Want to enhance the taste of a regular chicken or vegetable dish? Just cook it with some pasta and you have a marvelous dish at your dinner table.
Pasta is the staple of Italian cuisine and it is cooked with almost anything and it still tastes amazing.
The healthiest versions of pasta are made from durum wheat flour with is mixed with water or eggs. Pasta comes in a number of interesting shapes and varieties. Some of the most popular ones are Fusilli, Spaghetti, Fettuccine, Linguine, Penne, Farfalle and Tortellini.
Whole grain pasta is a great source of complex carbohydrates and fiber that makes it a filling and wholesome food that helps to balance blood glucose levels and improves satiety.
In this article, we have short listed 20 of the most delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian pasta recipes which are true to the classic Italian cooking style.
5 Tips for Cooking the Perfect Pasta
Use a large pot – When it comes to boiling pasta, the size of the container is really important. You should add ample amount of water to the pot and the pasta should literally swim in it. If you take lesser water, then the pasta will stick together and turn mushy. The average size of a pasta pot should be 6 to 8 quarts and you should fill it 3/4 of the way with water for 1 pound of pasta.
Lower the flame once Water starts Boiling – Lower the flame once the water starts boiling. An aggressive rolling boil and all that bubble can break the delicate pasta varieties such as ravioli and tortellini.
Add Salt to the Water – Salt is added to the water in order to add the flavor. The best time to add salt to the water is when it is just coming to a boil. The pasta absorbs the salt from the water while it is cooking. The exact amount of salt should be 1 tablespoon per quart of water.
Make Sure the Water is Boiled before Adding Pasta – Do not add the pasta to cold water or you will end up with over-cooked and mushy pasta. The boiling water prevents the pasta from getting soggy. The initial plunge of the pasts into boiling water is essential for achieving the perfect texture of the final product.
Save some Pasta Water – Don’t drain away all the pasta water, save a cup of pasta water and use it while preparing the sauce. The starch is pasta water renders a thick creamy texture to the dish even if you don’t add too much cream or cheese.
Add the Pasta Sauce Right Away – Keep the pasta sauce prepared beforehand, and add it to the drained pasta immediately. Pasta tends to cool down fast and once it cools down it starts sticking to each other. The sauce helps to keep them from sticking.
Non-Vegetarian Pasta Recipes
1. Spaghetti Carbonara
Total time – 20 minutes
Yield – 4 Servings
Ideal for – Lunch/Dinner
Recipe type – Non-vegetarian
Ingredients –
- Spaghetti
- Eggs
- Parmesan
- Bacon
- Garlic
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Parsley leaves
The Pasta Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish based on eggs, cheese and bacon. The Pasta Carbonara is made with Spaghetti and it has a mellow flavorful taste. This simple pasta recipe can be put together in less than 20 minutes and it takes only 5 basic ingredients.
The minimal use of spices and sauces in this recipe helps to keep it light and healthy and can be enjoyed even by health conscious individuals. Bacon, eggs and parmesan cheese add a powerful protein punch to the dish and make it absolutely wholesome and filling.
Get the full recipe at – damndelicious
2. Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Total time – 20 minutes
Yield – 4 Servings
Ideal for – Dinner
Recipe type – Sea food pasta
Ingredients –
- Angel hair pasta
- Kosher salt
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Red pepper flakes
- Shrimps peeled and deveined
- White wine
- Lemon juice
- Tomato
- Butter
- Basil
- Parmesan cheese
Enjoy the refreshing and scrumptious taste of this light shrimp pasta for dinner during the sultry summer nights when you don’t want to sweat in front of your oven. This recipe takes merely 20 minutes to put together, but the result is simply outstanding. The chewy and juicy shrimps blend perfectly with the smooth angel hair pasta.
The use of olive oil in this recipe gives it a healthy touch. It does not make use of heavy cream cheese, sauce or spices. Shrimps are a low-fat and low-calorie source of protein that supports muscle growth and promotes weight loss. It also contains selenium and vitamin D that neutralizes free radical damage and aids the absorption of calcium.
Get the full recipe at – foodiecrush
3. Skillet Italian Sausage and Peppers with Penne
Total time – 30 minutes
Yield – 4 Servings
Ideal for – Lunch/Dinner
Recipe type – Non-vegetarian
Ingredients –
- Whole-wheat penne pasta
- Italian sausage links
- Green pepper
- Red pepper
- Yellow onion
- Red wine
- Tomato paste
- Tomato sauce
- Water
- Italian seasoning
- Sugar
- Salt
- Parmesan cheese
The delicious and comforting Italian sausage and penne pasta is a one pot dish that can be put together within 30 minutes but tastes as good as any fancy restaurant meal. The yummy pasta sauce prepared from tomato paste and sauce renders a sweet-tangy taste to the dish while the red wine enhances its flavors.
The use of whole-wheat penne pasta in this recipe adds some healthy complex carbs and fiber to the dish. Park is the main ingredient in Italian sausage that contains a high concentration of protein. The red and green peppers provide a powerful antioxidant and protein power to the recipe.
Get the full recipe at – ohsweetbasil
4. Chicken Bruschetta Pasta
Total time – 1 hour
Yield – 4 Servings
Ideal for – Brunch
Recipe type – Chicken pasta
Ingredients –
- Bow tie pasta
- Olive oil
- Bone less, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt
- Fresh ground pepper
- Tomatoes
- Basil leaves
- Garlic cloves
- Tomato sauce
For Balsamic Glaze:
- Balsamic vinegar
- Sugar
Chicken and pasta makes a delicious combination and when the flavor of bruschetta is added to it, it creates an extra-ordinary dish that will be loved by the entire family. The chewy texture of the chicken perfectly complements the soft texture of the pasta. The tomatoes add a sweet-tangy touch while the garlic and basil renders some appetizing aromas to it.
The best thing about this chicken pasta recipe is that it does not make use of cheese, heavy cream or sauce. The lean chicken meat used in the recipe is a great source of low-calorie protein that supports the growth of lean muscle mass and burns stored fat.
Get the full recipe at – diethood
5. Hearty Beef Bolognese Sauce with Pappardelle Pasta
Total time – 1 hour
Yield – 4 Servings
Ideal for – Entree/Main Course
Recipe type – Red meat pasta
Ingredients –
- Olive oil
- Ground beef
- Carrot
- Yellow onion
- Garlic
- Brown mushrooms
- Tomato paste
- Canned crushed tomatoes
- Fresh oregano
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil
- Pappardelle pasta
This hearty and wholesome Pappardelle Pasta combined with slow cooked Bolognese Sauce is the perfect recipe for weekend meals that is enjoyed by the whole family. The combination of fresh vegetables, meat and pasta cooked with tomatoes and spices enhances the health quotient of the dish without compromising on the taste.
Beef is a rich source of protein, zinc, iron and B-vitamins – all of which are extremely beneficial for overall health. Carrots are loaded with beta-carotene and fiber that enhances satiety and helps to maintain healthy skin and hair. Mushrooms are packed with antioxidants, selenium and Vitamin D – all of which work together to reduce the risk of cancer.
Get the full recipe at – jessicagavin
6. Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
Total time – 30 minutes
Yield – 10 Servings
Ideal for – Entree/Snack
Recipe type – Egg pasta
Ingredients –
- Red onion
- Cider vinegar
- Splenda-Sugar blend
- Large elbow macaroni (whole wheat macaroni)
- Hard-cooked eggs
- Fat-free mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard
- Salt
- Smoked paprika
- Black pepper
- Sweet pickle
- Celery
The combination of hard-cooked eggs and macaroni creates a flavorful and delicious dish that makes the perfect side dish for elaborate meals. It is extremely easy to put together and can be enjoyed as a quick snack. The soft and fluffy macaroni pasta interspersed with delicious devilled eggs creates a beautiful layer of texture.
This recipe makes use of whole wheat macaroni and fat-free mayonnaise which helps to keep it light and low in calories and fat. Eggs are a wonderful source of high-quality protein that boost weight loss and promote lean muscle mass. It is also a potent source of B-complex vitamins, vitamin A and E which aid the production of red blood cells, improves eye sight and fights off the free radicals.
Get the full recipe at – fitnessfooddiva
7. Lobster Mac and Cheese
Total time – 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield – 8 Servings
Ideal for – Main Course/Snack
Recipe type – Sea food pasta
Ingredients –
- Butter
- Flour
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cayenne pepper
- Lobster tails
- Elbow macaroni pasta
- Parrano/Gruyere cheese
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Italian bread crumbs
Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that is loved by young and old alike. Introduction of meaty and juicy lobster tails adds a nice flavorful twist to the recipe and makes it all the more appetizing. The combination of perfectly cooked macaroni and lobster meat cooked in a cheese mixture brings out the flavors and texture of the dish.
Lobster meat used in this recipe is packed with protein, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids and minerals such as copper, selenium, zinc and phosphorus which helps to reduce the risk of diabetes, heart diseases and obesity and supports healthy brain functions.
Get the full recipe at – amyinthekitchen
8. One Skillet Cheesy Tuna Pasta
Total time – 22 minutes
Yield – 4 Servings
Ideal for – Lunch/Dinner
Recipe type – Sea food pasta
Ingredients –
- Penne Pasta
- Canned white tuna
- Milk
- Water
- Butter
- Dry mustard
- Paprika
- Shredded cheese
- Fresh peas
- Salt
- Pepper
- Hot sauce (optional)
- Fresh parsley
The quick and easy Cheesy Tuna Pasta is a simple and delicious one skillet meal that can be prepared in a jiffy and it ideal for those days when you are running late. The combination of chewy tuna, soft cooked pasta and fresh crunchy peas creates a layer of texture. The minimal use of spices and sauces help to keep it light and simple.
The delicious and wholesome Cheese tuna pasta is a great way to include more omega-3 rich sea food in to the daily diet. Omega-3 fatty acids help to improve heart heath by lowering cholesterol and reducing high blood pressure. It is also a great source of protein that supports growth and development, while vitamin C, zinc and manganese work as powerful antioxidants that boost the immune system.
Get the full recipe at – chelseasmessyapron
9. Creamy Tomato and Crab Fettuccine
Total time – 20 minutes
Yield – 2-4 Servings
Ideal for – Lunch/Dinner
Recipe type – Sea food pasta salad
Ingredients –
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Garlic cloves
- Tomato paste
- Cherry tomatoes
- Heavy cream
- Basil leaves
- Crab meat
- Fettuccine pasta
- Coarse salt
- Pepper
Delicate jumbo crab meat cooked in rich and creamy tomato sauce and combined with perfectly cooked Fettuccine pasta creates a delicious and wholesome restaurant style meal. The minimal use of spices helps to bring out the exotic flavors of the carb meat. Enjoy it hot with a glass of red wine.
The mellow-sweet crab meat is a complete source of protein that supplies all the 20 amino acids to your body that supports growth, development and repair of muscles and tissues. It is also a good source of vitamin B12 that supports the production of healthy red blood cells and aids normal brain function.
Get the full recipe at – bevcooks
10. Salmon Alfredo Pasta
Total time – 25 minutes
Yield – 3 Servings
Ideal for – Lunch/Dinner
Recipe type – Sea food pasta
Ingredients –
- Fettuccine pasta
- Unsalted butter
- Shallot
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Smoked salmon fillet
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley
- Extra parmesan
Indulge is the rich and cream taste of Alfredo pasta interspersed with flakes of smoked salmon. It is a simple, delicious and wholesome recipe that is reminiscent of real Italian pasta. This recipe makes use of a few basic ingredients, with light spices and seasoning which helps to keep it light and delightful.
The use of the pasta water while cooking helps to provide a rich and creamy texture to the pasta without using too much cream. Salmon is a potent source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B and minerals. Omega-3 fatty acids promote optimal health of the cardiovascular system, B-vitamins support energy metabolism and proper functioning of the nervous system.
Get the full recipe at – recipetineats
Vegetarian Pasta Recipes
11. 20 Minute Lemon Broccoli Pasta Skillet
Total time – 20 minutes
Yield – 6 Servings
Ideal for – Lunch/Dinner
Recipe type – Vegan pasta
Ingredients –
- Water
- Salt
- Fresh broccoli
- Rotini pasta
- Spinach
- Butter
- Lemon juice and zest
- Garlic cloves
- Crushed red pepper
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges
This is a quick and easy vegetarian broccoli and pasta recipe that can be prepared in one skilled and is ideal for those busy week nights. The combination of broccoli and spinach increases the health quotient of the dish and provides some wholesome nutrients to it, while the garlic, lemon and red pepper adds a appetizing tangy and savory taste to it.
The best thing about this broccoli pasta is that it is light and simple and yet it tastes great. This recipe does not make use of any heavy spices, sauces and cream. Sulforaphane found in broccoli fights cancer while vitamin K improves bone health. Both broccoli and spinach are loaded with antioxidants that are crucial for healthy looking skin. The fibers improve digestion and promote natural detoxification.
Get the full recipe at – thefoodcharlatan
12. Date Night Mushroom Pasta with Goat Cheese
Total time – 25 minutes
Yield – 6-8 Servings
Ideal for – Dinner
Recipe type – Vegetarian pasta
Ingredients –
- Whole wheat Farfalle pasta
- Butter
- Oil
- Fresh mushrooms
- Garlic/Shallots
- White wine
- Heavy whipping cream
- Salt
- Vegetable broth/Chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese
- Spinach
- Goat cheese
Indulge in the rich and creamy taste of this delicious pasta recipe which creates a wonderful combination of pasta, mushrooms, goat cheese and spinach – all coated in light and creamy cream sauce and spiced up with a generous sprinkle of pepper. The nice chewy texture of the mushrooms perfectly complements the soft creamy consistency of the pasta.
The use of whole wheat pasta turns up the health quotient of this recipe. Fresh mushrooms are rich in cancer-fighting phytochemicals that can lower the risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer. It is a potent source of vitamin D that supports calcium absorption, which is essential for healthy bones and teeth. Mushrooms are a great source of hard-to-get nutrients such as selenium, copper, potassium, etc.
Get the full recipe at – pinchofyum
13. One Pan Lemon, Ricotta and Kale Pasta
Total time – 16 minutes
Yield – 4-6 Servings
Ideal for – Brunch/Meal
Recipe type – Vegetarian pasta
Ingredients –
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Mini penne pasta
- Water
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Kale
- Parmesan cheese
- Skim Ricotta
- Cream cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
This is a simple and easy one pan pasta recipe that takes less than 20 minutes to prepare but it tastes awesome. This kale and pasta recipe makes use of a few basic ingredients. The cream cheese and Ricotta adds a rich creamy texture to the dish while the dash of lemon renders a refreshing touch to it.
Although, this recipe uses a considerable amount of cheese and cream, the inclusion of healthy and wholesome kale more than makes up for it. It is packed with iron, vitamin K and antioxidants that boost hemoglobin formation, provide protection against cancer and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
Get the full recipe at – yellowblissroad
14. One-Pan Spinach Artichoke Pasta
Total time – 20 minutes
Yield – 4 Servings
Ideal for – Meal
Recipe type – Vegetarian pasta
Ingredients –
- Penne pasta
- Water
- Vegetable/Chicken broth
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic cloves
- Mushrooms
- Dried thyme
- Flour
- Cream
- Artichoke hearts
- Frozen spinach
- Nutmeg
- Parmesan
This is one of the easiest possible one-pan pasta recipes with artichokes and spinach that you can cook in less than 20 minutes and is ideal for those days when you are too tired to prepare a three course dinner. The crunchy texture of the artichoke hearts and chewiness of the mushrooms goes so well with the perfectly cooked pasta.
Artichoke hearts are jam-packed with antioxidants that neutralize free radical damage the recue the risk of cancer and chronic diseases. It is a rich source of fiber inulin that supports digestion by boosting the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. It also relieves pain and discomfort related to indigestion and acid reflux.
Get the full recipe at – playpartyplan
15. Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Pasta
Total time – 20 minutes
Yield – 3-4 Servings
Ideal for – Entree/Meal
Recipe type – Gluten-free, vegetarian pasta
Ingredients –
- Olive oil
- Garlic cloves
- Baby Bella or Crimini mushrooms
- Asparagus
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
- Gluten-free Penne pasta
For the sauce:
- Olive oil
- Garlic cloves
- Vegan cream cheese
- Unsweetened plain almond milk
- Vegan parmesan cheese
- Nutritional yeast
- Lemon juice
- Red pepper flakes
This is a quick and easy mushroom and asparagus pasta recipe that is bursting with flavors. It is absolutely wholesome and filling which makes it a complete meal. The rich and creamy pasta sauce perfectly coats the pasta and gives it a cheesy and slightly spicy taste. The fresh asparagus and mushrooms add a layer of textures to the dish.
Fresh asparagus is loaded with fiber, folate, vitamins A, C, E and K and chromium. Detoxifying compound glutathione found in asparagus helps to fight cancer by breaking down carcinogens in the body. Folate and vitamin B12 present in asparagus work together to enhance brain function and prevent cognitive decline.
Get the full recipe at – minimalistbaker
16. Lentil Pasta with Roasted Garlic, Broccoli and Creamy Red Pepper Sauce
Total time – 1 hour
Yield – 5-6 Servings
Ideal for – Lunch/Dinner
Recipe type – Gluten-free, vegetarian pasta
Ingredients –
- Garlic
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Ground black pepper
- Lentil penne bean pasta
- Broccoli
- Roasted bell peppers
- Light coconut milk/Half & Half
- Butter
- Vegetarian parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Enjoy the delicious and savory taste of vegetarian pasta cooked in hot red pepper sauce and gets a glimpse of true Italian cooking. The creamy red pepper sauce wonderfully complements the flavors of the lentil pasta, and the roasted garlic adds an appetizing flavor to it. The coconut milk adds a nice tropical touch to it, while the broccoli adds a crunchy texture.
The lentil pasta used in this recipe adds a considerable amount of protein and fiber to the dish. The generous amounts of red pepper and garlic used in this recipe also enhances it health quotient. Red peppers are a great source of vitamin C, B-vitamins and folate that work as powerful antioxidants, prevents anemia and reduces the risk of lung and prostate cancer. Garlic boosts immunity and reduces the changes of cold and flu.
Get the full recipe at – watchlearneat
17. Spicy Avocado Pesto Pasta
Total time – 20 minutes
Yield – 4 Servings
Ideal for – Lunch/Dinner
Recipe type – Vegetarian/Vegan pasta
Ingredients –
- Rotini pasta
- Medium ripe avocados
- Arugula
- Jalapeno pepper
- Cilantro leaves
- Garlic cloves
- Fresh lime juice
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Parmesan cheese ((Omit if vegan)
- Cherry tomatoes
The spicy avocado pesto pasta is a healthy and delicious dish marked for its appetizing flavors and rich creamy taste. The lightly spiced and creamy avocado pesto beautifully coats the pasta and enhances it taste. The cherry tomatoes add a nice tangy taste to it, while the Jalapeno pepper renders a dash of hotness to it.
This pasta recipe is loaded with the goodness of superfoods such as avocado, arugula and cherry tomatoes. Avocados are packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids that promote cardiac health, improve satiety and fights stubborn belly fat. It is a rich source of fiber and potassium and increases satiety and supports healthy blood pressure levels.
Get the full recipe at – wellplated
18. Lightened Up Sun-dried Tomato Fettuccine Alfredo
Total time – 17 minutes
Yield – 6 Servings
Ideal for – Lunch/Dinner
Recipe type – Vegetarian pasta
Ingredients –
- Fettuccine noodles
- Oil form the jar of sundried tomatoes
- Sundried tomatoes
- Garlic cloves
- Red pepper flakes
- All purpose flour
- Low sodium vegetable/chicken broth
- Milk
- Cornstarch
- Tomato paste
- Dry basil
- Dry parsley
- Dry Oregano
- Onion Powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Low-fat cream cheese
- Parmesan
- Mozzarella
Brighten up your meal with the delicious and appetizing flavors of Sun-dried Tomato Fettuccine Alfredo bursting with the flavors of herbs, spices and velvety cheese sauce. The sun dried tomatoes add a nice sweet-tangy taste to the pasta while the parmesan and mozzarella melt in the mouth to create of rich creamy texture.
Sun-dried tomatoes are low in calories but packed with fiber, protein and nutrients such as potassium, iron, B-complex vitamins and vitamin K – which are essential for muscle contraction, formation of hemoglobin, converting food into energy and regulation of blood clotting and bone mineralization.
Get the full recipe at – carlsbadcravings
19. Parmesan Zucchini & Garlic Pasta
Total time – 30 minutes
Yield – 4 Servings
Ideal for – Lunch/Dinner
Recipe type – Gluten-free vegetarian pasta
Ingredients –
- Olive oil
- Zucchini
- Garlic cloves
- Gluten-free spaghetti
- Salt
- Pepper
- Parmesan cheese
This is a simple and basic vegetarian pasta recipe made from a combination of gluten-free spaghetti and zucchini. It includes only 5 to 6 basic ingredients that help to bring out the true flavors of the zucchini that blends perfectly with the pasta. The parmesan cheese adds a rich creamy touch to the dish.
This recipe does not make use of any spice, sauce or cream which helps to keep it light and delightful. Zucchini is an outstanding source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, B-complex vitamins, folate, potassium, copper and phosphorus – all of which are essential for maintaining optimal health. It prevents cancer, reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, protects against infections and relieves pain and inflammation related to rheumatoid arthritis.
Get the full recipe at – juliasalbum
20. Springtime Veggie Pasta Primavera
Total time – 30 minutes
Yield – 6-8 Servings
Ideal for – Entree/Meal
Recipe type – Vegan/ Vegetarian pasta
Ingredients –
- Farfalle pasta
- Fresh broccoli
- Asparagus spears
- Sweet pepper
- Onion
- Garlic cloves
- Olive oil
- Fresh spinach
- Frozen peas
- Cherry tomatoes
- Lemon juice
- Fresh basil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Grated parmesan cheese for topping (Omit if vegan)
This healthy and wholesome vegetarian Pasta Primavera is loaded with delicious and fresh spring time vegetables that give it a nice texture and combination of flavors. The fresh broccoli, asparagus, spinach and peas add some crunchiness to the dish while the tomatoes and sweet pepper render a blend of savory, sweet and tangy taste to it.
This is a light and healthy pasta recipe that makes minimal use of spices and oil. It does not include any sauce or heavy cream which makes it a low-calorie dish. It is loaded with colorful vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, peas, sweet pepper and onions which supply a lot of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fibers to it.
Get the full recipe at – wholeandheavenlyoven
Put on your cooking apron and get busy in the kitchen with these delicious and mouth watering Italian pasta recipes that are best enjoyed with some good wine.