Old-School Pasta Recipes Just Like Nonna Made

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There’s something magical about old-school pasta recipes—the ones that feel timeless, familiar, and absolutely comforting. These dishes are the classics I reach for when I want bold flavor without reinventing the wheel: rich Alfredo, bright tomato sauces, cozy one-pots, seafood-tossed noodles, and simple vegetable pastas that taste way more elegant than the effort required. If you love pasta dinners rooted in tradition with easy, modern shortcuts, this collection has everything from Alfredo to carbonara to fresh cherry tomato sauce.

Pasta With Cauliflower

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This rustic pasta dish comes together in just 30 minutes, bringing hearty flavors to your table in a flash. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds the perfect finishing touch for a satisfying and speedy meal.

Get The Recipe: Pasta With Cauliflower

Tortellini Alfredo

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Indulge your senses with this rich and flavorful pasta dish. Creamy garlic sauce mingles with salty pancetta, vibrant spinach, and your favorite pasta for a delightful interplay of textures and tastes. It’s a culinary adventure in every bite!

Get The Recipe: Tortellini Alfredo

Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese

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This quick and easy Spaghetti Bolognese recipe makes a meat sauce bursting with Italian flavor. It’s ready in just 30 minutes!

Get The Recipe: Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese

Red Pesto Sauce

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Skip the store-bought stuff! This Red Pesto sauce comes together in minutes, exploding with flavor and ready to elevate any dish.

Get The Recipe: Red Pesto Sauce

The Best Fettuccine Alfredo of Your Life

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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

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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

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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

Shrimp Alfredo

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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

Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce

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In just half an hour, you can whip up this easy and delectable Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce. It’s the perfect way to savor the ripe, flavorful tomatoes from your garden.

Get The Recipe: Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce

Quick & Hearty Tortellini Vegetable Soup

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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

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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

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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

Easy Roasted Vegetable Pasta Recipe

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Skip the stovetop! This recipe features tender veggies caramelized in the oven, then tossed with pasta, a garlicky olive oil sauce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a flavor-packed and simple meal.

Get The Recipe: Easy Roasted Vegetable Pasta Recipe

White Clam Sauce

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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

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken

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This recipe is all about convenience and flavor! Juicy chicken and sun-dried tomatoes bathe in a luxurious cream sauce, coming together in a 30-minute masterpiece. It’s a weeknight dinner win that’s guaranteed to satisfy.

Get The Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken

Pasta Alla Norma

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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

Crab Pasta

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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

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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

Cavatelli and Broccoli

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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

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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

Tuna Pasta

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Short on time? This pasta dish is your new best friend. With a few pantry staples like tuna and olives, you can whip up a delicious and satisfying meal in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Get The Recipe: Tuna Pasta

Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta

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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

Spaghetti with Spinach Sauce

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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