At Italian Street Kitchen, we pride ourselves on serving authentic Italian pasta that transports you straight to the heart of Italy. I’m Isabella, and below, I’m presenting you with my top 10 pasta dishes, which showcase the diversity and richness of Italian cuisine. Whether you’re a pasta aficionado or new to our cuisine, you’ll find something to delight your taste buds among these authentic Italian pasta dishes. Let’s explore the mouth-watering world of Italian pasta together!
Pasta is the most popular dish here in Italy (arguably more than pizza), and many would say it’s one of the main reasons we Italians are so passionate about good food. In the ‘Penisola‘, every region has its specialties and dishes influenced by history, local ingredients or tradition.
When searching for an “Italian restaurant near me“, one is definitely seeking the best of the best. Here are the 10 most popular pasta dishes in Italy that you will be sure to find in any Italian restaurant in Sydney:
Rigatoni Bolognese
Our Rigatoni Bolognese is a hearty, comforting dish that’s close to my heart. We slow-cook ground beef and pork with tomatoes, herbs, and a splash of red wine to create a rich, meaty sauce. The rigatoni’s ridges are perfect for catching every bit of that delicious ragu. A robust Sangiovese is the ideal wine pairing for this Italian pasta classic.
Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino
What better way to begin our list of top 10 pasta dishes? This simple yet flavourful dish is a staple in Neapolitan cuisine, and for the fullest flavour, we use high-quality extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, and just the right amount of peperoncino (chilli flakes) to create a perfectly balanced sauce. The spaghetti is cooked al dente, giving it a satisfying bite, and the result is a light, aromatic Italian pasta that simply dances on your tongue! I love pairing this with a crisp Vermentino to complement its subtle heat.
Cacio e Pepe
Another one of the top Italian pasta dishes, Cacio e Pepe is Roman simplicity at its finest. I use only three ingredients: tonnarelli pasta (a square-cut spaghetti), Pecorino Romano cheese, and freshly ground black pepper. The key is in the technique – creating a creamy sauce from the cheese and pasta water. The result is a luxuriously silky pasta with a peppery kick. A glass of Frascati, a local Roman white wine, is the perfect accompaniment.
Gnocchi alla Bolognese
Gnocchi alla Bolognese is a well-known Italian pasta dish originating from Bologna. The dish consists of gnocchi and a rich ragù made with beef (sometimes pork) and tomatoes as the two primary ingredients. Although the appearance is similar, this Italian pasta dish bears little or no resemblance to the spaghetti bolognese known across the world.
In fact, in Bologna, the world-famous ragù alla bolognese meat sauce is never served with spaghetti. When Bolognese isn’t served over fresh gnocchi, you’ll more often find it on a bed of some other ribbon-like pasta, such as fettuccine or pappardelle.
Spaghetti Alle Vongole
This Neapolitan classic brings the taste of the sea to your plate. At Italian Street Kitchen, we use the freshest clams, garlic, parsley, and a splash of white wine to create a light yet flavourful sauce. The spaghetti soaks up all those beautiful flavours, resulting in a dish that’s both delicate and satisfying. As with all the best Italian pasta dishes, Spaghetti Vongole wouldn’t be complete without the right wine selection; I recommend pairing it with a crisp Falanghina from Campania to enhance the seafood notes.
Carbonara
The Carbonara we know today is made by tossing spaghetti with guanciale (cured pork jowl), egg yolks, and Pecorino Romano cheese. Despite its simplicity, this dish remains one of Rome and the world’s favourites.
There are a lot of questions about Carbonara when you first start making it. What kind of bacon should be used? Should the whole egg or just the yolks be included? Is cream required? What cheese do you put on top? Most chefs would agree that while the eggs shouldn’t overcook, they should be creamy rather than scrambled.
Pancetta or guanciale, bacon, eggs, black pepper, and cheese (Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano Reggiano) are classic Italian ingredients. Onions or garlic might also be used. Add the spaghetti or rigatoni to the pan with cooked bacon. Allow the heat to cook the raw egg slightly before turning off the heat and mixing it in. Grate a lot of black pepper over the top just before serving and top with plenty of cheese. Simply amazing!
Prawn Bucatini
Prawn Bucatini is coastal-inspired dish and a favourite at Italian Street Kitchen. We toss al dente bucatini with succulent prawns, garlic, chili, and fresh herbs. The hollow centre of the bucatini captures the sauce, ensuring every bite is an delectable experience. A chilled glass of Verdicchio complements this classic Italian pasta dish’s subtle seafood flavours beautifully.
Ricotta & Nettle Mezzelune Ravioli
Our Ricotta & Nettle Mezzelune Ravioli is a unique dish that showcases the diversity of Italian cuisine. We fill half-moon shaped pasta with a delicate blend of ricotta and nettle, then serve it with a light butter sauce and a sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano. This refined Italian pasta dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp Soave.
Crab Ravioli
It’s safe to say our Crab Ravioli is a true delicacy! We fill small pasta parcels with a mixture of sweet crab meat, ricotta, and herbs, then serve with a light lemon butter sauce. A crisp Pinot Grigio is the perfect wine to accompany this refined Italian pasta.
Lasagne alla Bolognese
Our Lasagne alla Bolognese is a genuine labour of love. We layer fresh pasta sheets with a rich Bolognese sauce, creamy béchamel, and plenty of Parmigiano-Reggiano. After baking, it emerges from the oven golden and bubbling, with a perfect balance of textures and flavours. This is an authentic Italian pasta dish that pairs beautifully with a full-bodied Barbera.
Pasta is a dish that spans the entire globe and has become an integral part of many cultures. The different variations of pasta dishes in Italy highlight the diverse cultural influences on this beloved food and how Italy’s regional cuisines change with its geography. If you want to experience pasta as the Italians do, I recommend ordering one or more of these 10 most popular Italian pasta dishes next time you’re out for dinner.
Come try out our variety as an option – only here at the best Italian restaurant, Italian Street Kitchen!
Learn How to Make the Best Italian Pasta Dishes
If you enjoyed my top 10 pasta dishes and want to recreate these authentic experiences at home, simply visit Isabella’s Pantry Pasta Page for step-by-step recipes, cooking tips, and insider secrets. From classic sauces to homemade Italian pasta, I’ll guide you through creating restaurant-quality dishes in your own kitchen.
Try our pasta menu
Experience all the best Italian pasta dishes and more at Italian Street Kitchen. Our lunch and all-day menus feature a wide selection of authentic Italian pasta, pizzas, and other specialties. Book your table today and prepare yourself for a culinary journey through Italy.
FAQs
What is the most popular Italian pasta dish?
Well, how long is a piece of spaghetti? Of course, the classics such as Spaghetti Carbonara and Pasta alla Bolognese are consistently among the most beloved Italian pasta dishes. These comfort foods are loved for their rich flavours and satisfying textures.
What is the best wine to drink with pasta?
The ideal wine pairing depends on the pasta’s ingredients and sauce. For a comprehensive guide, check out our article on the best wines to serve with Italian food, which offers expert recommendations for various Italian pasta dishes.
