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Vincenzo's Plate 5 Top Pasta Recipes (My Favorite Pasta Dishes)

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Vincenzo's Plate
Vincenzo's Plate
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Recipes in this Video

8 recipes

Originating in Rome's working-class trattorias, Carbonara was a hearty meal for charcoal workers (carbonari). The dish celebrates simple ingredients—eggs, cured pork, cheese, and black pepper—transformed through technique. Today it's beloved worldwide, though purists insist on guanciale over bacon.

Ingredients

  • spaghetti
  • guanciale
  • eggs
  • Pecorino Romano cheese
  • black pepper
  • olive oil
  • salt

Instructions

  1. 1Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. 2While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  3. 3Add guanciale to the skillet and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. 4In a bowl, whisk together eggs and grated Pecorino Romano cheese until well combined.
  5. 5Once pasta is cooked, reserve some pasta water and drain the rest.
  6. 6Add hot pasta to the skillet with guanciale, tossing to combine.
  7. 7Remove skillet from heat and quickly pour egg mixture over pasta, stirring vigorously.
  8. 8If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a creamy sauce.
  9. 9Season with freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
  10. 10Serve immediately with additional cheese on top.

Ingredient Alternatives

guanciale

Healthier: pancetta

Cheaper: bacon

Pancetta is more accessible, while bacon offers a budget-friendly option.

Pecorino Romano cheese

Healthier: Parmesan cheese

Cheaper: Grana Padano

Parmesan is a lower-fat alternative, and Grana Padano is often less expensive.

Techniques

boilingmixingtossing

Equipment

large potskilletmixing bowlwhisktongs
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowglutendairy

Also Known As

Spaghetti alla CarbonaraRoman Carbonara
vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 400g spaghetti
  • 2 lemons (zested and juiced)
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. 2While the pasta is cooking, in a large bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil.
  3. 3Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the spaghetti.
  4. 4Add the hot spaghetti to the bowl with the lemon mixture and toss to combine.
  5. 5If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  6. 6Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil, mixing well.
  7. 7Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  8. 8Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan and basil if desired.

Equipment

large potcolandermixing bowlgratertongs

Originating from Bologna, Italy, Pasta Bolognese is a beloved dish that showcases the rich flavors of slow-cooked meat and vegetables. Traditionally served with tagliatelle, it reflects the Italian ethos of using simple, high-quality ingredients to create hearty meals. Today, Bolognese sauce has found its way into kitchens worldwide, often adapted with various pasta types and additional ingredients, making it a versatile favorite.

Ingredients

  • pasta
  • ground beef
  • onion
  • carrot
  • celery
  • garlic
  • canned tomatoes
  • red wine
  • milk
  • olive oil
  • bay leaves
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • Parmesan cheese
  • fresh basil

Instructions

  1. 1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. 2Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery; sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. 3Stir in minced garlic; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. 4Add ground beef; cook until browned, breaking it apart, about 8-10 minutes.
  5. 5Pour in red wine; simmer until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
  6. 6Stir in canned tomatoes and bay leaves; bring to a simmer.
  7. 7Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  8. 8Add milk; cook for an additional 30 minutes to deepen flavor.
  9. 9Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain.
  10. 10Remove bay leaves from sauce; season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  11. 11Toss pasta with sauce until well coated.
  12. 12Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Ingredient Alternatives

ground beef

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

red wine

Healthier: grape juice

Cheaper: white wine

Grape juice offers a non-alcoholic option, while white wine can be more affordable.

Parmesan cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: Grana Padano

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free, and Grana Padano is a less expensive cheese.

canned tomatoes

Healthier: fresh tomatoes

Cheaper: crushed tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes can be healthier, while crushed tomatoes are often cheaper.

Techniques

sautéingsimmeringboiling

Equipment

large potskilletwooden spooncolander
🌶️🌶️🌶️LowContains Alcoholglutendairy

Also Known As

Ragù alla BologneseBolognese Sauce

Originating from Italy, spaghetti and meatballs is a beloved dish that combines flavorful meatballs with a rich tomato sauce served over pasta. Traditionally, this dish was a way to stretch meat and make a hearty meal. Today, it is a staple in Italian-American cuisine and enjoyed worldwide, often served at family gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredients

  • spaghetti
  • ground beef
  • bread crumbs
  • egg
  • parmesan cheese
  • garlic
  • onion
  • canned tomatoes
  • olive oil
  • basil
  • oregano
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • sugar
  • red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. 1Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. 2Drain spaghetti and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
  3. 3In a bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, grated parmesan, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  4. 4Mix until just combined, then form into meatballs, about the size of golf balls.
  5. 5Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  6. 6Add meatballs to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.
  7. 7Remove meatballs and set aside on a plate.
  8. 8In the same skillet, add canned tomatoes, basil, oregano, sugar, and salt; stir to combine.
  9. 9Simmer sauce for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
  10. 10Return meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer for an additional 15 minutes until cooked through.
  11. 11If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
  12. 12Toss cooked spaghetti with sauce and meatballs until well coated.
  13. 13Serve hot, garnished with additional parmesan and fresh basil.

Ingredient Alternatives

parmesan cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

ground beef

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner while ground pork offers cost savings.

Techniques

mixingbrowningsimmering

Equipment

large potlarge skilletmixing bowlmeasuring cupsspatula
🌶️🌶️🌶️Mediummilkeggswheat

Also Known As

Spaghetti and MeatballsSpaghetti with Meatballs

Pasta Primavera originated in the United States, inspired by Italian cuisine, particularly during the spring when fresh vegetables are abundant. It reflects a celebration of seasonal produce, emphasizing the vibrant colors and flavors of vegetables. Today, it has become a staple in many Italian-American restaurants and is enjoyed worldwide, often adapted to include various ingredients based on local availability.

Ingredients

  • pasta
  • olive oil
  • garlic
  • bell peppers
  • zucchini
  • carrots
  • cherry tomatoes
  • spinach
  • parmesan cheese
  • basil
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • lemon juice
  • red pepper flakes
  • onion
  • peas

Instructions

  1. 1Boil water in a large pot and cook pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. 2Drain pasta and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
  3. 3Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  4. 4Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  5. 5Add sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots; cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. 6Stir in cherry tomatoes and peas; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  7. 7Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
  8. 8Combine cooked pasta with the vegetable mixture in the skillet.
  9. 9Add reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
  10. 10Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
  11. 11Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and toss to combine.
  12. 12Serve topped with grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Ingredient Alternatives

parmesan cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: grated mozzarella

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil is healthier, while canola oil is more budget-friendly.

fresh basil

Healthier: spinach

Cheaper: dried herbs

Spinach offers similar nutrients, while dried herbs are more affordable.

cherry tomatoes

Healthier: sundried tomatoes

Cheaper: canned tomatoes

Sundried tomatoes provide intense flavor, while canned are cost-effective.

Techniques

boilingsautéing

Equipment

large potlarge skilletcolandercutting boardknife
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowdairygluten

Also Known As

Spring PastaVegetable Pasta

Originating in Rome's working-class trattorias, Carbonara was a hearty meal for charcoal workers (carbonari). The dish celebrates simple ingredients—eggs, cured pork, cheese, and black pepper—transformed through technique. Today it's beloved worldwide, though purists insist on guanciale over bacon.

Ingredients

  • spaghetti
  • guanciale
  • eggs
  • Pecorino Romano cheese
  • black pepper
  • olive oil

Instructions

  1. 1Boil water in a large pot and add salt until it resembles seawater.
  2. 2Cook spaghetti in boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. 3While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  4. 4Add guanciale to the skillet and cook until crispy, about 4-5 minutes.
  5. 5Whisk together eggs and grated Pecorino Romano cheese in a bowl until smooth.
  6. 6Remove the skillet from heat once guanciale is crispy.
  7. 7Drain spaghetti, reserving some pasta water, and add it to the skillet with guanciale.
  8. 8Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta, tossing to combine.
  9. 9Add reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce.
  10. 10Season generously with black pepper and additional cheese if desired.
  11. 11Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese.

Ingredient Alternatives

guanciale

Healthier: pancetta

Cheaper: bacon

Pancetta and bacon are more accessible substitutes, though they alter the flavor.

Pecorino Romano cheese

Healthier: Parmesan cheese

Cheaper: Grana Padano

Parmesan and Grana Padano offer a similar texture and flavor at a lower cost.

Techniques

boilingsautéingmixing

Equipment

large potskilletmixing bowlwhiskcolander
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowglutendairyegg

Also Known As

Carbonara

Originating from the northern regions of Italy, potato gnocchi are a beloved staple in Italian cuisine, often served as a comforting dish in family gatherings. Traditionally made with simple ingredients, they reflect the Italian philosophy of using fresh, local produce. Today, gnocchi has found its way into kitchens worldwide, with variations that include different flours and flavors, showcasing its versatility and global appeal.

Ingredients

  • potatoes
  • flour
  • egg
  • salt
  • nutmeg
  • parmesan cheese
  • butter
  • sage leaves

Instructions

  1. 1Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 20 minutes.
  2. 2Drain potatoes and let cool slightly before peeling.
  3. 3Pass the peeled potatoes through a ricer into a large bowl.
  4. 4Add flour, egg, salt, and nutmeg to the riced potatoes.
  5. 5Mix until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overwork it.
  6. 6Divide the dough into smaller portions for easier handling.
  7. 7Roll each portion into a long rope, about 1 inch thick.
  8. 8Cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces to form gnocchi.
  9. 9Use a fork to gently press each piece for texture.
  10. 10Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  11. 11Drop gnocchi into boiling water and cook until they float, about 2-3 minutes.
  12. 12Remove gnocchi with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  13. 13In a pan, melt butter and add sage leaves until fragrant.
  14. 14Add cooked gnocchi to the pan and toss gently to coat.

Ingredient Alternatives

potatoes

Healthier: sweet potatoes

Cheaper: cauliflower

Sweet potatoes add nutrients while cauliflower reduces carbs.

parmesan cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: grana padano

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and adds umami flavor.

butter

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil provides healthy fats and a distinct flavor.

egg

Healthier: flaxseed meal

Cheaper: silken tofu

Flaxseed meal is a vegan alternative that binds ingredients.

Techniques

boilingmixingrollingsautéing

Equipment

large potslotted spoonricermixing bowlpan
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowgluteneggdairy

Also Known As

Gnocchi di Patate
pescatarian

Originating from the coastal regions of Italy, especially in Campania, Spaghetti alle Vongole showcases the country's love for seafood and pasta. Traditionally enjoyed by fishermen, this dish highlights the simplicity and freshness of its ingredients, making it a beloved staple in Italian cuisine. Today, it is popular worldwide, often adapted with variations such as adding tomatoes or different herbs.

Ingredients

  • spaghetti
  • clams
  • garlic
  • olive oil
  • white wine
  • parsley
  • red pepper flakes
  • lemon
  • salt
  • black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Soak clams in salted water for 30 minutes to purge sand.
  2. 2Cook spaghetti in boiling salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. 3Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  4. 4Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  5. 5Pour in white wine and bring to a simmer.
  6. 6Add clams to the skillet; cover and cook until clams open, about 5-7 minutes.
  7. 7Discard any unopened clams after cooking.
  8. 8Drain spaghetti, reserving some pasta water.
  9. 9Add spaghetti to the skillet with clams; toss to combine.
  10. 10If dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.
  11. 11Stir in chopped parsley and season with salt and black pepper.
  12. 12Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Ingredient Alternatives

clams

Healthier: mussels

Cheaper: canned clams

Mussels can be more affordable and still provide a similar briny flavor.

white wine

Healthier: chicken broth

Cheaper: water + vinegar

Chicken broth adds depth without alcohol, while water with vinegar mimics acidity.

Techniques

soakingboilingsautéingtossing

Equipment

large potlarge skilletcolandermeasuring cupswooden spoon
🌶️🌶️🌶️MediumContains Alcoholshellfishgluten

Also Known As

Spaghetti with Clams

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