You love pasta? Then you’re came to the right place! In this little collection, you’ll find the Best Pasta Recipes we’ve cooked over the past few years – from classic Italian dishes like Pasta Bolognese, Lasagna, and Tortellini to quick one-pot pasta ideas and simple, comforting casserole dishes. Whether you’re craving Mediterranean flavors, spicy Asian noodle dishes, or hearty home-style comfort food – there’s something here for every taste and every occasion. All recipes are easy to follow, perfect for everyday cooking, and guaranteed to deliver a big plate of pasta happiness.
Pasta just always works, doesn’t it? Whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a quick after-work meal, or some comforting weekend food when the weather outside is wet and cold. A big pot of steaming noodles, a delicious sauce, and a sprinkle of cheese – suddenly, life feels a little bit better. No matter what the day has thrown at you.
Over the years, quite a few pasta (and other »noodle«) recipes have made their way onto the blog here. The selection is a colorful mix: classic Italian dishes, hearty German comfort food with (potato) noodles, Asian-style noodle bowls, and much more… The main thing they all have in common? They’re delicious and easy to make! Even if some of them take a some time to cook – they’re all simple at heart.
Grab your favorite wooden spoon and pot, and pick your next dish to cook from the list. Tagliatelle, spaghetti, spätzle, rice noodles, schupfnudeln, or gnocchi – the world of noodles (and their close friends) is incredibly diverse. And yes, we definitely consider dishes with potato noodles and gnocchi as »pasta« too. That might be a bit controversial, but who gives a s***. ;P
Just kidding! Have fun browsing, cooking, and enjoy the dishes! Let me know if you found your new favorite pasta dish! Follow the links to get to the full recipes – each one includes a printable version so you can add it to your own recipe collection. All right then… let’s go! ;)
Slow Braised Beef Pasta
Tender, slow-braised meat that practically falls apart just by looking at it, paired with tagliatelle pasta – pure comfort food! This Slow Braised Beef Pasta takes a bit of time to make, as braised dishes usually do, but the reward is an incredibly rich and flavorful pasta sauce. Perfect for a cozy weekend when you have a little extra time and crave something hearty.
Easy Bavette Pasta alla Puttanesca
Bold, aromatic, and ready in under 30 minutes – this Bavette Pasta alla Puttanesca brings that true Italian feeling straight to your kitchen. Black olives, anchovies, capers, and cherry tomatoes create a punchy, well-balanced flavor. A simple pasta dish that looks and tastes like you spent hours making it – even though you did not.
The Best Bolognese Sauce *EVER*
Not to brag, but… this really is the best Bolognese Sauce in the world. Slow-cooked, deeply flavorful, and simply unbeatable. With a bit of patience, you’ll get a sauce that goes perfectly with any pasta shape and will win over the whole family. Make a big batch – it freezes beautifully!
Easy Pasta alla Vodka
Creamy, tomatoey, and with a little splash of vodka – this sauce is the definition of comforting deliciousness. Pasta alla Vodka is super simple to make but tastes like a gourmet dish. Perfect for those times when you want something a little special without spending all night in the kitchen.
Pork Stroganoff with Pasta
A twist on a classic: tender pork tenderloin (instead of beef) in a creamy sauce, served with pasta instead of rice. If you’re going to change something, do it right. ;) This Pork Stroganoff is quick to make, hearty, and perfect for cold days or when you’re craving something down-to-earth.
Tips & tricks for the perfect pasta (plus some secrets)
Salt, baby, salt! Grandma always said – the cooking water should taste as salty as the sea. Or like your tears when you realize there’s no Parmesan left in the fridge to finish the dish. Pasta needs the chance to absorb some of that salt while cooking! This is the simplest pasta secret of all.
Al dente is no accident. Perfectly firm pasta is everything. Nobody likes mushy noodles swimming in sauce. It’s better to take them out of the water a minute too early than to overcook them. Once they hit a hot sauce, they’ll keep cooking a little more anyway.
Pasta water = pure gold. The water your pasta has been cooked in is salty and full of starch released from the noodles. You should always save a cup before draining the pasta. A splash of that oasta water it in your sauce works wonders! It makes the sauce creamier, glossier, and simply better.
Rinsing? That’s only for horror movies. You generally shouldn’t rinse pasta with cold water – even if Grandma used to do it. Rinsing the pasta washes away the starch, and then the sauce just won’t stick as well.
Can you make pasta yourself? Absolutely! Go for it! It’s easier than you think, and homemade pasta instantly levels up your pasta game. You don’t need a lot of tools to make your own noodles – though a pasta machine to flatten the pasta dough certainly doesn’t hurt. ;P
Leftovers deluxe. Got leftover pasta? Toss it in a pan with a bit of oil or butter, some eggs, veggies, and/or cheese – and voilà, you’ve got a delicious lunch or dinner in minutes! #ZeroWaste
New noodles, new luck. Many people swear by spaghetti or penne for their pasta dishes. Honestly, those two are the least-used in our kitchen. Try udon, spätzle, ramen, rice noodles, schupfnudeln, or even gnocchi! A little diversity on your plate makes for good vibes – and great dinner conversation with guests – “»…say whaaaat?! You can actually make noodles out of rice paper for spring rolls?« Yes, you can!
Baked Feta Pasta with Tomatoes
This simple oven dish went viral for a reason! Feta, onions, garlic, and tomatoes roast together in the oven to create a wonderfully creamy sauce. Tossed with pasta, it makes a quick and effortless dinner – Baked Feta Pasta is perfect when you’re short on time but very hungry. ;)
One-Pot Pasta with Meat, Pesto & Spinach
Everything in one pot means less washing up but maximum flavor. Ground meat, bacon, pesto, spinach, and a touch of cream come together to create a wonderfully creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with the oversized Bombardoni noodles. You can use any pasta you like, but those giant noodles really make it look impressive. We love this One-Pot Pasta with Meat, Pesto & Spinach. It’s the perfect dish!
Creamy One-Pot Orzo with Leftover Chicken
At first glance, it might look like rice, but this Creamy One-Pot Orzo with Roasted Chicken is definitely a pasta dish! Tiny noodles combined with veggies and leftover roasted chicken make for the ultimate comfort food and a great way to use up leftovers.
Classic Lasagna Bolognese
Layer by layer, pure love – this classic Lasagna made with our favorite Bolognese sauce is a true family favorite. It’s only perfect with plenty of béchamel sauce and plenty of cheese on top. The perfect meal for a relaxed Sunday or when guests are coming – just make sure you got some extra so everyone can have seconds. ;P
Creamy Tortellini & Chicken Gratin
Need dinner in a hurry? This Creamy Tortellini & Chicken Gratin is your answer. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for those days when you don’t feel like spending too much time in the kitchen but still want something tasty and satisfying.
Greek Pasta Bake (Pastitsio)
This Greek classic brings a touch of the Mediterranean to your table. Spiced meat sauce and creamy béchamel layered with pasta – Pastitsio is a bit like lasagna, but different. The way of layering (and the pasta choice) make all the difference. Pure comfort food for anyone who loves lasagna but wants to try something new.
FAQs – Common Questions About Pasta
Which type of pasta goes with which sauce?
Easy. Spaghetti loves oil and tomato-based sauces. Tagliatelle feels right at home in creamy sauces, and penne is happiest in a sauce that’s a bit »chunky« like Bolognese. The rule of thumb here – the rougher the surface of the pasta, the better the sauce sticks – even when it’s »chunky«. And what about lasagna? Well… she’s got her own thing going on. ;P
How much pasta per person?
About 100g of dry pasta per person is usually enough – unless you’re really hungry. In that case, just go with your gut – we all do. There’s no such thing as too much pasta anyway. Leftovers can always be reused!
Can you freeze pasta?
Yes, you can! Just toss it with a bit of oil, let it cool down, and pop it in the freezer. Works great even if the pasta’s already in a sauce. We love doing this with Bolognese, since we always make more than we can eat. Italian-style meal prep!
How do I keep pasta from sticking together?
Plenty of water and an occasional stir – that’s all it takes. No need for oil in the cooking water. If you toss the pasta straight into the sauce instead of letting it sit around, sticking won’t be an issue anyway.
And what about gnocchi? Pasta or not?
Technically no. Practically? Absolutely yes. If it’s round, soft, and swims in sauce – it’s pasta in our opinion. End of story. ;P
Easy Pad Thai (with Chicken)
Quick to make, fresh, and unbelievably tasty. Chicken Pad Thai is the perfect weeknight dinner – with just a bit of prep work. Crunchy veggies, tender chicken, and that signature sweet-sour sauce make this dish a must-try. A little taste of Thailand in your own kitchen!
Stir-fry Singapore Noodles with Pork
Colorful, flavorful, and ready in no time! If you’ve never tried Singapore Noodles before, you’re missing out. Rice noodles, veggies, ground meat, and scrambled eggs – an unbeatable combo. Perfect when you’re craving Asian flavors but don’t want to spend hours of cooking.
Spicy Pork Udon Noodles
Savory, spicy, and full of flavor! Juicy ground pork, thick udon noodles, and plenty of crispy chili oil make these Spicy Pork Udon Noodles seriously fun – if you want to call spicy food »fun«. ;P One of our absolute favorite Asian noodle dishes, because it’s fast, simple, and incredibly tasty.
Cheesy Spaetzle & Pointed Cabbage Skillet
Hearty, quick, and comforting – Cheesy Spaetzle & Pointed Cabbage Skillet is a popluar dish from southern Germany. Even if you are not from the South of Germany, you should try this dish! This skillet dish with Spätzle is traditional comfort food at its best: few ingredients, big flavor, and ready in no time. Perfect for when you want something simple but satisfying.
Sausage Stroganoff with Potato Noodles (Schupfnudeln)
We really do love Stroganoff around here – this Sausage Stroganoff with Schupfnudeln is one of many versions we have here on the blog and one of the best! A fun twist on the classic: hearty sausage and potato noodles in a creamy Stroganoff sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something comforting fast.
Gnocchi with Chorizo, Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Spinach
Not everyone sees gnocchi or other potato noodles as »pasta«, but we’re pretty flexible in that area. If you can serve it with pasta sauce, it’s pasta – right? ;P This quick Gnocchi with Chorizo, Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Spinach is weeknight happiness in a bowl. Mediterranean comfort food, ready in minutes – perfect for anyone who loves hearty, simple dishes.
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