Top 10 Most-Saved Pasta Recipes That Foodies Are Loving Right Now
Pasta lovers rejoice! The pasta craze is hotter than ever, and the culinary experts at Food & Wine have revealed the most-saved pasta recipes by their readers. These dishes aren’t just trending — they’re being bookmarked, made, and shared thousands of times. From creamy classics to innovative new twists, we’re breaking down the top 10 pasta recipes you’ll want to cook tonight. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or an enthusiastic beginner, prepare to meet your new dinner go-tos.
Why Are These Pasta Recipes So Popular?
The magic of pasta lies in its versatility. With endless combinations of sauces, proteins, and vegetables, pasta can be comfort food, a gourmet entrée, or a quick weeknight saver. The recipes topping Food & Wine’s most-saved list strike the ideal balance between flavor, simplicity, and visual appeal. These dishes not only taste amazing, but they also photograph beautifully for social sharing — another reason they’re trending among foodies.
1. Creamy One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta
This rich and savory dish combines marinated chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce — all cooked in a single pot. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels gourmet yet comes together in under 30 minutes. This is a favorite among busy families and pasta fans craving a restaurant-quality meal at home.
2. Classic Spaghetti Carbonara
A Roman favorite, carbonara continues to top the charts. Made with eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, pancetta, and black pepper, this dish is deceptively simple and utterly satisfying. Its creamy texture — without a drop of cream — showcases the brilliance of traditional Italian cooking. Pair with a glass of white wine for pure indulgence.
Pro Tip:
Use freshly grated cheese and toss over low heat to avoid scrambling the eggs.
3. Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
Made viral on TikTok, this minimal-ingredient recipe remains a favorite. A block of feta cheese bakes to melty perfection alongside cherry tomatoes, creating an effortless sauce that coats the pasta in tangy, creamy goodness. Throw in some fresh basil and garlic, and you’ve got a weeknight winner with maximum flavor.
4. Spicy Vodka Rigatoni
This saucy sensation made popular by NYC’s Carbone restaurant has found a home in kitchens everywhere. The key? A rich tomato-vodka sauce boosted by crushed red pepper and finished with heavy cream. It’s spicy, savory, and wholly addictive. Readers love its bold flavors and silky texture — a date-night favorite.
5. Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Fresh Herbs
Bright, zesty, and perfect for spring or summer, this dish uses lemon zest, creamy ricotta, and a bouquet of herbs like parsley, chives, and basil. Not only is it light and refreshing, but it also comes together in just 20 minutes. This vegetarian-friendly pasta is a hit for lunch or a quick meatless dinner.
6. Cacio e Pepe
Simplicity at its best, this Roman classic only requires three main ingredients: pasta, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. Still, mastering it takes some finesse. Consistently one of Food & Wine‘s top-saved recipes, Cacio e Pepe is addictive in its creamy, peppery perfection. It’s perfect for purists who appreciate minimalist cooking done right.
7. Pasta alla Norma
This Sicilian gem features tender eggplant, tomato sauce, basil, and salty ricotta salata cheese. It’s an ideal choice for those looking for a hearty meatless option with loads of Italian character. The blend of roasted vegetables and umami-rich tomato sauce makes this pasta fulfilling and healthy.
Cooking Tip:
Salt the eggplant beforehand to draw out moisture and eliminate bitterness.
8. Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Brown Butter
Autumn comfort in a bowl — this dish blends sweet roasted butternut squash with toasted nuts, browned butter, and aromatic sage. It’s a visual knockout and a tastebud-pleaser, making it one of the most saved pasta dishes for cozy dinners and holidays.
9. Shrimp Scampi Linguine
Garlicky, buttery, and beautifully balanced with lemon juice and white wine, shrimp scampi linguine is timeless. Seafood lovers keep coming back to this flavorful yet uncomplicated dish. It’s also a quick fix, making it perfect for impromptu dinner guests and special weekends.
10. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Oven-baked pasta perfection, this dish layers jumbo pasta shells with a savory spinach-ricotta filling, topped with marinara and melted mozzarella. It’s freezer-friendly and endlessly crowd-pleasing, ideal for family-style dinners or meal prep.
What These Dishes Have in Common
Across these recipes, several themes emerge:
- Approachable Ingredients: Most dishes use pantry staples or accessible produce and cheese blends.
- Time-Efficient: Many can be prepared in 30 minutes to an hour, perfect for weeknights.
- Rich in Flavor: Whether it’s garlic, cheese, or herbs, bold profiles win hearts.
- Visually Pleasing: These pastas are made for Instagram with vibrant colors and luscious textures.
Tips for Making Your Pasta Instagram-Worthy
1. Go Fresh
Fresh herbs, shaved cheese, and bright veggies do more than enhance taste — they pop on camera.
2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Al dente texture not only feels better in the mouth but also photographs beautifully without turning limp.
3. Finish with a Drizzle
Olive oil or balsamic glaze adds a glint that brings your dish to life.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re in the mood for something creamy, spicy, light, or rich, there’s a reason these 10 pasta recipes are Food & Wine’s most saved by fans around the world. They offer the perfect marriage of taste, ease, and beauty. Ready to level up your dinner game? Bookmark this post, grab your ingredients, and cook your way through these trending pasta sensations — one delicious forkful at a time.
Looking for more culinary inspiration? Be sure to check back often as we explore the most buzzworthy recipes and food trends making waves in kitchens everywhere.
