Top 10 Pasta Dishes Every Food Lover Must Try

Pasta lovers, get ready to twirl your forks! We’ve rounded up the top 10 pasta dishes every foodie needs to try, from creamy sauces to authentic Italian favourites. Our list features rich delights like Tagliatelle al Ragù and ultimate comfort foods, such as spaghetti smothered in tomato sauce and melted cheese.

Ready to discover your next go-to pasta recipe for a main dish? Explore these must-try dishes and savour their unforgettable flavours!

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Spaghetti Napoli

This timeless Italian pasta dish is coated in Napoli sauce and is made of tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs.

A staple in Italian pasta recipes, this flavourful sauce is often the base for best pasta dishes. Combined with spaghetti, it results in a light, tangy, and incredibly satisfying taste, especially when topped with fresh chilli.

Looking to make it at home? Try whipping up a batch of homemade spaghetti at home.

Spaghetti Napoli is just the beginning of your journey through the top 10 pasta recipes. For those craving richer flavours, let’s move to another Italian favourite—Spaghetti Norma.

Spaghetti Norma

For a rich pasta texture, try spaghetti alla norma. It features roasted or fried eggplant, sautéed onions, tomatoes, and fresh basil in a hearty sauce.

The signature Norma sauce is a Sicilian favourite, specifically Catania, named after the opera Norma composer.

With its sweet tomato base, creamy eggplant, and aromatic herbs, every bite is filled with exploding flavours.

Ricotta Gnocchi Carbonara

Known for its rich, creamy texture, carbonara combines eggs, pancetta, and cheese to create a smooth and savoury sauce.

This Roman-inspired favourite pairs perfectly with soft, pillowy gnocchi, allowing the sauce to coat each bite beautifully. Topped with ricotta cheese, it adds an extra layer of creaminess and flavour.

Want to try it yourself? Follow our simple recipe for homemade ricotta gnocchi.

Potato Gnocchi Garlic Prawns

Potato gnocchi garlic prawns bring a fresh, seafood twist compared to the rich and creamy ricotta gnocchi carbonara, making it a unique ingredient in your pasta repertoire. Instead of a cheese-based sauce, this dish features garlicky prawns cooked in a buttery, herb-infused sauce for a lighter flavour.

The soft, pillowy texture of potato gnocchi pairs perfectly with the juicy prawns. It’s savoury, aromatic, and finished with a hint of lemon for a refreshing touch. Perfect for seafood lovers!

Ready to give this seafood delight a try? Check out our step-by-step guide to making homemade potato gnocchi.

Tagliatelle Napoli

Tagliatelle Napoli offers a delicious twist on the classic Spaghetti Napoli, swapping thin strands for flat, ribbon-like pasta. The wider shape of the tagliatelle holds the Napoli sauce beautifully.

In addition, Napoli sauce delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and tang with its blend of ripe tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.

Want to try it at home? Follow this simple recipe for homemade tagliatelle and bring this classic to your table!

Tagliatelle Norma

Tagliatelle Norma is a hearty, vegetarian-friendly dish featuring flat, ribbon-like pasta that pairs perfectly with its rich, tomato-based sauce. While Spaghetti Norma uses thinner strands, tagliatelle provides a wider surface to soak up the Norma sauce, made with eggplant, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs.

Compared to Tagliatelle Napoli, this version includes roasted or fried eggplant, adding a smoky, savoury flavour that complements the sweet tomato base, making it one of the best pasta recipes.

The taste is bold and comforting, with the eggplant adding creaminess and texture.

Tagliatelle Carbonara

Tagliatelle carbonara brings a rich and creamy twist to pasta night, offering a texture that contrasts with the soft, pillowy feel of gnocchi carbonara. 

The sauce—made with eggs, pancetta, and cheese—delivers a savoury, smoky, and indulgently comforting taste.

Popular toppings include cracked black pepper for a spicy kick and extra Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese.

Penne Napoli

Penne Napoli is a versatile dish perfect for anyone who loves pasta with a bit of texture. Its tube-shaped pasta and ridged surface are designed to capture sauces.

Paired with Napoli sauce, it offers a satisfying combination of tangy and savoury flavours. The sauce fills each piece of penne, creating a hearty and comforting bite.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing special guests at your next gathering, Penne Napoli is a go-to option for pasta lovers of all ages.

Penne Carbonara

The creamy, silky carbonara sauce isn’t just a treat for spaghetti, gnocchi, or tagliatelle lovers; it’s also delicious with penne.

Its smoky pancetta, smooth egg-based sauce, and a touch of black pepper deliver a bold, savoury flavour that feels both indulgent and comforting. The texture of penne makes it ideal for soaking up the sauce.

It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy classic Italian pasta dishes.

Tagliatelle Wild Boar Ragu

The wild boar ragu for this dish is typically marinated for 48 hours in red wine, garlic, and rosemary. This allows the meat to soak up bold, earthy flavours before being slow-cooked with tomatoes until tender.

The result? A deeply savoury sauce that pairs perfectly with tagliatelle. Topped with shaved Parmesan and a hint of rosemary, it’s an excellent choice for anyone who loves Italian cuisine with a rich, gourmet twist.

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From creamy carbonara and hearty wild boar ragù to vegetarian-friendly Norma, these top 10 pasta dishes celebrate the rich flavours and traditions of Italian cuisine.

Craving more Italian-inspired meals? These recipes make it easy to bring comforting, homemade flavours to your table. For more ideas and a taste of authentic Italy, visit Piccolino Woodfired Pizza & Homemade Pasta and explore our delicious menu. Buon appetito!

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