20 Italian-Inspired Pastas to Make at Home

From creamy sauces to tangy dressings and hearty one-pot meals, these pasta recipes bring bold flavor without complicated steps. This mix includes comfort food classics, zesty lemon twists, Italian-inspired favorites, and a few low-carb options. Some come together in one pan, others mimic restaurant dishes, but they all offer satisfying ways to enjoy pasta any night of the week. There’s a wide range of textures and ingredients, so you can find something to match whatever you’re in the mood for.

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A bowl of penne pasta mixed with shredded chicken and topped with grated cheese, placed on a light-colored surface with a fork nearby. — Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

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This slow-cooked dish blends tender chicken with a creamy garlic parmesan sauce. The pasta is stirred in at the end for a soft, saucy finish. It’s rich without being overwhelming and easy to prep ahead. Serve with parsley or extra cheese on top.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Easy Smoked Sausage and Pasta

A bowl of penne pasta with sliced sausage, tomatoes, and grated cheese, garnished with herbs. A fork is placed beside the bowl. — Easy Smoked Sausage and Pasta. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

Sliced smoked sausage adds bold flavor to this quick stovetop pasta. It’s tossed with a light sauce that clings to every bite. The sausage browns in the pan for extra depth. A no-fuss dinner that hits all the savory notes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Smoked Sausage and Pasta

One Pot French Onion Pasta

A plate of rigatoni pasta with shredded cheese and herbs, next to a fork on a white dish. An onion and parsley are in the background. — One Pot French Onion Pasta. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

Inspired by the soup, this dish features caramelized onions, beef broth, and melted cheese. Everything simmers together in one pot for fewer dishes and rich, developed flavor. The pasta absorbs the broth as it cooks. Topped with more cheese, it’s melty and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: One Pot French Onion Pasta

Steakhouse Pasta

Plate of spaghetti with sliced steak, spinach, tomatoes, and crumbled cheese, served with a fork and spoon on a round, white plate. — Steakhouse Pasta. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

Sliced steak pairs with pasta and a creamy sauce flavored with garlic, herbs, and maybe a splash of wine. The result is filling and layered with taste. It mimics the richness of a steakhouse meal in a single bowl. Great for when you want something hearty without turning on the grill.
Get the Recipe: Steakhouse Pasta

Alfredo Steak Pasta

A twist on classic Alfredo, this version adds seared steak to the creamy garlic and parmesan sauce. The steak adds protein and a savory punch. The sauce clings to every piece of pasta. Ideal for date nights or weekends.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Baked Feta Pasta

This viral favorite uses oven-roasted feta and tomatoes to make a creamy, tangy sauce. Stir it all together with hot pasta and fresh basil. It’s easy and works with add-ins like spinach or olives. A crowd-pleaser with minimal hands-on time.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Best Lemon Pasta

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese. — Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bright lemon juice and zest bring a fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of pasta. It’s light, zippy, and works well with garlic or cheese. The sauce comes together fast in one pan. Ideal for spring or summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

This version captures the flavors of the restaurant favorite with beans, pasta, and ground beef in a rich tomato broth. It’s hearty, comforting, and easy to make in large batches. Serve with breadsticks or salad. Freezes well too.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Another take on the Italian classic, this soup mixes small pasta, beans, and vegetables in a seasoned broth. It’s cozy and filling with layers of flavor. Use canned beans and pantry staples to keep things simple. Simmer until everything blends together.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Creamy Pea Pasta

Sweet peas add a pop of freshness to this smooth, cheesy sauce. It comes together quickly and works well with short pasta shapes. A little lemon or mint can brighten the flavor. Simple and family-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta

Easy Cold Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

A white bowl filled with tri-color rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber chunks, and feta cheese on a red-and-white checkered tablecloth. — Easy Cold Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

This cold pasta salad is tossed with Italian dressing, crisp veggies, and maybe a sprinkle of cheese. It’s great for picnics, lunches, or quick sides. The dressing soaks into the pasta for bold flavor. Make it ahead so everything can chill.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cold Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Easy Pasta Puttanesca

A pan full of spaghetti and tomatoes on a tablecloth. — Easy Pasta Puttanesca. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Briny olives, capers, garlic, and tomatoes make a bold, salty sauce that clings to the pasta. It’s punchy, fast, and doesn’t require much more than pantry ingredients. A little chili adds a nice heat. A strong-flavored dish that’s ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pasta Puttanesca

Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara

Pasta Marinara inside a grey plate with extra sauce and basil leaves on the side. — Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Low carb pasta makes this dish a lighter option without losing the traditional tomato sauce flavor. It’s easy to customize with herbs, garlic, or meat. The sauce simmers quickly for weeknight ease. Top with cheese if you want extra richness.
Get the Recipe: Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara

Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot

A close-up of creamy macaroni and cheese garnished with parsley. — Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Everything cooks in one pan for easy cleanup and full flavor. Sausage and bell peppers bring heat and sweetness. The sauce thickens as the pasta cooks right in it. A solid go-to for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot

Italian Sausage Pasta

This dish uses browned sausage with a simple sauce of tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. It’s bold, filling, and done in about 30 minutes. A good base for adding spinach or mushrooms. Serve with grated parmesan.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Pasta

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

A creamy, earthy sauce made from blended walnuts, garlic, and parmesan coats the pasta. It’s rich without being heavy. The nutty flavor pairs well with short pasta shapes. A lesser-known option that’s worth a try.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

A plate of orzo pasta topped with sliced grilled chicken, garnished with parsley and lemon. Nearby are bell peppers, lemons, and a bowl of grated cheese on a red patterned cloth. — Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Tender chicken and orzo pasta mix with a zesty lemon sauce that feels light but satisfying. The orzo cooks quickly and soaks up flavor well. Add peas or herbs for extra color. Great for warm weather or packed lunches.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

Lemon Chicken Piccata Pasta

Chicken breast cut with pasta in the background. — Lemon Chicken Piccata Pasta. Photo credit: .

This dish brings together lemon, capers, and chicken in a tangy, buttery sauce over pasta. It’s sharp, salty, and full of contrast. The sauce comes together fast in one pan. A twist on the classic piccata dish.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Piccata Pasta

Low Carb Pasta Carbonara

Pasta Carbonara inside a bowl with herbs and bacon. — Low Carb Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Low carb noodles hold up well in this creamy, egg-based sauce. Bits of bacon or pancetta add smoky flavor. Everything cooks quickly with minimal ingredients. A fast, satisfying meal with fewer carbs.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Pasta Carbonara

White Wine Chicken Pasta

A pan filled with bowtie pasta mixed with diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, crumbled cheese, and garnished with chopped herbs. — White Wine Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

White wine adds acidity and depth to the garlic and cream sauce. Chicken keeps it filling and adds texture. It’s a dish that feels elevated without much effort. Serve with fresh herbs or lemon zest.
Get the Recipe: White Wine Chicken Pasta