The 10 most popular pasta dishes
Pasta—who doesn’t love it? From simple, quick pasta dishes to luxurious varieties. Honestly, a plate of pasta is always a good idea. By now, endless variations on the Italian classics have been created. Italians aren’t always happy about that, but we are. We’ve written down the 10 tastiest ones for you, in no particular order. Be inspired!
In most cases, it’s the Americans who have appropriated the Italian dishes. But we Dutch aren’t entirely innocent either. Pasta with chicken pesto sauce, for example…. Italians aren’t really into the chicken-and-pasta combination. But the more pasta we can eat in our lives, the happier we are. A little freestyling is perfectly fine, right?
1. Mac and cheese
Who doesn’t know it? Mac and cheese is just as golden a combination as Messi and a football. You can never go wrong with this dish. Comfort food at its best and irresistibly delicious. Also delicious: the familiar macaroni with ham and cheese from our childhood.
2. Pasta Carbonara
We also make this Italian masterpiece, pasta Carbonara, so often. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it an irresistible dish. And believe us: this is the secret ingredient for the best pasta Carbonara—we’ll never make it any other way again.
3. Lasagna
The oven-baked classic among pasta dishes: traditional lasagna. With layers full of flavor and warmth. The vegetarian version with layers of eggplant is delicious too!
4. Pasta with garlic shrimp
A decadent meal on the table in fifteen minutes: it doesn’t get much easier than this! You’ll definitely want to add this recipe for creamy garlic shrimp with spaghetti to your regular repertoire. Gordon Ramsay’s quick pasta with king prawns is also highly recommended.
5. Lasagna with salmon and spinach
Are you a fish lover? Then this one is for you. A variation on classic lasagna with the rich flavor of salmon. This combination is guaranteed to take you to heaven. Don’t tell the Italians, though—they never make it this way…
6. Spaghetti bolognese
Spaghetti bolognese, a timeless classic. A basic recipe to which you can add your own twist for that little something extra. Add plenty of Parmesan on top and leave it at that. Also delicious: Jamie Oliver’s bolognese recipe (with beer!)
7. Pesto pasta with mozzarella
Quick, fresh, and oh-so-delicious! This pesto pasta with mozzarella is the perfect dish for a quick yet flavorful meal. In our opinion, the ideal pesto pasta recipe includes pine nuts and Parmesan cheese. Bonus: save some pesto for a delicious dip or to spread on your sandwich. And adding chicken breast and cream? We’re not stopping you!
8. Cannelloni with eggplant
A vegetarian winner, cannelloni with eggplant. A tasty and filling dish that proves vegetarian food is anything but boring.
9. Pasta in a creamy mushroom sauce
Mushrooms bring magic to every pasta dish. This versatile favorite is popular among vegetarians for good reason. Also delicious with some extra lemon juice.
10. Pasta Primavera
Primavera means spring, but the freshness of briefly cooked vegetables is more than fine all year round, of course. Green asparagus, green beans, and fresh peas in cream and Parmesan; doesn’t that sound wonderful?!
With this top 10, you’ll have plenty to keep you going for a while. Enjoy the endless variations that pasta has to offer. From quick pesto pasta to an elaborate lasagna, every pasta lover will find something to enjoy. And remember: it’s not just pasta dishes—there are also endless varieties of pasta shapes. They all have their own characteristics and purposes, so your pasta and sauce pair perfectly. That makes every pasta dish even more delicious!
Also read:
- 5 pasta rules for the perfect pasta
- Eat pasta like a real Italian
- Italian dishes you’ll never, ever get in Italy
