Updated: February 9, 2026
Nothing says Italian food quite like pasta does. An integral part of Italy’s food history, pasta was introduced to the country as early as the 8th century. Because durum wheat thrives in Italy’s climate, pasta was an ideal staple for the country. It did not meet tomatoes until the 19th century, but when it did, a big advancement in the history of pasta was made. Italians brought pasta along wherever they immigrated.
While there are many good Italian-American restaurants in the US, finding authentic Italian pasta requires doing a bit of research. Many eating establishments rely on standards that most people are familiar with but have no real regard for the traditional flavors and pasta of Italy.
Partenope Ristorante serves traditional pasta dishes that are common to Old World Italy. For any questions, feel free to give us a call.
Paccheri
The king of pasta dishes, paccheri is classic Italian. A traditional Neapolitan pasta that looks like giant macaroni, paccheri, also called schiaffoni, is usually served with rich, heavier sauces and seafood. Italians like to stuff them with ricotta or other ingredients and bake them.
Ragu Napoletano:
The quintessential Neapolitan dish. Imported paccheri pasta and slow-cooked tomato ragu with pork and beef is topped with whipped ricotta.
La Genovese:
Paccheri pasta with tender beef and sweet onion ragu, topped with Parmesan.
Gnocchi
More of a potato dumpling than pasta, gnocchi has been a classic Italian comfort food for hundreds of years. There are many different regional types of gnocchi dishes in Italy, but they all retain the culinary traditions of the country.
Our Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina is covered in Marzano tomato sauce, Parmesan, mozzarella, basil, and black pepper.
Penne Rigate
One of the most versatile pasta, penne rigate compliments virtually every sauce. It is particularly well suited to chunky sauces with lots of ingredients and those made with cream.
Penne Di Parmigiano E Funghi:
Partenope combines penne with delicious Parmesan cream, mushrooms, and pistachio nuts.
Spaghetti
The all-time favorite pasta, spaghetti, is believed to have originated in Italy sometime around the 12th century. It began to be served in Italian restaurants in America in the late 19th century.
Partenope serves several authentic spaghetti dishes that will transport you to the streets of Napoli.
- Spaghetti Alla Nerano: spaghetti blended with a creamy zucchini sauce and topped with provolone, Parmesan, and bread crumbs
- Cacio E Pepe Alla Crema Di Tartufo: spaghetti with cracked pepper, pecorino, and a delicious truffle cream
- Spaghetti Alla Carbonara: spaghetti, egg yolk, guanciale, and pecorino
- Scarpariello Di Mare: a spicy dish of spaghetti, marinara, cherry tomato, Calabrian chili, and shrimp
Our curated wine list nicely compliments our pasta specialties and other menu items.
Experience These Traditional Pasta Dishes at Partenope Ristorante
At Partenope Ristorante, the traditional flavors of Italy abound. For an authentic Italian pasta experience in the Dallas area, visit us today. With locations in the heart of Downtown Dallas and central Richardson, we provide a relaxed environment for date night, happy hour, or dinner with friends.
A top destination for la Vera Pizza Napoletana, true Neapolitan pizza, as well as authentic pasta specialties of Naples, delicious salads, sandwiches, and tantalizing appetizers, Partenope Ristorante was voted one of D Magazine’s 50 best restaurants in 2023. We offer private dining, catering, and reservations at our Dallas location. Our pizza-making classes offer a fun way to learn the secrets of Neapolitan-style pizza-making.
Contact us today to learn more or to reserve a table.
