15 comforting pasta recipes for a taste of Italy at home

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There’s nothing quite like a good pasta dish to make you feel like you’re dining in Italy. Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy or a rich and hearty meal, these recipes have got you covered. From creamy sauces to fresh pesto, each dish brings a taste of Italy right to your kitchen.

A bowl of pasta with vegetables and cheese garnished with basil on a table next to a pepper mill and a linen napkin.
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta.Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Creamy Tomato Farfalle

Creamy tomato farfalle with peas and prosciutto in a white bowl.
Creamy Tomato Farfalle. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This 20-minute creamy tomato farfalle gives you a taste of Italy with a healthier take on traditional cream sauce. Featuring peas and crispy prosciutto, it’s great for an easy, filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato Farfalle

Lentil Pasta with Garlicky Greens

Red lentil pasta with garlic lemon greens in a bowl.
Lentil Pasta with Garlicky Greens. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This red lentil pasta recipe is quick and includes garlicky lemon kale and a cheesy topping. It’s a great way to enjoy Italian flavors in a nutritious meal.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Pasta with Garlicky Greens

Lamb Bolognese

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

Lamb bolognese is packed with Italian flavor. Simmered with carrots, onions, garlic, tomatoes, red wine, and fresh herbs, it’s perfect served over tagliatelle for a comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Bolognese

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Bucatini cacio e pepe in a bowl with a gold fork and a pepper mill off to the side.
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bucatini cacio e pepe is a classic Italian dish made with just five ingredients. This creamy pasta uses Pecorino Romano cheese and pasta water for a great, easy meal that’s also budget-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese

Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This Trapanese pesto features fresh tomatoes, nuts, and basil, creating a summer sauce that’s perfect for tossing with pasta. It brings a fresh Italian vibe to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese

Brussels Sprouts Pasta

A bowl of pasta with bacon and brussels sprouts.
Brussels Sprouts Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This 25-minute Brussels sprouts pasta is perfect for weeknight dinners. With bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichokes, it’s quick but impressive, bringing a touch of Italy to your table.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Pasta

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

A bowl of pasta with vegetables and cheese garnished with basil on a table next to a pepper mill and a linen napkin.
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This sun-dried tomato pasta combines rigatoni, a creamy tomato sauce, parmesan cheese, and baby spinach. Ready in less than 30 minutes, it’s great for a midweek Italian-inspired dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Italian Tomato Pasta Soup

Italian tomato soup with pasta in a mug with a spoon.
Italian Tomato Pasta Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Italian tomato pasta soup is hearty and comforting. Filled with ground beef, sausage, mushrooms, and escarole, it’s great for when you’re craving an Italian-style cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tomato Pasta Soup

Escarole Soup

Escarole soup with pasta and sausage in a bowl.
Escarole Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Escarole soup is a classic Italian meal featuring escarole greens, white beans, sausage, and pasta in a garlicky broth. It’s perfect for a healthy, hearty weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Escarole Soup

Slow Cooker Chicken Pasta

Olive garden chicken pasta on a fork.
Slow Cooker Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow cooker chicken pasta has tender, fall-apart chicken that simmers all day in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s a great, easy-to-make dish that brings Italian comfort food to your home.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Pasta

Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

pasta aglio olio e peperoncino is mixed with a black pasta fork.
Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Aglio Olio e Peperoncino pairs pasta with garlic, rich olive oil, fresh basil, and spicy Calabrian chili peppers. It’s a simple, classic Italian dish that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

Penne al Baffo

a dish of penne al baffo topped with parsley.
Penne al Baffo. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Penne al Baffo is coated in a tomato and cream sauce with garlic, shallots, and pancetta, topped with parsley. This decadent dish is great for an Italian-inspired meal everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Penne al Baffo

Pasta Checca with Burrata

Pasta Checca with burst tomatoes and burrata on a white serving platter.
Pasta Checca with Burrata. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pasta checca with burrata is an updated take on a traditional Italian meal featuring small burst heirloom tomatoes and burrata. It’s a great way to bring fresh Italian flavors to your table.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Checca with Burrata

Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Lemon ricotta pasta with cherry tomatoes and basil on a white plate.
Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This lemon ricotta pasta is a quick meal with creamy ricotta, basil, and tomatoes. It’s great for a light and refreshing Italian-inspired dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Instant Pot Bolognese

Instant Pot bolognese recipe on a plate with a fork.
Instant Pot Bolognese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Making bolognese in the Instant Pot is a faster way to enjoy the rich, hearty flavors of this classic Italian meat sauce. Serve over your favorite pasta with parmesan cheese for a great, easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bolognese

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