Old-School Pasta Recipes That Taste Like a Warm Italian Hug

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There’s nothing quite like a classic pasta dish to bring warmth and comfort to the table. These old-school recipes celebrate the heart of Italian and Italian-American cuisine, from the rich and creamy Fettuccine Alfredo to the bold and flavorful Amatriciana. Whether you’re craving a seafood delight like White Clam Sauce or a cozy bowl of Cheesy Italian Sausage Lasagna, this collection of 20 traditional recipes will transport you straight to an Italian kitchen. Get ready to twirl your fork and enjoy these time-tested favorites!

Crab Pasta

A close up image of a plate of spaghetti with crab, chopped parsley and red peppers. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

20 Minutes to Crabby Bliss! This delectable Crab Pasta is your answer to quick and flavorful meals. Succulent crab meat takes center stage in a simple yet satisfying dish ready in no time.

Get The Recipe: Crab Pasta

Easy Shrimp Pasta

a landscape image of a white plate full of shrimp pasta — Image Credit: Mateusz Gzik

Tender shrimp is transformed into a delightful pasta dish in just 20 minutes. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that proves ease doesn’t have to compromise on flavor.

Get The Recipe: Easy Shrimp Pasta

White Clam Sauce

Flavorful clams and robust pasta unite in a delightful white wine sauce, enhanced by zesty lemon and a dash of parsley. This dish adds a celebratory flair to any meal.

Get The Recipe: Clam Sauce

Easy Pesto Sauce

A fork twirls spaghetti with green pesto sauce, garnished with grated cheese, against a white background, showcasing the elegance of restaurant-quality recipes.

Packed with vibrant, fresh basil flavor, this quick and easy Basil Pesto Recipe is a game-changer! Ready in minutes with minimal prep, it’s the perfect way to take any dish to the next level.

Get The Recipe: Easy Pesto Sauce

Shrimp Alfredo

This recipe unlocks the secrets of a restaurant-quality meal at home. Juicy shrimp are tossed with fettuccine pasta and a delightful creamy garlic sauce, surprisingly easy to prepare yet guaranteed to impress. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that delivers both elegance and ease.

Get The Recipe: Shrimp Alfredo

Amatriciana Pasta

A heaping bowl of pasta with Amatriciana Sauce topped with grated cheese. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Staying authentic to its origins, it showcases a zesty tomato sauce infused with the rich flavors of pancetta, onions, and white wine. Simply toss it with your preferred pasta for a swift and delectable weeknight dinner.

Get The Recipe: Amatriciana Sauce

Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese

A fork twirls a serving of spaghetti with a rich meat sauce, featuring ground beef, tomatoes, and herbs. The dish is garnished with melted cheese, creating a comforting and savory meal. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This quick and easy Spaghetti Bolognese recipe creates a delicious meat sauce that’s bursting with Italian flavor! Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy night!

Get The Recipe: Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese

Lemon Orzo Soup

A comfort bowl of soup featuring orzo pasta, shredded chicken, and sliced carrots, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. A spoon rests on the side, and the dish is placed on a white marble surface. — Image Credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Enjoy a fresh and zesty Lemon Orzo Soup packed with tender chicken, veggies, and pasta—it’s comfort food in a bowl! The best part is, it can be made stove top or in the slow cooker.

Get The Recipe: Lemon Orzo Soup

Cheesy Italian Sausage Lasagna

A slice of cheesy lasagna is being lifted from a baking dish, showcasing layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese stretching impressively. A fresh basil leaf garnishes the appetizing slice, making it a star in the world of recipes. — Image Credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This irresistible homemade lasagna is packed with layers of hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey, golden mozzarella. It’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for cozy family dinners or prepping delicious meals ahead of time!

Get The Recipe: Cheesy Italian Sausage Lasagna

The Best Fettuccine Alfredo of Your Life

A close up image of pair of cooking tongs serving a portion of Fettuccine Alfredo into a bowl. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Forget everything else – this Fettuccine Alfredo recipe is pure indulgence! A luxurious cream sauce coats perfectly cooked fettuccine, creating a symphony of creamy richness that’s ready in just 20 minutes. It’s the ultimate comfort food fix!

Get The Recipe: The Best Fettuccine Alfredo of Your Life

Creamy Tagliatelle and Mushrooms

A close-up photo of a white plate overflowing with creamy tagliatelle pasta and sliced cremini mushrooms. A silver fork rests on the side of the plate. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Whip up a restaurant-worthy meal in just 25 minutes! This creamy tagliatelle and mushrooms recipe combines fresh ingredients like parsley, white wine, garlic, and butter for a flavor explosion.

Get The Recipe: Creamy Tagliatelle and Mushrooms

Pasta With Zucchini

This recipe proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. Creamy zucchini sauce transforms ordinary pasta into a delightful and satisfying dish. It’s so easy to make, you’ll be wondering why you haven’t tried it sooner!

Get The Recipe: Pasta With Zucchini

Quick & Hearty Tortellini Vegetable Soup

A bowl of hearty tortellini vegetable soup — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe is a blank canvas for your veggie creativity! Packed with flavor and protein-rich tortellini, it’s a healthy and versatile soup base. Use your favorite seasonal vegetables to create a delicious and satisfying meal that fits your taste preferences.

Get The Recipe: Quick & Hearty Tortellini Vegetable Soup

Spinach Mushroom Pasta

A close up image of pasta in a creamy sauce with mushrooms and spinach. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Creamy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta recipe is delicious and can be ready in less than 30 minutes!

Get The Recipe: Spinach Mushroom Pasta

Spicy Shrimp Spaghetti

Shrimp spaghetti twirled on a fork. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Perfectly cooked al dente spaghetti is an ideal base for tender, juicy shrimp. The dish shines with a lively tomato sauce infused with the essence of garlic, white wine, and fresh herbs, bringing a burst of vibrant flavors to each bite.

Get The Recipe: Shrimp Spaghetti

Spaghetti with Spinach Sauce

Looking for a healthy and flavorful pasta dish in a hurry? Look no further! This vibrant spinach sauce comes together quickly and is packed with nutrients. Grated cheese adds a touch of creamy indulgence, making this a satisfying and guilt-free vegetarian meal.

Get The Recipe: Spaghetti with Spinach Sauce

Pasta Alla Norma

This isn’t just a recipe – it’s your passport to Italian culinary adventures! Our beginner-friendly guide to Pasta Alla Norma walks you through the process step-by-step, offering valuable pro tips along the way. The result? A delicious and authentic Italian dish that’s easier to make than you think.

Get The Recipe: Pasta Alla Norma

Cavatelli and Broccoli

Elevate your weeknight routine with this incredibly easy Cavatelli and Broccoli recipe. Despite its simplicity, the dish packs a flavor punch that will leave you surprised. It’s a perfect example of how effortless preparation can lead to a delicious and satisfying meal.

Get The Recipe: Cavatelli and Broccoli

Spaghetti Alla Carbonara

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe isn’t just spaghetti – it’s an experience! Silky egg and cheese sauce clings to every strand of pasta, while crispy bacon adds a salty, smoky counterpoint. It’s a flavor explosion that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Get The Recipe: Spaghetti Alla Carbonara

Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta

A creamy sauce infused with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of lemon zest coats your favorite ingredients in this easy one-pan wonder. A final squeeze of lemon juice adds a burst of brightness for a flavor explosion in every bite.

Get The Recipe: Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta