58 Pasta Recipes from Around the World

Updated: Jun. 03, 2024

Inspired by international flavors, these pasta recipes let you travel far and wide, one bowl at a time.

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Nikki’s Perfect Pastitsio

My mother used to work so hard in the kitchen to make this classic Greek dish, and the results were always well worth her effort. My recipe for pastitsio is easier, a bit lighter and every bit as great as Mom’s.—Nikki Tsangaris, Westfield, Indiana

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(Try these other international recipes!)

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Beef Bolognese with Linguine

After much research, tasting and tweaking, I finally came up with this beef bolognese recipe, based on a dish from an Italian restaurant where I worked. It’s perfect for feeding a house full of guests. —Christine Wendland, Browns Mills, New Jersey
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Argentine Lasagna

My family is from Argentina, which has a strong Italian heritage and large cattle ranches. One of our favorite Argentinian recipes is this all-in-one lasagna packed with meat, cheese and veggies. —Sylvia Maenenr, Omaha, Nebraska
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Thai Chicken Pasta

I try to buy fresh chicken when it’s on sale. I cook a big batch in the slow cooker, then cut it up and package it in small amounts suitable for recipes like this. When I want it, I just need to pull it out of the freezer and let it thaw. —Jeni Pittard, Canon, Georgia
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Penne alla Vodka

This easy and impressive pasta is always on the menu when my husband and I have new friends over for dinner. Years later, they’ve asked me to make this Penne alla Vodka recipe again. —Cara Langer, Overland Park, Kansas
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Sicilian Meat Sauce

People have told me this is better than the gravy their Sicilian grandmothers used to make. But don’t tell the old generation that! —Emory Doty, Jasper, Georgia
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Noodle Kugel

I make this traditional dish along with other Jewish specialties for an annual Hanukkah/Christmas party with our friends. -Lauren Kargen, Williamsville, New York
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Slow-Cooker Short Rib Ragu over Pappardelle

An irresistible sauce gives this beef another dimension of flavor. Nearly any starchy side, such as potatoes or polenta, will work in place of the pasta.
Short ribs are my crowd-pleaser weekend meal for all occasions. —Missy Raho, Morristown, New Jersey

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Ramen Noodle Stir-Fry

This mildly flavored ramen noodle stir-fry combines tender strips of chicken with vegetables and popular ramen noodles. I came up with this ramen noodle recipe when I wanted a quick-fix meal for myself. Sometimes I change the vegetables or substitute ground turkey for the chicken. —Dawn Boothe, Lynn Haven, Florida
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Greek Shrimp Orzo

This is one of our favorites. It’s delicious, satisfying and reheats well. My husband would rather have “the orzo dish” than go out to eat. Serve it with crusty bread and salad. —Molly Seidel, Edgewood, New Mexico

Try pairing this dish with one of these breads from around the world!

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Pressure-Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta

If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner, this Tuscan chicken pasta is just the ticket. After the milk and cream cheese are added, the mixture will look liquidy. Just continue to cook and stir and the dish will come together. —Amber Gaines, Colorado Springs, Colorado
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Chicken Satay Noodles

This recipe is so quick and easy. It was given to me by a friend and it tastes just like chicken satay! —Salina Moore, Woodward, Oklahoma
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Mostaccioli

Even though we’re not Italian, this rich, cheesy pasta dish is a “family tradition” for holidays and special occasions. I was delighted the first time I tried this mostaccioli recipe—it has all the flavor of lasagna without the work of layering the ingredients. Try it…I’m sure it’ll become one of your family’s favorites, too! —Nancy Mundhenke, Kinsley, Kansas
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Chicken Scampi

This chicken scampi recipe is so delectable that I’m often asked to double it when family members visit over the holidays. I also suggest preparing it with shrimp for a quick convenient alternative that’s also delicious. —Janet Lebar, Centennial, Colorado
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Southwest Tuna Noodle Bake

None of my co-workers had ever tried tuna noodle casserole, and since we live near the Mexican border, they challenged me to make a Southwest version. After trying the tasty results, everyone wanted the recipe! —Sandra Crane, Las Cruces, New Mexico
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Italian Stuffed Shells

A dear friend first brought over this stuffed shells recipe. Now I take it to other friends' homes and to potlucks, because it's always a big hit! —Beverly Austin, Fulton, Missouri
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Authentic Pasta Carbonara

I learned on my culinary internship in Tuscany that real Italian cuisine is simpler than you think! This carbonara is quick, simple and delicious, just the way they like it in Italy. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California
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Vegetarian Pad Thai

This is a simple pad thai loaded with crisp vegetables and zesty flavor. It’s quick, simple, and fresh-tasting. —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia
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Pasta Napolitana

This is the ultimate meat lovers sauce and is my copycat version of The Cheesecake Factory’s pasta. Rich and hearty, with tremendous flavors, this pasta Napolitana will disappear quickly. I always make extra sauce, as it freezes very well. —John Pittman, Northampton, Pennsylvania
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Cauliflower Dill Kugel

I enjoy cauliflower and kugel, so it made sense to combine the two into one special dish. The ricotta cheese adds a distinctive creaminess and lightness. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
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Manicotti Shells

Making tender, luscious manicotti shells is as easy as whisking up a pancake batter. These homemade manicotti are made from crespelle, or Italian crepes. You can use them in place of the store-bought pasta manicotti for any of your favorite manicotti or cannelloni recipes.
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Kielbasa Casserole

Kielbasa casserole is cozy and hearty, highlighting the rich, creamy flavors of Polish sausage and a mushroom-and-cheese sauce.
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Tofu Chow Mein

This is an easy recipe for a "tofu beginner," as it teaches people how to use it. If you have time, one way to prepare it is to cut the tofu block in half and wrap well in a terry kitchen towel. Let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour to absorb excess water. For a complete meal, serve with Chinese soup and egg rolls! — Autumn SinClaire, Gold Beach, Oregon
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Greek Salad Ravioli

Turn the fresh flavors of a Greek salad into a warm dish for cold winter nights. I like to make a large batch, freeze it, then simply drop ravioli into simmering water for dinner in five minutes! —Carla Mendres, Winnipeg, Manitoba
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Slow-Cooker Spaghetti & Meatballs

I’ve been cooking for 50 years, and this dish is still one that guests request frequently. It is my No. 1 standby recipe and also makes amazing meatball sandwiches. The sauce works for any type of pasta. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida
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Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo

This easy Alfredo sauce is creamy, comforting and coats fettuccine noodles in fine fashion. This recipe is wonderful as is, but sometimes I like to add sliced fresh mushrooms and black olives that have been sautéed in butter and garlic. —Jo Gray, Park City, Montana
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Steak & Mushroom Stroganoff

This homey recipe of steak and egg noodles in a creamy sauce is just like what we had at my gran’s house when we visited. It’s one of my favorite “memory meals,” as I call them. —Janelle Shank, Omaha, Nebraska
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Slow-Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

Crock pot pasta fagioli is a hearty bean-and-pasta soup that's packed with nutrition, thanks to the vegetables in this dish. It's incredibly easy to make in a slower cooker, so it's a perfect dish to start on a cool day, letting it cook while you do whatever else you choose. Simple, super, satisfying.
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Swedish Meatballs

Whip up a batch of these easy Swedish meatballs for a meal that's all comfort and no fuss!
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Grecian Pasta & Chicken Skillet

We love a homemade meal at the end of the day. But the prep involved? Not so much. My Greek-inspired pasta is lemony, herby and, thankfully, easy. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
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Beef Paprikash with Fire-Roasted Tomatoes

Beef paprikash, a Hungarian dish, makes a marvelous Sunday dinner. We prefer it with kluski egg noodles, or try mashed potatoes. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois
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Spanish Noodles & Ground Beef

Bacon adds crunch to this comforting stovetop supper my mom used to make when I was a kid. Now I prepare it for my own family. —Kelli Jones, Perris, California
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Noodle Pudding

Whenever I bring this creamy dish to gatherings, it always prompts recipe requests. The surprising sweetness comes from apricot nectar, and everyone enjoys the golden buttery topping. —Eileen Meyers, Scott Township, Pennsylvania
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Italian Pasta Bake

Whether feeding a small army or just your very hungry family, this pasta bake recipe never fails to satisfy.
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Chicken Noodle Casserole

Everyone needs a chicken noodle casserole recipe in their repertoire. This one is a simple version that produces a creamy, comforting dish that you can make ahead for busier days.
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Thai Pasta with Spicy Peanut Sauce

We love how the whole wheat pasta and crisp, raw vegetables blend with the rich and creamy peanut sauce. The addition of fresh lime juice really brightens the flavor of the dish. Some eat it hot, but my husband and I prefer to wait until it's closer to room temperature. —Donna McCallie, Lake Park, Florida
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Beef Teriyaki Noodles

At our house, we love to combine fresh ingredients with a pantry product. This version starts with beef, onions, peppers and mushrooms, since we always have them on hand, but make the dish your own—bring out your inner chef! —Richard Robinson, Park Forest, Illinois
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Greek Pasta Toss

My husband and I developed this bright pasta dish by tossing in favorite Greek ingredients like olives, feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. Try it with shrimp or chicken, too! —Terri Gilson, Calgary, AB
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Vegetable Pad Thai

Classic flavors of Thailand abound in this fragrant and flavorful dish featuring peanuts, tofu and noodles. New to tofu? It gives the entree its satisfying protein, for a delicious way to introduce it to your diet. —Sara Landry, Brookline, Massachusetts
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Red Clam Sauce

This red clam sauce is a delightful seafood dish that combines clams, tomatoes and garlic in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for serving over al dente linguine. It will bring a taste of the ocean right to your table.
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German Noodle Bake

This is a recipe I serve each year for my holiday open house because everyone looks for it. Store-bought noodles can be substituted, but I prefer homemade noodles…and so does everyone else. —Kathleen Meineke, Cologne, New Jersey
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Italian Three-Cheese Macaroni

Your dream Italian vacation meets the ultimate comfort food in this Italian mac and cheese that's creamy and indulgent.
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Thai Lime Shrimp & Noodles

The flavors just keep popping in this quick dinner! Use as much lime peel and chili paste as you like. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
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Greek Tortellini Skillet

Looking to please picky little palates? One tester loved this simple skillet entree so much, she made it at home for her 2-year-old daughter, who said "Mmm!" after every single bite. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Easy Chow Mein

Some years ago, our daughter welcomed me home from a hospital stay with this Asian dish and a copy of the recipe. Now I freeze leftovers for fast future meals. —Kay Bade, Mitchell, South Dakota
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Beef Burgundy Over Noodles

I got this delightful beef burgundy recipe from my sister-in-law many years ago and have used it ever since. Whenever I serve it to guests, they always request this. The tender beef, mushrooms and flavorful sauce are delicious over noodles. —Margaret Welder, Madrid, Iowa
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Ricotta Gnocchi with Spinach & Gorgonzola

When my family comes for a visit, they always ask me to make this unique dish for dinner. Homemade cheesy gnocchi is topped with a rich sauce made with butternut squash, spinach and Gorgonzola.— Brud Holland, Watkins Glen, New York
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Shrimp Pasta Salad

I adore shrimp, so discovering it in this pasta salad recipe was a real treat for me. The lemon-dill sauce is light and bright. It's one of our favorite cold pasta salad recipes! —Traci Wynne, Denver, Pennsylvania
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Asparagus Beef Lo Mein

This springtime beef lo mein recipe is as easy as it gets. Ramen noodles make it extra fun. —Dottie Wanat, Modesto, California
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Southwestern Goulash

I had some extra cilantro in the fridge and didn't want to throw it away. Instead, I came up with this delightful and filling family recipe. Everyone just loved it! —Vikki Rebholz, West Chester, Ohio
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Roasted Veggie Orzo

My sister inspired this recipe. I added a few more spices, but the concept is hers. It’s easy to vary, is a great way to add veggies to your diet and the olive oil is heart healthy. —Jackie Termont, Richmond, Virginia
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Fettuccine Carbonara

Make restaurant-caliber fettuccine carbonara with its simple, creamy sauce in the comfort of your own kitchen.
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Texas-Style Lasagna

With its spicy flavor, this dish is a real crowd-pleaser. It's wonderful with side servings of picante sauce, guacamole and tortilla chips.— Effie Gish, Fort Worth, Texas
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Cashew Chicken with Noodles

I tried this recipe for chicken with cashew nuts when making freezer meals with some friends. I was smitten! It's quick, easy and so delicious! —Anita Beachy, Bealeton, Virginia
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Creamy Chicken Thighs & Noodles

I love recipes that you can just throw into the slow cooker and let it do all the work. This easy chicken dinner is one of my favorites. —Christina Petri, Alexandria, Minnesota
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Mom's Chicken Tetrazzini

Rotisserie chicken turns this baked spaghetti into a warm, cozy meal our family craves. If we have leftover turkey, we use that, too. —Jennifer Petrino, Newnan, Georgia
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Sauerkraut Hot Dish

We often serve this hearty dish at family gatherings, and the men especially seem to enjoy it. My sister gave me the recipe about 15 years ago. It’s been a favorite ever since. The unusual blend of ingredients is a pleasant surprise. —Nedra Parker, Dunbar, Wisconsin