Pasta Recipes from Trentino-Alto Adige.

These 12 pasta recipes from Trentino-Alto Adige are just a sample of the dishes found in one of Italy’s most distinct regional kitchens. Influenced by neighbouring countries and regions, the food in this stunning mountainous region is really a fusion of Italian, Alpine and Central European. Often, very different to what many believe Italian food to be!

A little Trentino-Alto Adige history.

For many people, Trentino-Alto Adige is one of the most beautiful Italian regions and a favourite holiday destination. Located in north-eastern Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige borders Austria, Switzerland, Veneto and Lombardy. This part of modern-day Italy has an interesting culture and cuisine, much influenced by its neighbours and its history.

Trentino-Alto Adige only became part of Italy after the First World War, prior to that it belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In fact, in many ways the culture of this region is more Germanic than Italian.

This is especially true in the Alto-Adige (also called the South Tyrol), where the majority of people use German when they write, and speak in an Austro-Bavarian dialect.  In fact, the people refer to themselves as German-speaking Italians.

Food in Trentino-Alto Adige.

Many recipes in this part of northern Italy, originated from Germany, Austria, and Hungary and often have German names. Here, pasta, polenta, and pizza are as popular as sauerkraut, goulash, schnitzels, and game meats. However, as you will realize from these 12 pasta recipes from Trentino-Alto Adige, there are many delicious foods made from local produce that are unique to this region.

12 pasta recipes from Trentino-Alto Adige (South Tyrol).

Click on the recipe name to see more info and the recipe instructions.

Creamy pork fillet tagliatelle.

A favourite among Pasta Project followers, this fantastic pork fillet (tenderloin) recipe is a little similar to a pork stroganoff. The sauce is easy to make but wonderfully creamy and decadent!

All you need is pork fillet, mushrooms, pancetta, a little garlic and onion, and butter, cream and brandy. It takes less than an hour to have what one reviewer said was ‘the best food they have ever eaten’!

Schinkenfleckerl baked pasta and ham.

Also traditional in Austria, schinkenfleckerl is an egg rich baked pasta This ham and noodle casserole has homemade fresh egg pasta squares known as fleckerl which are baked with sour cream, eggs, ham and breadcrumbs. Of course, you can use other egg pasta instead.

Sausage and cabbage tagliatelle.

You can find sausage and cabbage recipes in a lot of countries, particularly throughout Eastern and Central Europe and in the USA. In this simple rustic and hearty version from Trentino-Alto Adige, sausage and cabbage are paired with wholewheat tagliatelle but you can use other pasta types.

Pasta pie with pastry (rigatoni pasticciati).

This rigatoni pasticciati is a flavourful and filling pasta pie from Trentino Alto-Adige made with rigatoni, meat ragu, sautéed mushrooms and grated cheese encased in shortcrust pastry. This comfort food recipe is also a unique way to use up leftover ground meat ragu such as Bolognese!

Pappardelle with venison ragu.

One of the most iconic pasta recipes from Italy’s mountains, this rich slow-cooked venison ragu with pasta recipe is perfect for special occasions and cold winter nights. It takes a while to make but you’ll be so pleased you made the effort.

Pasta alla pastora.

Kids love this hearty pasta dish from the beautiful South Tyrol region. This is a brilliant recipe for using up leftover ragu. Along with some ragu, all you need is ham, peas, onion, cream, and mushrooms. So, next time you are planning to make a lasagna or pasta Bolognese make extra sauce and cook once but eat twice!

Schüttelbrot tagliatelle with chanterelles and speck.

This creamy mushroom and speck tagliatelle recipe is made with fresh chanterelle mushrooms and South Tyrolean speck, a local type of bacon, and pasta made from rye. Of course, you can also use other types of mushrooms and tagliatelle too!

Ham and cheese pasta bake.

A simplified version of schinkenfleckerl, schunchenfletz is an easy ham and cheese pasta bake also traditionally made with homemade pasta squares. But, you can also use ready lasagne sheets or egg pasta maltagliati instead. A super family baked pasta recipe made with pantry staples.

Wild garlic pasta with speck and radicchio.

This fettuccine with speck and radicchio is a wonderful combination of Northern Italian flavours. It’s quick and easy to make and bound to be loved by all the family! I used wild garlic fettucine which isn’t so easy to find. However, you can sub the flavour with garlic scapes and use another type of pasta.

Canederli in broth.

This classic Tyrolean bread dumplings recipe is a delicious way to use up stale bread. Cooked in homemade broth, canederli is classic Alpine comfort food. You can also use bacon, prosciutto, ham, spicy sausage or normal pork sausage meat instead of speck. 

Fried canederli.

You can also flatten canederli and fry them like patties. Italians call these fried bread dumplings canederli pressati. Easy to make and very versatile, fried canederli can be served in broth, with melted butter or with onion rings (the traditional way), or with a salad for a light lunch or tasty starter.

Homemade fried rye flour ravioli.

Known as tirtlen in the region, this vegetarian fried rye flour ravioli is so easy to make, delicious, nutritious and very moreish. Traditionally eaten as a snack, street food or antipasto, tirtlen is delicious as an appetizer too!

Let me know what you think.

If you do try any of these 12 pasta recipes from Trentino-Alto Adige, I’d love to hear what you think. Please write a comment here on the blog or post a comment on the Pasta Project Facebook page.

Your feedback means a lot to me!

Buon Appetito!

Other regional recipe collections to inspire you!

1. 12 pasta recipes from Marche.
2. 12 Sicilian pasta recipes.
3. 12 pasta recipes from Liguria.
4. 12 Sardinian pasta recipes.

Pin for later.

If you are interested in learning how to make different types of homemade pasta and different types of gnocchi, check out my shop page for some great video online courses from my friends in Rome! Nothing beats learning to make pasta from Italians! 

Plus while you’re there why not order a copy of one of my pasta recipe cookbooks or checkout some recommended pasta making tools? All great prezzies for pasta lovers!