7 Best French Pasta Recipes

French cuisine is not as renowned for its pasta dishes as Italian cuisine, but it does have some unique takes on pasta. Here are a few creative French pasta recipes you can use to cook the pasta in your pantry à la française.

Coquillettes au jambon

Coquillettes au jambon is a classic French dish that translates to “pasta with ham” in English. It typically consists of coquillettes, which are small, elbow-shaped pasta similar to macaroni, cooked until tender. The pasta is then combined with pieces of cooked ham and often a creamy béchamel sauce or a simple cheese sauce. Ingredients like cheese, herbs, or vegetables might be added to enhance the flavor. It’s a comforting and flavorful pasta dish that’s popular in French cuisine, especially among children and families.

Coquilles Saint-Jacques with Fettuccine

Coquilles Saint-Jacques is a luxurious dish that traditionally features scallops sautéed in butter and shallots, set in a rich, creamy sauce often infused with white wine or cognac. This elegant mixture is usually served over pasta-like fettuccine, making it a sumptuous meal ideal for special occasions.

Pâtes au Pistou

Pâtes au Pistou hails from the Provençal region and is a lighter option. The dish is characterized by its simple yet aromatic sauce made from basil, garlic, and olive oil. Unlike Italian pesto, this French variation typically omits pine nuts. The sauce is usually mixed with a pasta of your choice and may include some seasonal vegetables.

Pâtes à la Carbonara à la Française

The French variation of Carbonara, known as Pâtes à la Carbonara à la Française, involves lardons (small cubes of pork fat), crème fraîche, and often onions. It’s a creamier, more indulgent version of the Italian classic, providing a different yet delicious experience.

Tagliatelle aux Champignons

Tagliatelle aux Champignons is a celebration of mushrooms. Pasta such as tagliatelle serves as the base, topped with mushrooms sautéed in butter and garlic. Depending on the recipe, you may also find touches of cream or Parmesan cheese to enhance the dish’s richness.

Pâtes au Canard

Pâtes au Canard is a robust and hearty option that features duck confit—duck leg slow-cooked in its own fat—shredded and tossed with pasta. The dish often includes a complementary sauce, like an orange glaze or a red wine reduction, which elevates the richness of the duck.

Corsican Lasagne

Corsican lasagne, also known as brocciu cannelloni, is a traditional dish from Corsica, France, distinct from the Italian version. It’s a savory pie-like dish made with brocciu cheese, eggs, and sometimes flavored with mint or citrus zest, all layered between pasta sheets. The brocciu cheese, a key ingredient, lends a unique flavor, creating a delightful blend of creamy texture and delicate taste in this Corsican specialty.

Pâtes à la Ratatouille

This recipe calls for traditional French vegetable sautéed stew made of eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, bell peppers, garlic, and herbs tossed with pasta. It’s often generously topped with Parmesan. It’s a pasta-infused take on the classic Ratatouille recipe!

These dishes offer a delightful fusion of French flavors with pasta!