Pesto pasta is a classic Italian dish that’s known for its fresh, vibrant flavors. The star ingredient is pesto sauce, which is traditionally made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and sometimes a little bit of lemon juice or salt.

Fun fact: The name "pesto" comes from the Italian word "pestare," which means "to crush" or "to pound".

Alfredo pasta is a creamy, rich pasta dish that originates from Italy, specifically Rome. The dish is named after Alfredo di Lelio, an Italian restaurateur who created the original Fettuccine Alfredo in the early 20th century.

Fun fact: The classic American version of Alfredo sauce wasn’t actually popular in Italy until after the 1950s.

Spaghetti alla Carbonara was likely developed in the mid-20th century, though its exact origins are debated. One popular theory is that it was created after World War II, when American soldiers stationed in Italy brought bacon and eggs, leading to the development of the dish.

Fun fact: Despite its name, "Carbonara" doesn’t have anything to do with carbon or charcoal.