Haha okay—dirty pasta can mean a couple different deliciously chaotic things 😈🍝
Most common vibes people mean:
Cajun “dirty” pasta
Inspired by dirty rice. Spicy, savory, a little messy. Think:
Andouille or sausage
Ground meat (sometimes chicken livers, sometimes not)
Onion, bell pepper, celery
Cajun seasoning
Cream or broth to tie it together
Bold, peppery, not subtle.
Internet / chef-slang dirty pasta
Pasta finished aggressively in the pan with:
Tomato paste or anchovy paste
Chili flakes, garlic
Starchy pasta water
Lots of olive oil or butter
The sauce clings, stains the noodles, and looks kinda “grimy” in the best way.
Late-night gremlin pasta
Whatever’s left in the fridge + pasta + zero shame. Objectively dirty. Spiritually correct.
Which one are you after—recipe, definition, or maximum filth energy?