Top Pasta Dishes From Around the World

Top Pasta Dishes From Around the World

Are you looking to spice up your restaurant menu with fun and flavorful global pasta dishes? From classic Italian comfort food to unique South American flavors, pasta dishes from around the world can be a fantastic way to offer exciting new options to your customers. Dating back to 5,000 B.C. and with over 600 pasta shapes, this versatile staple has been adopted and loved by people everywhere!

Adding seasonal pasta dishes to your menu is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your creativity and culinary skills. Of course, crafting authentic global cuisine requires access to the right ingredients — that’s where Feeser’s Food Distributors comes in. As a trusted restaurant pasta supplies provider, we can help you bring the flavors of the world to your dishes.

This article explores some of the most beloved pasta dishes around the world, their rich histories, key ingredients and how Feeser’s can be your partner in adding these delicious options to your menu.

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina – Italy

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is a classic Italian comfort food that has been enjoyed for generations, with the earliest known recipe dating back to the 15th century. This dish hails from the coastal town of Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast in southwestern Italy. The key components of Gnocchi alla Sorrentina are simple but flavorful — pillowy potato gnocchi, fresh tomato-basil sauce and bubbling mozzarella.

The gnocchi are made from a mixture of mashed potatoes, flour and eggs, which is then rolled into small dumplings and boiled until they float to the surface. The sauce is typically made from ripe San Marzano tomatoes. The gnocchi is topped with mozzarella and parmesan cheese, baked and then topped with fresh basil to complete this classic Italian dish.

Pasta con Salsa Caruso – Uruguay

Pasta con Salsa Caruso is a rich and creamy pasta dish that originated in Uruguay in the early 20th century. One origin legend states that it was created by a chef trying to impress the Italian opera singer Enrico Caruso. The chef combined traditional Uruguayan ingredients with Italian pasta to create a unique and flavorful dish.

The heart of the dish is the thick gravy-like sauce made from beef bouillon and heavy cream. This rich base is studded with smoky ham and tender mushrooms, creating a satisfying flavor profile. While this sauce can be served over a variety of pasta, including spaghetti or fettuccine, many Uruguayan homes and restaurants traditionally use tortellini.

Pastitsio – Greece

Pastitsio is a Greek baked pasta dish often described as “Greek Lasagna.” It has its roots in the cuisine of the eastern Mediterranean, with similar dishes appearing in Turkey and Egypt. However, the Greek version has become a distinct and beloved part of the country’s culinary tradition.

Pastitsio is made by layering ziti with a spiced meat sauce and a creamy bechamel sauce. The meat sauce is made with ground beef or lamb, tomatoes, onions, garlic and warm spices like cinnamon and allspice. The béchamel sauce, made from butter, flour and milk, is poured over the top of the dish before baking until golden brown and bubbly.

Wafu Pasta – Japan

You can’t discuss global pasta dishes without including a dish from the East. Wafu Pasta, which translates to “Japanese-style pasta,” is a fusion dish that combines elements of Italian and Japanese cuisine. This style of pasta emerged in Japan in the 1970s and 80s, as Italian food began to gain popularity in the country and Japanese chefs started experimenting with incorporating local ingredients and flavors into pasta dishes.

One common version of Wafu Pasta features spaghetti tossed with savory soy sauce and butter sauce and topped with ingredients like shiitake mushrooms, nori seaweed and toasted sesame seeds. This combination creates an umami-rich flavor profile that is distinctly Japanese. Other popular variations include mentaiko pasta, which features spicy cod roe, and uni pasta, which incorporates rich and creamy sea urchin.

Macarrones con Chorizo – Spain

Macarrones con Chorizo is a classic Spanish pasta dish that combines simple ingredients to create bold, satisfying flavors. It originated in central and southern Spain, where it has been a beloved part of home cooking for generations.

The main components of Macarrones con Chorizo are short, tubular pasta shapes (usually macaroni or penne), a spicy tomato sauce and crumbled chorizo sausage. The smokiness and subtle heart of the chorizo, which is made from pork seasoned with garlic and paprika, infuse the entire dish with rich, savory notes. Some variations also include vegetables like onions or peppers or a sprinkling of grated Manchego cheese for added depth and complexity.

Choose Feeser’s Food Distributors for Your Restaurant Pasta Supplies

From the comforting familiarity of Italian Gnocchi alla Sorrentina to the bold flavors of Japanese Wafu Pasta, these global pasta dishes offer endless opportunities to add excitement and variety to your restaurant menu.

So why not elevate your offerings with some of these popular pasta dishes from around the world? Featuring international flavors in your seasonal pasta dishes is a fantastic way to keep your menu fresh and exciting. When you’re ready to feature these international dishes in your kitchen, Feeser’s is here to support you. Our extensive selection of restaurant pasta supplies includes everything from high-quality pasta in various shapes to specialty ingredients like nori seaweed.

You can trust Feeser’s to have the variety of quality ingredients you need. Contact our Sales Team online today or at (717)564-4636 to explore more pasta-abilities in our catalog!