The Most Popular Pasta Dishes

There are many companies out there that offer different types of pasta that you may have never even heard of. They also offer homemade vegan and vegetarian dishes which are extremely healthy. Pasta comes in many shapes and sizes, and these different shapes and sizes make for delicious pasta dishes. There are the basic fan favorites, of course — penne alla vodka, baked ziti, stuffed shells, macaroni and cheese. But there are also fancier dishes that are just as easy to make. For example, gigispasta.com offers dishes like the Pappardelle Venison Ragu and Trofie Basil Pesto, delivered to your doorstep. I’m sure that the Lasagne and Spaghetti Bolognese is extremely popular but there are actually other dishes that are extremely popular as well, some that you may have never heard of. In this article, we will discuss some of the most popular pasta dishes.

Here are some of the most popular pasta dishes that we all need to try at some point:

Tagliatelle al Ragu alla Bolognese

You’ve probably enjoyed a dish pretty similar to tagliatelle al ragù alla bolgnese in the form of spaghetti bolognese. But contrary to popular belief, the famous tagliatelle al ragu alla bolognese is nothing like spaghetti bolognese. In fact, in Italy (specifically in Bologna, Italy) there is no such thing as spaghetti bolognese. Traditional tagliatelle al ragù alla bolognese is made with tagliatelle pasta and a thick meat sauce.

Mac and Cheese

The famous mac and cheese. A go-to meal in all households, mac and cheese can be made simply or it can be made a little bit fancier. From boxed to baked, there is no wrong way to make it.

Pasta all’Arribiata

This super quick Italian dish has a little kick to it. If you like spicy food, this is a must try. The tomato sauce is seasoned with crushed red peppers to taste.

Pasta al Pesto

We’ve all had our fair share of pasta in tomato and meat sauces. But the amazing, savory pesto sauce is just as delicious. Made out of basil leaves and garlic, pesto can be mixed with just about any pasta noodle and it’ll be just as tasty.

Fettuccine Alfredo

Another pasta dish that strays away from traditional tomato and meat sauces, fettuccine alfredo is creamy, buttery, cheesy pasta that you can’t help but love. Fettuccine alfredo is usually made with fettuccine pasta and is mixed with the buttery alfredo sauce. Contrary to popular belief, this creamy sauce is traditionally made without cream.

Lasagna alla Bolognese

Lasagna alla bolognese comes from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. It is most popularly made with egg pasta, slow-cooked meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella (or grated parmigiano) cheese.

Pasta Carbonara

One of the most famous dishes of Italian culture, pasta carbonara is a creamy, easy, and savory one to make. It’s typically made with spaghetti, eggs, cured pork, and salt and pepper.

Spaghetti alle Vongole

In layman’s terms, alle vongole means “with clams.” Pasta and seafood are very commonly mixed and they always pair beautifully. Spaghetti alle vongole originated in Campania, Italy and has since spread throughout the world. There are a million different ways one could make this mouthwatering dish.

Bucatini all’Amatriciana

Amatriciana sauce is a traditional Italian sauce that has cured pork, pecorino romano cheese, tomato, and often includes onion as well. The sauce is commonly paired with bucatini pasta. The thickness of the pasta goes perfect with this thicker tomato sauce.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

This popular Italian dish is filled with flavor. Aglio e olio translates to garlic and olive oil. This super simple dish only requires spaghetti, garlic and olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper, parsley, and obviously parmigiano-reggiano cheese to top.

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta alla norma, also known as eggplant pasta, originated in Sicily and is typically made with tomato sauce, eggplants, ricotta, a basil. It is commonly made with macaroni or penne pasta but any tubular-shaped noodle will work well. This is a great pasta dish for vegetarians.

Cacio e Pepe

Another super simple meal, cacio e pepe literally translates to cheese and pepper. A super cheesy, quick dish to make that will turn into your go-to pasta dinner. Cacio e pepe is typically made using bucatini noodles but you can substitute with any thicker-type noodle. This 20 minute dish is the equivalent of a next level mac and cheese.

Baked Ziti

An Italian-American classic, baked ziti has been around for an centuries. The traditional dish is made with ziti noodles, tomato or meat sauce, and cheese and is baked until perfection. Ziti noodles have always been a common wedding dish, this is actually why they are named ziti. It comes from the word “zita” which means bride.

Penne alla Vodka

Another Italian-American classic. Penne alla vodka is a delicious, creamy pasta dish that can be eaten with or without a protein. It’s best paired with chicken or shrimp. Normally used with penne pasta, rigatoni is a great substitute!

Tortelli di Zucca

Tortelli di zucca, also known as Pumpkin Ravioli is a traditional dish that is very delicious. It contains mainly pumpkin filling with parmesan and egg. Some people prefer to add a bit of breadcrumb to make the texture a little bit firmer. If you want a bit more flavour, you can also add Nutmeg to it.
Now that we discussed so many different dishes, which one is your favourite? Have you had any of these dishes? If not, I definitely recommend that you try all these dishes on this list, especially if you are a fan of Italian food. My personal favourite is the Pasta alla Norma and Penne alla Vodka. With all of these amazing dishes, add in whatever you think will make it even better, or take out the things that you don’t like. Maybe substitute the recommended pasta noodles for another choice. Whatever you do, make it your own. What other famous Italian pasta dishes do you like to make?