10 Restaurant-Caliber Italian Pasta Recipes

2015-06-09
10 Restaurant-Caliber Italian Pasta Recipes

Liven up families dinners with one of these amazing pastas, including carbonara, fettuccine Alfredo, and our best lasagna recipe. All of these flavorful Italian pasta recipes will please your hungry dinner crowd. Our top dishes are even tastier and more affordable than what you can order at your local trattoria.

01 of 10

Roasted Tomato and Artichoke Pasta

If you have 35 minutes, then you have all the time you need to make this rainbow-colored, ridiculously tasty vegetarian dinner. Roast up a big sheet pan of vegetables, then toss with cooked pasta and a bit of olive oil for a light and healthy Italian pasta recipe. For a protein boost, stir in cooked shrimp or chicken.

02 of 10

Tortellini with Broccolini

On nights when you want a quick dinner and quick cleanup, stir together this vegetarian skillet pasta recipe. Since it calls for store-bought stuffed Italian pasta (find it in the refrigerator aisle), the entire entrée comes together in less than 30 minutes. Have no fear about serving this to folks with big appetites: A full can of beans pumps up the protein to a hearty 19 grams per serving.

03 of 10

Fettuccine Alfredo

"Alfred-ohhh yes," is what you'll be saying after just one bite of this creamy sauce. Serve the fettuccine Alfredo meatless or with chicken or shrimp. We'll show you three recipe variations that will inspire you to make this popular restaurant dish at home.

04 of 10

Bolognese Lasagna with Porcini-Ricotta Filling

Share a comforting family-style meal with this colorful and flavorful casserole as the centerpiece. Sausage, beef, and bacon all star in this lasagna recipe. Alternate between meaty layers of Italian sausage and ground beef alongside melted cheese and homemade porcini-Parmesan sauce. And lasagna noodles, of course.

05 of 10

Copycat Pesto Cavatappi

Italian pasta bowls are best-sellers at fast, casual chains because they're quick, filling, affordable, and a cinch to dress up with your pick of protein and vegetables. Our version of this corkscrew pasta dish, made famous at Noodles & Company, gets a head start with store-bought pesto. Just add a splash of white wine, cream, and sautéed tomatoes, and it looks like it came straight from the restaurant kitchen.

06 of 10

Fettuccine alla Carbonara

Savor Alfredo and carbonara in this mash-up recipe. The luxurious texture of the sauce comes courtesy of butter, Parmesan, white wine, and whipping cream rather than eggs. Since the sauce starts in a base of prosciutto and bacon drippings, the recipe maintains its traditional pork flavor.

07 of 10

Bucatini with Shrimp and Spicy Cherry Tomato Sauce

While this 30-minute meal is spiked with small shellfish, there's nothing small about the flavors. Garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, tomatoes, and a full cup of basil infuse this Italian seafood pasta with Mediterranean flair. For an extra dose of salty richness, top with a healthy handful of feta cheese.

08 of 10

Rosemary and Ravioli Chicken Soup

Don't call for takeout—this healthy, hearty ravioli soup is as easy as dump, stir, boil, and serve. The stuffed Italian pasta soup is the perfect vehicle for leftover chicken, too, so bookmark it for times when you're in need of a fridge clean-out.

09 of 10

Chickpea Alfredo with Spring Veggies

Vegan Alfredo sauce does exist—start with cashews, chickpea flour, garlic, olive oil, and seasonings for a creamy sauce that will fool even the most diehard cheese devotees. (This 35-minute meal is one of our Meatless Monday mainstays.)

10 of 10

Shrimp and Roasted Red Peppers

This mouthwatering Italian seafood pasta can be yours in just 25 minutes. A cool sauce of cream, white wine, and basil complements the fiery flavors of roasted red peppers in the sauce. The real star, though, is the crushed red pepper-laden shrimp.

Related Article

Red Curry Tofu Skewers

Red Curry Tofu Skewers

Tofu, eggplant, and mushrooms soak up the ginger-curry marinade like mini sponges, infusing them with fresh Thai flavors.
24 of Our Favorite and Most Delicious Classic Italian Recipes

24 of Our Favorite and Most Delicious Classic Italian Recipes

Start with classic Italian pasta recipes and end with a homemade dessert like you'd get in a trattoria for the ultimate Mediterranean meal.
This Smoked Mole-Inspired Turkey Is Juicy and Flavorful

This Smoked Mole-Inspired Turkey Is Juicy and Flavorful

For this smoked turkey recipe, we concocted a rub using spices typically found in a traditional Mexican mole (a rich chocolate-chili sauce), including cocoa, cinnamon, cumin, and chili powder. If you don’t have a smoker, you can still use the warm spice combo on a roasted turkey.
Crispy Tofu "Stir-Fry"

Crispy Tofu "Stir-Fry"

This easy stir-fry recipe is healthier than most—instead of actually frying the tofu, make it in your air-fryer instead! It'll be just as crispy as frying it oil, but much healthier for mixing with veggies and rice.
Fruit Leather

Fruit Leather

Fruit Leather
Can You Eat Salmon Skin? Yes—And Here’s the No. 1 Secret to Cooking it Properly

Can You Eat Salmon Skin? Yes—And Here’s the No. 1 Secret to Cooking it Properly

Not all seafood is enjoyable skin-on, so you might be wondering, “can you eat salmon skin?” You sure can, but it’s important to employ a few simple strategies to ensure it’s golden-brown and crispy (rather than rubbery). We’ll walk you through how to cook salmon skin—both on the fish and off as a makeshift “chip.”
Blueberry Oat Chia Seed Muffins

Blueberry Oat Chia Seed Muffins

These sweet mini muffins are delicious and surprisingly healthy! Get your day started off on the right note with these blueberry muffins that come with a few health upgrades (including oats and chia seeds).
Asian-Style Sweet Potatoes

Asian-Style Sweet Potatoes

Make-ahead side dish magic: Prep and roast the sweet potatoes and broccoli up to three days ahead. Once you're ready to eat, all that's left to do is reheat, toss with dressing, and serve.
Cauliflower Steaks with Hazelnuts and Browned Butter

Cauliflower Steaks with Hazelnuts and Browned Butter

Finish this caramelized cauliflower with a rich brown butter and hazelnut pan sauce.
Spicy Tempeh Bulgogi

Spicy Tempeh Bulgogi

A sweet sesame-soy marinate makes infuses plant-based tempeh (fermented soybean cake), making a delicious Asian-inspired vegan meal.
Tombstone Taco Dip

Tombstone Taco Dip

Refried bean dirt, shredded lettuce grass, and tortilla tombstones and trees take chip dip to Halloween territory.
4 Must-Haves for a Self-Serve Margarita Bar Guests Will Love

4 Must-Haves for a Self-Serve Margarita Bar Guests Will Love

Impress your guests with this party-ready margarita bar—complete with a variety of garnishes, rimmers, and boozy stir-ins for customized cocktails.
Healthy Sandwich Ideas That Rival Your Favorite Deli Order

Healthy Sandwich Ideas That Rival Your Favorite Deli Order

Our healthy sandwich ideas include everything for eating well, from healthy sandwich meat to fresh veggies. This portable meal can be good for you.
The Best Methods and How Long to Marinate Chicken for Tasty Meals

The Best Methods and How Long to Marinate Chicken for Tasty Meals

Learn the best ways and how long to marinate chicken using our two easy methods for the tastiest meals you'll make again and again.
Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Make roasted Brussels sprouts in your oven! Toss with apples, cherries, and pecans for an irresistible 20-minutes vegetable side.
Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas

Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas

Buffalo chicken and gooey cheese? Count us in. Serve this scrumptious buffalo chicken recipe with carrots and celery to help make it a fresh and filling meal.
Lemon-Caper Tuna and Noodles with Alfredo

Lemon-Caper Tuna and Noodles with Alfredo

Calling for just five simple ingredients, this 20-minute pasta recipe is one of the easiest dinner recipes that has even come out of our Test Kitchen. Brighten things up just before serving by topping with a handful of chopped chives.
Farro-Stuffed Peppers

Farro-Stuffed Peppers

Farro-Stuffed Peppers
12 Gluten-Free Breakfast Recipes That Will Be Morning Staples

12 Gluten-Free Breakfast Recipes That Will Be Morning Staples

Gluten-free breakfast recipes might seem hard to come by, but we've got options. Here you'll find recipes for gluten-free pancakes and more.
Eggplant "Meat" Balls with Chimichurri

Eggplant "Meat" Balls with Chimichurri

Enjoy these plant-based meatballs for your next meatless dinner.