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22 Pasta Dishes Inspired by Global Flavors You Can Make Any Weeknight

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Pasta is one of the most versatile foods in the world, and it’s the perfect blank canvas for bold, international flavors. Whether you’re craving creamy, spicy, tangy, or umami-packed dishes, there’s a pasta recipe out there inspired by global cuisine that you can whip up in no time. From spicy Thai peanut noodles to rich French-inspired pasta with brie, these dishes bring the world to your dinner table—without requiring hours in the kitchen. Get ready to take your taste buds on a journey with these delicious and easy pasta recipes!

1. Thai Peanut Noodles

Thai Peanut Butter Lo Mein — Stock Photo, Image
Image Credit: DepositPhotos

A mix of creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of lime juice transforms simple noodles into a flavor-packed Thai-inspired dish. Toss in crunchy vegetables like carrots and bell peppers for freshness.

Add grilled chicken or tofu for protein, and finish with crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro. It’s spicy, creamy, and absolutely irresistible.

2. Italian Cacio e Pepe

Image Credit: Flickr by sandra

This Roman classic proves that sometimes, the simplest ingredients create the best flavors. Just pasta, black pepper, and Pecorino Romano cheese come together to make a silky, cheesy dish with a spicy kick.

The key is to use starchy pasta water to create the creamy sauce. Serve immediately with extra cheese for a truly authentic experience.

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3. Japanese Miso Butter Pasta

Julia's miso butter mushroom and chicken spaghetti in the … | Flickr
Image Credit: Flickr by Alpha

Miso paste and butter make an umami-packed sauce that coats spaghetti beautifully. A little garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil deepen the flavors.

Top with seaweed flakes, scallions, and a soft-boiled egg for a comforting, fusion-inspired dish that feels gourmet but is easy to make.

4. Mexican Chipotle Chicken Pasta

Chipotle chicken pasta... | Asid Asid | Flickr
Image Credit: Flickr by Asid Asid

A smoky, spicy blend of chipotle peppers, cream, and cheese gives this dish its bold flavor. Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, and juicy grilled chicken for a satisfying meal.

The creamy, smoky sauce clings to every strand of pasta, making it a dinner you’ll crave again and again.

5. Greek Lemon Orzo with Feta and Olives

Orzo salad | Inspired by Clover: dill, capers, goat cheese, … | Flickr
Image Credit: Flickr by editrix

Bright and refreshing, this Greek-inspired pasta dish features tangy feta, briny olives, and a lemony dressing. Orzo pasta acts like a base for fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions.

It’s great as a side dish or a light main course. Add grilled shrimp or chicken to make it even heartier.

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6. French Brie and Mushroom Pasta

Spaghetti with Brie, Chicken and Arugula (1 of 3) | dailyunadventures |  Flickr
Image Credit: Flickr by dailyunadventures

Inspired by the creamy textures of French cuisine, this dish combines melted brie, sautéed mushrooms, and a touch of white wine. The brie melts into a velvety sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.

Garnish with fresh thyme and cracked black pepper for an elegant yet simple meal.

7. Indian Curry Pasta

Chicken pasta with curry | Chicken pasta with curry, pineapp… | Flickr
Image Credit: Flickr by Audreys6

Warm, fragrant curry spices, coconut milk, and tomatoes create a luscious sauce for pasta. Add chickpeas, chicken, or paneer for extra protein.

The mix of creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors makes this dish a unique and comforting take on pasta night.

8. Chinese Dan Dan Noodles (Pasta Style)

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Image Credit: Flickr by Dave Cook

This Sichuan-inspired dish brings the heat! A spicy, nutty sauce made with sesame paste, soy sauce, and chili oil coats noodles for an addictive flavor explosion.

Top with crispy ground pork and chopped peanuts for crunch. It’s fiery, bold, and incredibly satisfying.

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9. Spanish Chorizo and Tomato Pasta

Pasta | Penne pasta with chorizo, rucola and cherry tomato. | Flickr
Image Credit: Flickr by Teemu Mäkynen

Smoky, paprika-spiced chorizo and rich tomato sauce create a deeply flavorful pasta dish. Add olives, capers, and a splash of sherry for extra depth.

The combination of bold, Spanish flavors makes this dish both hearty and comforting.

10. Jamaican Jerk Shrimp Pasta

New* Zest Restaurant Menu Items | JERK SHRIMP PASTA, aspara… | Flickr
Image Credit: Flickr by Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort

Spicy, smoky jerk seasoning meets creamy Alfredo sauce for a Caribbean twist on pasta. Toss in grilled shrimp, bell peppers, and a squeeze of lime for freshness. The contrast of heat and creaminess makes this dish truly unforgettable.

11. German Spaetzle with Cheese and Caramelized Onions

Spaetzle tossed in pan | From Spaetzle with Caramelized Onio… | Flickr
Image Credit: Flickr by Striped Spatula

This German pasta dish is pure comfort food. Soft, chewy spaetzle noodles are tossed with melted cheese and sweet, golden-brown caramelized onions.

A sprinkle of crispy bacon or toasted breadcrumbs takes it to the next level.

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12. Peruvian Aji Amarillo Pasta

Spaguetti a lo macho | Fideos con una salsa de aji amarillo … | Flickr
Image Credit: Flickr by Marcos GPeru

Aji amarillo paste, a Peruvian staple, gives this pasta its vibrant yellow color and mild heat. Mixed with cream and Parmesan cheese, it creates a rich, flavorful sauce.

Toss with grilled chicken or shrimp for a dish that’s both unique and delicious.

13. Russian Stroganoff Pasta

Russian Beef Stroganoff - You n Mine Recipes | Beef strogano… | Flickr
Image Credit: Flickr by Priyanka Bhola

Beef stroganoff, but make it pasta! Tender beef, mushrooms, and onions are coated in a creamy, tangy sauce with a hint of mustard.

It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for chilly nights.

14. Lebanese Garlic Yogurt Pasta (Makaronah Bil Laban)

easy garlic pasta | clarealliumb | Flickr
Image Credit: Flickr by clarealliumb

This Middle Eastern dish is creamy, garlicky, and refreshing. Yogurt and garlic form a light sauce that coats pasta beautifully.

Topped with toasted pine nuts and fresh mint, it’s simple but incredibly flavorful.

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15. Brazilian Shrimp Moqueca Pasta

Fettuccine pasta with shrimps, tomatoes and herbs. — Stock Photo, Image
Image Credit: DepositPhotos

Inspired by Brazil’s famous seafood stew, this pasta features shrimp in a creamy coconut milk and tomato sauce with bell peppers and cilantro. The tropical flavors make it a standout dish.

16. Korean Gochujang Pasta

Gochujang paste Korean food — Stock Photo, Image
Image Credit: DepositPhotos

Sweet and spicy gochujang (Korean chili paste) mixed with cream creates a fiery, creamy pasta sauce. Add crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms for extra depth. It’s bold, unique, and perfect for spice lovers.

17. Turkish Eggplant and Yogurt Pasta

Sliced eggplant — Stock Photo, Image
Image Credit: DepositPhotos

Smoky roasted eggplant, tangy yogurt, and garlic make a luscious sauce for pasta. Topped with crispy chickpeas and fresh herbs, this dish is both filling and packed with flavor.

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18. Ethiopian Berbere-Spiced Pasta

Ethiopian Berbere Chicken Thighs | Basheer Tome | Flickr
Image Credit: Flickr by Basheer Tome

Berbere, a complex Ethiopian spice blend, adds deep warmth and spice to tomato-based pasta. Toss with lentils or beef for a hearty, flavor-packed meal. It’s a deliciously unique twist on a classic red sauce.

19. Moroccan Harissa Pasta with Roasted Vegetables

Penne with Octopus Ragu | Penne with harissa-spiked octopus … | Flickr
Image Credit: Flickr by Neven Mrgan

Harissa, a spicy North African chili paste, gives this pasta a smoky kick. Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant add sweetness and texture. A sprinkle of feta cheese brings everything together beautifully.

20. Swedish Dill and Salmon Pasta

smoked salmon pasta with dill pesto | Helena | Flickr
Image Credit: Flickr by Helena

Inspired by Swedish flavors, this dish combines creamy dill sauce with tender salmon and pasta. A squeeze of lemon brightens the flavors, making it a fresh yet comforting meal.

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21. Filipino Adobo Pasta

Adobo Carbonara (3) | Raiza | Flickr
Image Credit: Flickr by Raiza

The tangy, garlicky flavors of Filipino adobo shine in this pasta dish. Soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic create a rich, savory sauce that pairs perfectly with shredded chicken or pork.

22. Hungarian Paprika Chicken Pasta

Hungarian Chicken Paprikash | www.timvidraeats.com/2014/02/h… | Flickr
Image Credit: Flickr by Tim Vidra

Smoky, sweet Hungarian paprika gives this dish its deep red color and bold flavor. Tossed with tender chicken, bell peppers, and a touch of sour cream, it’s comforting and packed with spice.

Now that you have 22 incredible pasta dishes inspired by flavors from around the world, dinner just got a whole lot more exciting!

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