Italy's love affair with pasta is legendary. From the bustling streets of Rome to the serene landscapes of Tuscany, pasta is a staple that unites the country. Here, we present five classic Italian pasta recipes that are not only delicious but also easy to recreate in your kitchen. Buon appetito!

1. Spaghetti Carbonara

Ingredients:

• 200g spaghetti
• 100g pancetta
• 2 large eggs
• 50g Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
• 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente.
2. While the pasta cooks, fry the pancetta with the garlic until crispy. Remove the garlic cloves.
3. In a bowl, beat the eggs and mix in both cheeses.
4. Drain the pasta and return to the pot. Quickly mix in the pancetta and egg-cheese mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

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2. Penne all'Arrabbiata

Ingredients:

• 200g penne
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 red chili peppers, chopped
• 400g canned tomatoes, crushed
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Cook the penne in salted boiling water until al dente.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté garlic and chili peppers until fragrant.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Season with salt and mix in the cooked penne.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

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3. Fettuccine Alfredo

Ingredients:

• 200g fettuccine
• 100g unsalted butter
• 200ml heavy cream
• 100g Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and white pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the fettuccine in salted boiling water until al dente.
2. In a large pan, melt the butter and add the heavy cream. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.
4. Toss the cooked fettuccine in the sauce, season with salt and white pepper.
5. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.

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4. Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe

Ingredients:

• 200g orecchiette
• 300g broccoli rabe, trimmed
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 anchovy fillets, chopped
• Red pepper flakes to taste
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the orecchiette in salted boiling water until al dente.
2. Blanch the broccoli rabe in the same water, then drain.
3. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic, anchovy fillets, and red pepper flakes.
4. Add the broccoli rabe and cook for 5 minutes.
5. Toss in the orecchiette, season with salt, and serve.

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5. Lasagna Bolognese

Ingredients:

• 200g lasagna sheets
• 300g Bolognese sauce
• 200g Béchamel sauce
• 100g Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the lasagna sheets according to package instructions.
3. In a baking dish, layer the Bolognese sauce, lasagna sheets, Béchamel sauce, and Parmesan cheese.
4. Repeat layers, finishing with a generous topping of Parmesan.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
6. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

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Conclusion: Bringing Italy to Your Kitchen

These five classic Italian pasta recipes offer a taste of Italy's rich culinary tradition. Whether you're craving the creamy indulgence of Fettuccine Alfredo or the spicy kick of Penne all'Arrabbiata, these dishes are sure to satisfy. Enjoy the flavors of Italy at home and share the joy of pasta with your loved ones.

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