21 Pasta Recipes That Promise Plenty Of Comfort

There’s gnudi, gnocchi, spaghetti and much more carby recipes.

Our local culinary scene boasts lovely bowlfuls of comforting pasta — in Auckland, we think of Aigo’s Italian-Korean fare and Pici’s parmesan plates.

We can also create this distinct sense of cosiness in our kitchens. Whether you opt for slow-cooked beef or super-quick caramelised mushroom, you can find satisfaction in pairing pillowy pasta with warming, savoury notes.

Recipe editor Angela Casley recommends properly equipping with parmesan, black pepper, fresh herbs and lemon. Finishing with these flavours creates moreish complexity (along with intense visual appeal).

Truffle, parmesan and courgette pasta

Ribbons of soft courgette meld with thick and flat pasta noodles in this simple vegetarian dish, finished with a heavy shower of parmesan cheese.

Chorizo and prosciutto pasta

Breadcrumb spaghetti

This textural wonder sees toasty and crunchy breadcrumbs tossed through a tangle of soft pasta. Serve with a green salad.

Baked salmon with fennel and lemon pasta

Fennel introduces some fresh anise flavour to this creamy pasta, while almonds supply a satisfying crunch.

Ricotta gnudi with watercress pesto

This viridescent pasta dish comes from the kitchen of Osteria Uno, an Italian restaurant on Auckland’s North Shore. The gnudi is made from ricotta, giving way to ultra-creamy textures (balanced with fresh watercress).

Chorizo and vegetable-packed pasta

Seeking a super-quick dinner? This pasta oven-bake may be your solution. After a quick grilling, this dish rewards with a crispy top. Garnish with flat-leaf parsley.

Chicken and parmesan balls with pappardelle

Recipe editor Angela Casley has just plated this comforting chicken pasta recipe. The dish has the addition of caramelised mushroom for a warm, savoury flavour.

Red-wine beef short-rib and pappardelle

Slow-cooked beef, enriched with wine, tomato and stock, finds a perfect pairing in a bed of pappardelle.

Pea and spinach pasta

This vegetarian option is packed with greens. Turn to shards of parmesan for a sense of decadence.

Vegetable bolognese

Turn to autumn’s seasonal vegetables for this warming, meatless meal. Starchy carbs, like pumpkin or potato, will create creamy textures in place of dairy additions.

Courgette and mozzarella pasta salad

Whole basil leaves and fresh black pepper add simple elevation to this cheesy salad. This pasta is particularly portable if you’re after a lunchbox-friendly meal.

Creamy mushroom and kale spaghetti carbonara

Mushrooms produce strong umami flavours in this plant-forward carbonara bowl.

Gnocchi with tomatoes, prawns and basil

Rick Stein supplies this recipe for homemade gnocchi, pairing the potato pasta with garlic, cherry tomatoes and a pinch of chilli.

Silky parmesan pasta

Donna Hay’s take on spaghetti involves sourdough breadcrumbs and enriching egg yolks. A hint of lemon rind supplies freshness to the cheesy bowl.

Sausage pasta with tomatoes, spinach and feta

Crumbles of feta produce tang within this vegetable-packed pasta dish. Black olives also bring strong salty notes.

Asparagus, truffle and gorgonzola pasta

This truffle pasta is a versatile plate for pairing — simply swap summery asparagus for an autumnal stock (think broccoli or Brussels sprouts).

Gnocchi with eggplant, squashed tomatoes and parmesan

Fridge overflowing with market produce? Turn to this gnocchi. It embraces vegetables of any variety.

Spaghetti and parmesan meatballs

This is an undeniable, cartoonish classic. Its starring role in Lady and the Tramp has enhanced the dish’s sense of romance too (date night calls!).

Pan-fried fish with fettuccine

A hearty squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of grated parmesan is a must to finish this fish dish.

Creamy mushroom and thyme pasta

This simple dinner is free of fuss. Mix in sauteed vegetables with rigatoni and top with cheese.

Sardine linguine

This linguine is a little salty and a little spicy. Angela Casley suggests finishing with lemon and thyme leaves.