Italian food is enjoyed everywhere due to its bold flavors, fresh vegetables, and homestyle cooking. Perhaps one of the favorite dishes of all is real Italian pasta dishes, which allow you to enjoy Italy in your own kitchen. No matter whether you like simple spaghetti or creamy carbonara, these traditional dishes are easy to prepare and full of flavor.

1. Classic Spaghetti Carbonara

A rich, savory pasta from Rome, spaghetti carbonara consists of only a few high-quality ingredients.

Ingredients:

12 oz spaghetti

4 oz pancetta or guanciale, diced

2 large eggs

1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese

Freshly ground black pepper

Salt to taste

1 clove garlic (optional)

Instructions:

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente.

Cook pancetta in a pan over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat.

In a bowl, beat eggs, cheese, and black pepper.

Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.

Toss cooked pasta with pancetta, then gradually combine egg mixture, adding pasta water if necessary to create creamy sauce.

Serve immediately with additional cheese and black pepper.

2. Classic Pasta al Pomodoro

Simple and full-flavored tomato-based pasta dish that highlights fresh ingredients.

Ingredients:

12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni)

2 tbsp olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 large ripe tomatoes, diced (or 1 can crushed tomatoes)

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves

Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.

In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.

Add tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Toss pasta in the sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed.

Garnish with basil and Parmesan cheese.

3. Classic Fettuccine Alfredo

A decadent and creamy pasta dish made legendary in Rome, Fettuccine Alfredo is rich but very easy to make.

Ingredients:

12 oz fettuccine

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and black pepper to taste

Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Cook fettuccine in salted boiling water until al dente.

Melt butter in a pan over low heat, and then add heavy cream.

Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth.

Toss pasta with the sauce, and season with salt and pepper.

Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Final Thoughts

With these authentic Italian pasta recipes, you will be able to take a little Italy with you home. Working with fresh ingredients and simple preparations, the resulting dishes give you restaurant-like flavor and satisfaction. Delight in making and serving these pasta meals for yourself, family, and friends, getting to relive Italy a bit.