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Home » Italy's Regions » Lazio (Latium)

Published: Apr 4, 2020 · Modified: Jan 11, 2021 by Jacqui

12 Authentic Roman Pasta Recipes.


12 Pasta Recipes from Rome.

In the world of Italian pasta, some of the most well-known and popular pasta recipes come from Rome and Lazio. In fact, you may well have already heard of and even love some of these 12 authentic Roman pasta recipes. But, I’m sure there are others you will really enjoy discovering for the first time.

Roman pasta recipes

Pasta is a mainstay of the Roman diet. Many of the traditional recipes are hearty and based on ingredients that have been produced in the surrounding countryside for centuries. However, there are also lighter vegetarian and seafood recipes originating from times when meatless days were a religious tradition. Today, of course, these dishes are popular because they are healthier and many people no longer eat meat.

Click the recipe name to go to the recipe post.

12 Roman pasta recipes: meat pasta.

sausage rigatoni alla zozzona

Sausage Rigatoni alla Zozzona.

There are many sausage ragu pasta recipes in Italy. This recipe from Rome is one of the latest I have posted on the Pasta Project. It’s also one of the heartiest  and most substantial! The sauce includes pancetta or guanciale (pork cheek), tomatoes, Pecorino and eggs, all very typical Roman pasta ingredients. 

spaghetti alla carbonara pasta recipe from Rome

Spaghetti alla Carbonara.

Carbonara is probably the most well-known of these 12 authentic Roman pasta recipes. There are a number of theories about its origin. But, most probably it was invented towards the end of the Second World War to satisfy the tastes of American soldiers stationed in Rome after the city’s liberation in 1944. There are many versions of carbonara outside Italy. However, this is the authentic Roman recipe. It calls for just guanciale/pancetta, eggs and Pecorino.

pasta alla Gricia recipe from Rome

Pasta alla Gricia.

Alla Gricia is one of the oldest authentic Roman pasta recipes, said to date back to around 400AD! Italians often call it white Amatriciana! This is a super simple recipe made with just guanciale, Pecorino and freshly ground black pepper. Traditionally, the pasta for this recipe is either spaghetti or rigatoni.

Fettuccine alla Papalina.

Fettuccine alla Papalina.

Alla Papalina is a creamy pasta recipe from Rome named after Pope Pius XII, who was the inspiration behind its invention. Romans usually make this dish with fettuccine. It is super simple to make and a great way to use up leftover ham! Like carbonara, alla Papalina calls for eggs. This version includes peas.

12 Roman pasta recipes: pasta with fish

spaghetti alla Puttanesca

Spaghetti alla Puttanesca.

If you cook your Puttanesca with anchovies, then you are actually making the version from Rome. Yes, there are two versions of this popular Italian recipe. The original comes from Naples, but they don’t add anchovies, whereas in Rome they do!

Romanesco broccoli pasta soup.

Romanesco broccoli pasta soup.

I think Romanesco broccoli, also called Roman cauliflower, is one of the most incredible looking veggies on the planet! And, this fabulous chartreuse coloured natural masterpiece is the main ingredient in this Roman pasta soup.   

calamarata with stewed cuttlefish and peas

Calamarata with stewed cuttlefish and peas.

There are a number of versions of stewed cuttlefish and peas in Southern and Central Italy. In fact, this is both a popular main course (without pasta) and a pasta dish. Apart from the cuttlefish and peas, this version from Rome has tomatoes, onions, white wine, stock and parsley.  I used calamarata pasta. But, you can use other large pasta tubes.

puntarelle pasta with burrata

Puntarelle pasta with burrata.

The Romans are crazy about puntarelle, the flower shoots of Catalonian chicory. And, you will be too after you have tried this delicious puntarelle pasta with burrata. I made this dish with cavatelli pasta but in Rome spaghetti is more traditional!

12 authentic Roman pasta recipes: vegetarian

spaghetti alla checca pasta recipe from Rome

Spaghetti alla Checca.

Alla Checca is a great summer or weeknight Roman pasta recipe that dates back to the 60s and 70s. This dish is super simple and can be ready in just 30 minutes. The sauce ingredients are olives, tomatoes, fennel seeds, fresh parsley and fresh basil. I also added burrata! But, you can leave that out to keep it dairy free or vegan.

gnocchi alla Romana

Gnocchi alla Romana.

These Roman gnocchi are different to most other kinds of gnocchi as they are made with semolina, rather than potatoes or bread. As a result, they are lighter than other gnocchi. In fact, you can serve them as a starter! Traditionally, gnocchi alla Romana are shaped in circles. But, the dough can also be cut into squares or other shapes! So, if you’re making these with the kids, you can have some fun and cut them in different shapes!

bucatini all'arrabbiata

Bucatini all'Arrabbiata.

There are two very well-known spicy pasta dishes in Italy. One is pasta with nduja from Calabria, made with a soft spicy salami. The other is this vegetarian Roman pasta recipe called all’arrabbiata or just arrabbiata. The word ‘arrabbiata’ means angry and the name refers to the fact that eating this spicy dish can make your face turn red, like someone who’s very angry!  Of course, the amount of chili pepper you add depends on how hot you like it!

cacio e pepe

Cacio e Pepe.

This 2 ingredient Roman pasta recipe is probably the simplest of all Italian pasta dishes. And, like many traditional recipes cacio e pepe originated in the countryside among the peasants and farmers.  However, despite its humble origins, it has become a very trendy dish!

If you do try any of these 12 authentic Roman pasta recipes, 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!

12 pasta recipes from Rome

More Recipes from Lazio and Rome.

  • Italian spaghetti carbonara frittata.
    How to Make Italian Spaghetti Carbonara Frittata.
  • Gnocchi alla Romana in a baking dish
    Gnocchi alla Romana Recipe (baked semolina gnocchi)
  • Pasta all’Amatriciana in a bowl.
    Pasta all’Amatriciana
  • Cavatelli pasta with puntarelle and burrata.
    Cavatelli Pasta with Puntarelle and Burrata

Reader Interactions

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  1. David Skulski says

    January 27, 2021 at 3:36 am

    The historical detail and contextual information you provide makes your site head and shoulders above the rest. This is the best Italian cuisine source since Elizabeth David's "Italian Food" or possibly Ada Boni's "Il Talismano della Felicitá".

    Reply
    • Jacqui says

      January 27, 2021 at 9:01 pm

      Dear David, high praise indeed! Thank you so much. It means a lot to me that you appreciate the history and cultural info I include in my posts. I love food history and Italian food is such an integral part of the country's history and culture. In my next life I want to be a food historian! All the best from Verona!

      Reply
  2. Genevieve says

    April 28, 2020 at 12:36 am

    Well isn't this a delightful pasta list? These all look SO delicious!

    Reply
  3. Anindya Sundar Basu says

    April 26, 2020 at 5:29 pm

    Hi Jacqui , Hope things are better in Italy now . Atleast its improving. My prayers and best wishes for you and your family members. This is a great collection and will love to try all of them out. Stay safe and prayers for all of you

    Reply
    • The Pasta Project says

      April 27, 2020 at 4:43 am

      Thank you so much for your kind words, Aninda. We are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I hope that you and your family are safe and well.

      Reply
  4. Nart | Cooking with Nart says

    April 26, 2020 at 10:58 am

    These pasta recipes all look so good it's so hard to choose what to try first Jacqui! I think I'm probably gonna go with the Puntarelle pasta with burrata though, hehe.

    Reply
    • The Pasta Project says

      April 27, 2020 at 4:44 am

      Good choice! I hope you enjoy!

      Reply
  5. Patrice says

    April 25, 2020 at 6:32 am

    Yum! I love pasta and I love Rome. So many delicious options here. Thanks for this roundup of favorites.

    Reply
    • The Pasta Project says

      April 27, 2020 at 4:44 am

      Thank you, Patrice. We are certainly spoilt for choice!

      Reply
  6. sambo says

    April 24, 2020 at 8:28 pm

    oh wow, Pasta with clam is my favourite. I miss visiting Venice. Also anywhere in Italy has a very nice pasta. Love this roman pasta recipe.

    Reply
    • The Pasta Project says

      April 27, 2020 at 4:45 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  7. Michelle says

    April 24, 2020 at 4:49 pm

    I love Carbonara and so does my family! Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
    • The Pasta Project says

      April 27, 2020 at 4:46 am

      Thank you, Michelle. I hope you get to try it!

      Reply
  8. Yvette Munro says

    April 24, 2020 at 1:11 pm

    I am definitely a fan of creamy pasta dishes, but you have some wonderful new pasta dishes here that I hadn't thought of . I see myself trying out a few of these recipes when Winter rolls around.

    Reply
    • The Pasta Project says

      April 27, 2020 at 4:46 am

      Winter is a great time for comforting dishes, although I love them all year round!

      Reply
  9. Rochelle says

    April 24, 2020 at 11:57 am

    The cacio e pepe looks so good. I will definitely have to try this at home. Thank you for sharing. Every recipe you post looks absolutely amazing!

    Reply
    • The Pasta Project says

      April 27, 2020 at 4:47 am

      Thank you, Rochelle. That is very kind of you to say!

      Reply
  10. Emily says

    April 18, 2020 at 2:46 am

    All of these pastas look amazing!! I'm totally craving carbonara! Thanks for this round-up!

    Reply
    • The Pasta Project says

      April 27, 2020 at 4:47 am

      Thank you, Emily. It's great to have lots of recipes to choose from!

      Reply
  11. Stephanie says

    April 13, 2020 at 8:28 pm

    These pasta recipes all look incredible - I don't even know where to start!! The Bucatini all’Arrabbiata jumped out at me - I've never had it before but I can't wait to try it!

    Reply
    • The Pasta Project says

      April 27, 2020 at 4:48 am

      Hopefully you get to try them all! The Bucatini is a great place to start!

      Reply
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