Top 10 Most-Saved Pasta Recipes That People Can’t Get Enough Of

Pasta has long held a special place in the hearts (and kitchens) of home cooks around the world. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weekday dinner or planning a lavish weekend feast, pasta dishes are a go-to favorite thanks to their versatility, simplicity, and unbeatable flavors. Recently, Food & Wine revealed its list of the most-saved pasta recipes of all time—dishes that readers can’t stop bookmarking. In this article, we take a closer look at these adored pasta recipes, explain why they’ve earned top spots, and share cooking tips to help you master them in your own kitchen.

Why Pasta Remains a Comfort Food Staple

Before we dive into the most popular pasta recipes, it’s important to understand why pasta continues to top comfort food listicles year after year. Here are a few reasons pasta refuses to go out of style:

Simple ingredients: Most pasta dishes rely on pantry staples such as olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, and cheese, making them both affordable and accessible.
Quick preparation: A satisfying pasta dish can come together in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
Unlimited variety: From creamy Alfredo and cheesy lasagna to spicy arrabbiata and hearty ragù, pasta offers endless possibilities.
Family-friendly: Children and adults alike delight in pasta, and recipes are easily adaptable for picky eaters or dietary restrictions.

Top 10 Most-Saved Pasta Recipes from Food & Wine

1. Classic Spaghetti Carbonara

Rich, silky, and incredibly flavorful, spaghetti carbonara continues to reign supreme. Made with eggs, Pecorino Romano, pancetta, and pepper, this Roman favorite has earned a reputation for being both luxurious and easy to make. The key? Stirring the egg and cheese mixture into hot pasta off the heat to avoid scrambling the eggs.

2. Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

This nostalgic comfort food is clearly a favorite, with Food & Wine’s version balancing sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for gatherings or meal prep, baked mac and cheese is a satisfying hug in a bowl.

3. Pasta all’Amatriciana

Originating from the town of Amatrice, this traditional Roman sauce features guanciale, tomato, and Pecorino Romano. Its bold flavor and simple preparation have made this a beloved go-to recipe. Combining smoky pork and tangy tomato sauce, it’s especially perfect during cooler months.

4. Shrimp Scampi Linguine

Offering elegance without the hassle, shrimp scampi is a seafood-lover’s dream. Garlic, butter, lemon, and white wine come together in a sauce that’s tossed with linguine and tender shrimp. Finish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes for a zesty kick.

5. One-Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

This one-pot wonder saves on dishes and delivers massive flavor. The bitter notes of broccoli rabe contrast beautifully with savory Italian sausage and the chewy, sauce-grabbing shape of orecchiette. Plus, the entire meal cooks in a single pot—less mess and more satisfaction.

6. Classic Lasagna with Ricotta and Meat Sauce

A Sunday dinner staple, lasagna is the epitome of comfort food. Food & Wine’s rendition layers perfectly seasoned meat sauce, rich ricotta, mozzarella, and tender pasta sheets. Ideal for feeding a crowd, lasagna is a make-ahead marvel that freezes like a dream.

7. Pasta Primavera

Looking for a lighter option? Pasta primavera offers a vibrant medley of garden-fresh vegetables tossed in a simple olive oil or light cream sauce. It’s endlessly customizable based on seasonal produce and remains a firm favorite among vegetarians and health-conscious eaters.

8. Cacio e Pepe

Proof that simplicity often wins, cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper) is an ancient Roman dish that’s become a global obsession. Just pasta, Pecorino Romano, and cracked black pepper come together to form a creamy, soul-warming sauce—no butter or cream required.

9. Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

A cousin of lasagna, baked ziti includes all the classic Italian-American flavors: marinara, mozzarella, sausage, and pasta—all baked until bubbling and golden. Easy to assemble and perfect for feeding families, it’s no wonder it made the most-saved list.

10. Fettuccine Alfredo

Rich, creamy, and comforting, Alfredo sauce wraps around tender fettuccine in a dish that never loses its appeal. While many versions use heavy cream, the original Roman recipe relies on just butter and Parmesan, proving that less is often more.

Tips to Make These Pasta Recipes Irresistible

Now that you have a list of the fan-favorite pasta recipes, here are several expert tips to elevate your pasta game:

Salt your pasta water generously: This is your only chance to season the pasta itself, so don’t be shy with the salt.
Cook pasta al dente: Firm-tender pasta has better texture and holds up well when tossed with warm sauces. Plus, it continues to cook slightly once removed from the water.
Reserve some pasta water: The starchy liquid helps emulsify sauces and bind them to the noodles more effectively.
Use quality ingredients: With simple dishes like cacio e pepe, the quality of your cheese and oil make all the difference.
Don’t over-sauce: Let the pasta shine—aim for balanced coating rather than swimming noodles.

Final Thoughts: Rediscovering Pasta Favorites

The most-saved pasta recipes from Food & Wine reflect not only timeless culinary traditions but also changing trends in home cooking. Whether you’re craving a comforting mac and cheese or experimenting with regional Italian classics like amatriciana or carbonara, these recipes have been tested, loved, and bookmarked by thousands of pasta enthusiasts just like you.

Trying one delicious dish at a time is a tasty journey into the poetic world of pasta. So tie on that apron, boil your water, and dive in—your next favorite meal is just a twirl of the fork away.

More Pasta Inspiration

If this list has whetted your appetite for more, explore similar dishes that didn’t make the top 10 but are gaining traction, such as:

Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter Sauce
Lemon Garlic Angel Hair with Capers
Spicy Thai Peanut Noodles
Pappardelle with Wild Mushroom Ragù

For even more pasta ideas, tips, and recipes, stay tuned to the latest from Food & Wine and our blog, where we plunge headfirst into the delicious world of culinary creativity, one noodle at a time.