together family and friends over the dinner table for generations. The key to the recipes is the love and passion put into making each sauce such as the over- night ragù or the pure simplicity of Spaghetti aglio, olio e peperoncino.

FAQ

What are the most popular Italian pasta dishes?
Among the most famous are lasagne alla Bolognese, spaghetti cacio e pepe, pasta alla Norma, trofie al pesto and orecchiette con le cime di rapa. These are some of the Italian first courses most closely associated with the country’s regional culinary identity.

Which Italian pasta dishes are quick and easy to cook?
Dishes such as spaghetti aglio, olio e peperoncino, vermicelli alla puttanesca and pasta al tonno are often appreciated for being simple, quick and satisfying.

How to cook perfect spaghetti al dente?
To cook perfect spaghetti al dente, it is important to follow the timing on the package, taste the pasta shortly before the end of cooking, and reserve a little cooking water to help bind the sauce more effectively.

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