Italy is the birthplace of pasta, and you can find a vast variety of pasta types in this beautiful country. Pasta has become an integral part of the culinary culture in both large cities and small villages in Italy. However, getting to know all Italian pastas would take half a lifetime! But if you want to discover the most famous Italian pasta dishes in the world in just a few minutes, keep reading.

10. Pasta alla Norma; A most famous Italian pasta

Pasta alla Norma is one of the most famous Italian pasta dishes and is originally from Sicily. This delicious dish, like a true Italian pasta, is cooked without meat. Pasta alla Norma is made with a delicious red sauce consisting of tomatoes, eggplant, olive oil, basil, and plenty of tasty ricotta cheese. You can make this dish with penne or rigatoni pasta, according to your taste. The vegetarian Italian pasta alla Norma is a dream dish for vegetarians and one of the most authentic and popular traditional Italian pasta.

11. Fettuccine Pasta with Pesto Sauce and Shrimp

Fettuccine pasta is another famous Italian pasta made from durum wheat and has a flat, ribbon-like shape. This pasta is usually served with creamy sauces, carbonara, pesto sauce, Alfredo sauce, cheese, meat, or seafood like shrimp. Fettuccine pasta with pesto sauce and shrimp is one of the most popular and delicious seafood dishes that offers a unique combination of Mediterranean and Asian flavors. This dish is very tasty, easy, and quick to prepare.

12. Pasta alla Genovese: An Italian pasta masterpiece with caramelized onion

Pasta alla Genovese is among the most popular Italian pastas globally. Even though the name of the sauce comes from the northern city of Genoa, the abundant use of onions in it is reminiscent of the southern city of Naples! Nevertheless, both the name and the cooking method of this pasta originated in Genoa, introduced to the people of Naples by sailors traveling along the Liguria route.

The sauce for this pasta is based on onions and needs to be slowly simmered for hours with chopped carrots, celery, and pieces of meat. In the end, the onions completely melt, and the sauce takes on a thick and creamy form. Grated Parmesan cheese is typically sprinkled on this pasta, adding a pleasant flavor to it

13. Pasta Carbonara: A most popular Italian pasta dish

If there’s a list of various kinds of pasta with different flavors in Italy, Carbonara ranks among the best, particularly in the city of Rome. Pasta Carbonara is one of the most famous Italian pasta dishes and the perfect option to experience the real version while traveling to Rome and exploring its surroundings. Of course, you can easily prepare this beloved Italian pasta at home using “Mana brand” pasta and enjoy its delicious taste.

This classic dish is served in restaurants and is incredibly simple and flavorful. Pasta, eggs, Parmesan cheese, bacon or fried meat, milk, and black pepper are the primary ingredients used in its preparation. The most crucial ingredient in this dish is egg yolk, which is combined with meat and cheese. Strictly adhering to traditional Italian pasta recipes, no cream or milk should be added! This sauce needs to be added very quickly to the hot pasta to prevent it from curdling. The type of pasta used for Carbonara might differ in restaurants; however, spaghetti is more commonly used for this dish.

14. Pappardelle Pasta: One of the most famous Italian pasta dishes

Pappardelle is a very famous type of pasta in Italy, known for its unique shape and flavor that blends well with thick and flavorful sauces. This pasta has wide, flat ribbons typically ranging from 2 to 3 centimeters in width. The recipe for this pasta originates from the central regions of Italy, particularly Tuscany.

Pappardelle pasta is usually made from white wheat flour and served with traditional sauces like ragù, Bolognese, and Alfredo sauce. Italian Pappardelle pasta can be prepared using various ingredients like ground meat, roast beef, chicken, fish, eggs, and cheeses such as Parmesan, blue cheese, and ricotta cheese. Additionally, other ingredients like mushrooms, spinach, peas, garlic, and basil can be used to garnish and enhance the flavor of this pasta.

15. Pasta con le Sarde (Pasta with Sardines)

Pasta con le Sarde, a dish made with pasta, was introduced to the world from the city of Palermo. This is one of the most delicious and famous Italian pasta, prepared with wild fennel, fresh sardines, onions, pine nuts, and bucatini pasta. We recommend trying this delicious dish during the wild fennel season in Italy (August). This is a traditional dish on the menus of Sicilian restaurants. Therefore, you can easily find this pasta anywhere in Sicily. However, Pasta con le Sarde is also quite popular in other cities like Rome and Milan.

16. Pasta e Ceci (Pasta and Chickpeas): A Classic Italian pasta

Pasta e Ceci, or pasta with chickpeas, is a traditional dish and one of the most famous Italian pasta dishes, rooted in the food of Roman peasants. This simple yet delicious combination of pasta and chickpeas provides a complete and nutritious meal. There are various recipes for preparing Pasta e Ceci. For instance, some recipes include meat or vegetables like lettuce, but they all share a common element: the combination of pasta and chickpeas as the main base of the dish. This classic Roman pasta typically has a thick consistency similar to a stew and is served with a few drops of olive oil and Parmesan cheese after cooking. You can also easily prepare this delicious pasta at home using any shaped pasta from the “Mana brand”.

Conclusion

Every tourist desires to try various types of Italian pasta when they set foot on Italian soil. How can you visit Italy and not eat pasta? Before traveling to any part of this country, you can familiarize yourself with the most famous Italian pasta dishes globally to have a richer understanding when you travel to this beautiful nation. However, even if you don’t plan to visit Italy, you can still prepare these delicious and hearty meals at home by purchasing various types of pasta from the “Mana brand” and learning how to make famous pasta dishes.