Traditional German Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

Easy Homemade Spätzle

Spätzle are classic German egg noodles that sit somewhere between a noodle and a dumpling. The recipe from House of Nash Eats is straightforward and includes an alternative method if you don’t have a spätzle maker.

Serve them with a creamy cheese sauce or simply tossed with butter and a little shredded cheese.

About Spätzle: Germany’s Favorite Pasta

Many German pasta recipes feature spätzle (also spelled spatzle or spätzle). If you prefer convenience, you can buy ready-to-use spätzle instead of making the batter from scratch.

The name “Spätzle” likely comes from the German words “spät” (late) or “Spatz” (sparrow), referring to the traditional technique of scraping small, irregular pieces of dough into boiling water so they resemble little sparrows.

Spätzle are enjoyed throughout Germany and in neighboring regions like Austria, Switzerland, and parts of Alsace. They work well as a side for stews, roasts, and sausages or as a main dish paired with rich sauces, cheese, or vegetables.

How to Cook Store-Bought Spätzle

If you’re using ready-made spätzle, follow these simple steps:

1. Boil water: Fill a large pot with water, add a teaspoon of salt if desired, and bring to a rolling boil.
2. Add spätzle: Gently add the store-bought spätzle to the boiling water and stir to prevent sticking.
3. Cook: Follow the package directions—most spätzle cook in 3–5 minutes. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
4. Test for doneness: A piece should be tender with a slight chew.
5. Drain: Remove spätzle with a slotted spoon or drain in a colander and shake off excess water.
6. Finish and serve: You can sauté the cooked spätzle in butter or oil before serving, or transfer them to a baking dish for a gratin. Top with grated cheese, herbs, or a sauce of your choice.

German Spätzle with Mushroom Gravy

A mushroom spätzle recipe combines glossy sautéed mushrooms with white wine, cream, and savory broth. The salty, well-seasoned mushrooms paired with soft spätzle create a deeply comforting dish.

Serve with a side of red cabbage and a dollop of sour cream for a classic touch.

Creamy Bratwurst Pasta

This bratwurst pasta is full of savory, meaty flavor with bright green peas for contrast. The sauce is silky and lightly thickened—often with nuts or a small amount of flour—and finished with Parmesan for depth. Bratwurst is a traditional German sausage that pairs beautifully with noodles.

Cheese Spätzle

Cheese spätzle is Germany’s answer to mac and cheese. It’s typically made with shredded Emmental and finished with crispy fried onions. Best eaten immediately, it can also be made ahead and reheated gently.

This is a beloved, comforting dish and a favorite among many German households.

Schinkennudeln (Ham and Egg Pasta)

Schinkennudeln is a quick and satisfying ham-and-egg pasta. It features garlicky flavor and crispy bits of ham. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a great way to use leftover ham and makes an easy weeknight meal.

Spätzle with Bacon and Onion

A simple 5-ingredient preparation—Gruyère, bacon, chives, onion, and spätzle—delivers big flavor. The dish balances cheesy creaminess with crispy bacon for texture and savory depth. If you can’t find spätzle, short pasta like penne or fusilli works well as a substitute.

German Pasta Salad

This creamy German pasta salad (Nudelsalat) features crunchy add-ins like gherkins, peppers, and peas. It’s a bright, textural side dish that works well for picnics, potlucks, or family meals.

German Goulash

German goulash is a hearty beef stew with a rich onion gravy. Tender, slow-cooked beef and a flavorful sauce make this a classic comfort dish. Prep is quick, and then it simmers slowly until the meat is meltingly tender.

Slow Cooker Sauerbraten

Sauerbraten is a classic German pot roast made by marinating beef and slow-cooking it until tender. The sauce often includes a splash of vinegar to balance the richness, and gingersnap cookies are traditionally used to thicken and add a subtle spice note.

Want Italian Pasta Ideas Too?

If you enjoy German pasta recipes, you might also like a few Italian pasta ideas for variety.

• Seafood pasta with a cream sauce
• Asiago tortelloni Alfredo with grilled chicken
• Lobster ravioli sauce
• Beet pasta sauce
• Old-fashioned baked macaroni and cheese with a super-creamy cheese sauce
• Lazy lasagna made with just three ingredients