Italian Pasta Recipes - The Plant Based School (2024)

Italian cuisine is celebrated for its simplicity, elegance, and rich flavors, and pasta is a quick and versatile way to make a tasty and satiating lunch and dinner.

Enjoy the comforting embrace of a creamy Alfredo, the robust flavors of a hearty bolognese, or the simplicity of a classic aglio e olio; there’s a pasta dish here to satisfy every craving.

In this journey through Italian pasta recipes, we’ll explore the art of pasta–making and delve into the history of iconic pasta dishes, uncovering the traditions and techniques passed down through generations.

1. Cherry tomato pasta

Cherry tomato pastais a traditional Italian recipe from Naples. It was originally “pasta allo scarpariello” because it was popular among the shoemakers (“scarpari” means shoemakers in Neapolitan) who lived in the city.

The ingredients cannot be more straightforward:pasta,cherrytomatoes,oliveoil,garlic,basil, andparmesan cheese tossed in a creamy and light pasta meal.

2. Broccoli pasta

The recipe isexcellent for a last-minute dinner. Kids and picky adults will love it—it was one of Nico’s favorite pasta dishes growing up.

The recipe takes inspirationfrom Italian cuisine, and it’s especially popular in thesouthin and around the Apulia region.

You’ll love this broccoli pasta because of its delicious taste, creamy texture, and wholesome ingredients.

3. Fettuccine Alfredo

Pasta with Alfredo sauceis a popular Italian-inspired American recipe. While the original recipe for fettuccine Alfredo is delicious, we love it withadded veggies.

Browned mushrooms‘ flavor and texture perfectly match the cream, butter, and parmesan in this Alfredo sauce.

4. Puttanesca

Originally from Naples, pasta puttanesca oraulive e chiappariellein Napolitan (olives and capers in English) is popular worldwide thanks to itssimplicity,beautiful colors, andwonderfully rich taste.

Here, we’ll show you how to make a restaurant-worthy vegetarian dinnerwithlittle effortat home and afew pantry staples.

5. Tortellini soup

Our tortellini soupis awarm and soothing mealthat combinescomforting Italian flavors. It features tender tortellini cooked with delicious vegetables in arich and savory broth.

This soup iseasy to make in one pot, and you can customize it with your favoritevegetables,herbs, andstuffed pasta.

6. Lemon pasta

Lemon pastais anevolution ofItalian aglio oliowith the addition oflemon zest,lemonjuice, and optionallyparmesan cheese.

The resulting sauce isrich,creamy,zesty, andrefreshing, and paired with al dente Italian pasta creates a simple yet satisfying meal.

If you have a portion, you’ll be transported to Sorrentoand the Amalfi Coast, where lemons and pasta are staple ingredients.

7. Spaghetti pomodoro

Spaghetti Pomodoro, also known as tomato basil pasta, is aclassic Italian recipefamous worldwide for itstaste and simplicity.

In 20 minutes, with simple ingredients, you can prepare an authentic Italian vegetarian dish that will leave everyonebegging for more.

8. Paccheri pasta

Paccheri is an Italian pasta type that originated in the Neapolitan pasta–making tradition.

This easy pasta recipe demonstrates how to prepare them with a quick and easy cherry tomato sauce, basil, and chickpeas for extra protein.

9. Casarecce pasta

Casarecce is a short pasta from Sicily. Here, we toss it with a quick, healthy, and tasty sauce, along with broccoli rabe, olives, and sun–dried tomatoes.

This casarecce recipe can be made in less than 30 minutes. Top it with feta, ricotta, or a non-dairy cheese alternative, and serve it as an easy lunch or dinner.

10. Spaghetti aglio e olio

Garlic and oil pasta(spaghetti aglio e olio, or spaghetti aglio olio e peperoncino) is an Italian pasta recipe that originated in southern Italy and is now famous worldwide for its simplicity and taste.

The sauce has the same basic ingredients: extra virgin olive oil,fresh garlic,red pepper flakes, andfinely chopped parsley.

11. Penne arrabbiata

Penne arrabbiatais an Italian dish famous for itssimplicity,comforting taste, andspicy tomato sauce.

It’s excellent as a weeknight dinner, as you can make it with simple ingredients like canned tomatoes, garlic, chili, and parsley inless than 30 minutes.

Our recipe also shows you how to transform traditional penne arrabbiata into anutritious, tasty, high-protein dinner.

12. Orecchiette with broccoli rabe

Orecchiette, translated as small ears in Italian, is anear-shaped pastafrom the southern Italian regions ofPuglia and Basilicata.

Like many of our other pasta recipes, this protein-packed pastawill help you eat more veggiesin adelicious, comforting, and simple way.

13. Pasta e Ceci

Pasta e ceci– pasta and chickpeas in English –is a one-pot, easy Italian recipeknown for its comforting flavors and simplicity.

You’ll love itscreamy texture,earthy flavor, and thewarm and rustic tasteof chickpeas simmered in a rich broth with garlic, rosemary, and tomato.

14. Pasta alla Norma (eggplant pasta)

In Italy, pasta alla norma is so beloved that the Italians have instituted anational pasta alla norma dayon the 23rd of September to celebrate its history and tradition.

Try it, and you’ll see why. This easy pasta dish with roasted eggplant represents theessence of Mediterranean cuisine.

15. Lentil pasta

Lentil pasta is a nutritious,tasty,and wholesometraditional Italian recipe called pasta e lenticchie made with ditalini pasta and brown lentils.

It’s aperfect main dish for lunch or dinner; it’s family-friendly and excellent for meal prep.

16. Mushroom bolognese

With thismushroom ragu, we wanted to make aquick and easy saucewithout simmering for a long time, like a traditional meat-based ragu.

The mushroom bolognese isdelicious with tagliatelle and spaghetti, but it’s also great on tacos, wraps, lasagna,creamy polenta,gnocchi, or simply on a slice of toasted bread.

17. Ricotta and spinach pasta

The 20-minute pasta dish is inspired bypasta al limone, a classic Italian recipe that is afamily favoritefor itssimplicity and taste.

The result is abeautiful combination of colors,textures, andflavorsthat we are sure you’ll love.

18. Pesto pasta

Italy’s most popular and traditional pesto recipe is made with basil. It’s called pesto alla Genovese because it originated in the city of Genova in the northwestern region of Liguria in Italy.

With this pesto pasta, we show you how to make aquick and easy basil pesto pastaas they do it in Italy and tomake a version without dairy.

19. Creamy kale pasta

This kale pastacombines Italian rigatoni with acreamy and luscious sauce, tastysautéed kale,creamy ricotta, and savory parmesan cheese.

Lemon zest, garlic, and red pepper flakesare added for an extra zing that elevates the taste of this satiating dish.

20. Lentil bolognese

Lentil bologneseis themeat-free versionof a classic Italian sauce,ragù alla Bolognese.

Lentils are anexcellent ground meat replacementbecause they have a rich earthy taste, keep their texture, and arerich in minerals, iron, and plant protein.

21. Pasta e fa*gioli

Pasta and fa*gioli provideplenty of wholesome plant proteinand other nutrients, helping you stay satisfiedfor several hours.

You might know Olive Garden pasta e fa*gioli, an Italian restaurant in the United States,butthis recipe goes back hundreds of yearsto mainland Italy.

You can serve pasta e fa*giolias a soup, with enough liquid to grant the use of a spoon,or thicker, more like a pasta dish.

22. Zucchini pasta

Zucchini pasta, as inpasta with zucchini, is a creamy andeasy Italian recipefor a tastyweeknight dinnerfor the whole family.

You can make it withgrated zucchini,lemonzest,parmesan cheese, and creamy Greek yogurt.

23. Pasta salad

Thanks to our tasty mustard dressing, this chickpea pasta salad recipe isMediterranean-inspired,fresh,crunchy, and a littlezesty.

It’s excellent for meal prep,potlucks, andpicnics, and it can be served as a quick lunch or a light dinner.

24. Asparagus pasta

This Italian asparagus pasta containsno butter or heavy cream, just a parmesan to bring out the asparagus flavor.

The sautèed and blended asparagus enhances the flavor of this beautiful spring vegetable, adding abright green color and a velvety texture.

25. Pasta al limone

Pasta al limone is a creamy lemon pasta recipe popular in Italy. It is made with ricotta and fresh herbs from my family cookbook.

My grandma used to make this dish with delicious ripelemons from theAmalfi coastor Sorrento in the Campania region in Italy, mixing lemon zestwithfresh ricotta from the local farm.

26. Artichoke pasta

We usecanned artichoke hearts for this pasta recipe, which allows us to put this dish together in about15 to 20 minutes.

This 20-minuterecipeiscreamy, tangy,and packed withtenderartichokehearts. It’s an easy yetrestaurant-worthyeveryday meal.

27. Butternut squash pasta

Butternut squash isan excellent autumn vegetable.You can make anything with it, fromgnocchiandraviolitorisottoand this Italiancreamy butternut squash pasta.

This recipe isstraight-up beginner-levelsince there’s not much cooking involved. But the taste is not beginner-level, as every bite has a flavor and an irresistiblechewy-creamy texture.

28. Artichoke pasta bake

Thisartichoke pastabakeis a creamy oven-baked pasta recipe that iseasy to makeand excellent as afamily dinner.

We make it withjarred artichokeheartsandfrozen peasblended into a creamy, delicious artichoke sauce that coats every piece of pasta.

29. Kale pesto pasta

This 20-minutecreamykalepestopastais a fall andwinterdinnerfavorite! Make it with our tasty kale pesto for a wholesome and quick meal.

Perfect for when you’reshort on time, thekale pesto pasta saucecan be made ina few minutes.If you want to add more veggies, try tossing in someroasted pumpkin. It’s delicious!

30. Pesto pasta salad

Pesto pasta saladis a quick and delicious meal with your favorite pesto and fresh veggies. It’s packed withfresh flavorsand excellent for potlucks or an easy dinner with your family.

It’s safe to say thateveryone will love this recipe; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and an excellent way to add more veggies to your diet.

31. Vegan Mushroom pasta

Our vegan mushroom pasta recipe isinspired by an Italiandish withmushrooms and cherry tomatoes.

The recipe isquick and simple, perfect forweeknights. However, thanks to its rich andgourmet-like flavors, it’s excellent for special dinners too.

Homemade Italian pasta recipes

Making homemade Italian pasta is a delightful family activity that can foster connection and togetherness.

From mixing the dough to shaping each delicate strand, every step is a shared experience that results in a delicious dinner meal.

32. Sweet potato gnocchi

Our3-ingredient sweet potatognocchi is a delicious, comforting, and cozy Italian-inspired dish excellent forweeknight dinner, meal prep, and freezer-friendly.

This simple and tasty recipe can be made inabout 30 minutesand served as a lovely meal with your family. It’s easier than you think.

33. Cavatelli pasta

Cavatelli is easy to make with two simple ingredients: durum wheat semolina flour and water. They are easy to shape with two fingers.

They are delicious with most sauces, from homemade pesto to lentil ragù and mushroom sauce.

34. How to make orecchiette pasta

Orecchiette pasta is easy to makewith two simple ingredients: durum wheat semolina flour and water.

You won’t need any special equipment, and this recipewon’t take much longer than 45 minutes.

35. Butternut squash ravioli

Butternut squash ravioliare soft and delicious pasta pillows filled with incrediblebutternut squash,ricotta, andparmesan filling.

We’ll show you how to make your ownbutternut squash ravioli from scratch using simple steps. You’ll be surprised how easy they are to put together.

More Italian pasta ideas

• Kabocha squash pasta
• Homemade potato gnocchi
• Trofie pasta
• Cauliflower pasta
• Vegetable soup with ditalini pasta