7 types of pasta shapes and how to use them.

Pasta is one of the world’s most popular Italian Dishes who’s origins date back to the 13th century. So popular it, was that during the mid 19th to early 20th century, thousands of Italians migrated to the United States & other parts of the world, bringing with them traditional pasta recipes, that would become a part of the world food scene. Pasta comes in all shapes and sizes. There are thought to be hundreds of pasta shapes that can be enjoyed in several different ways. In this post, let’s look at 7 of the most popular pasta shapes & how you can use them to create gastronomical magic.

Spaghetti Pasta

Spaghetti is easily one of the most recognisable pasta shapes. It consists of long thin noodles and is very versatile. The most common recipe that utilises spaghetti is Spaghetti Bolognese, where this pasta is combined with meat in a marinara sauce. It is equally delicious in aglio olio or a simplistic preparation that combines it with herbs, garlic and olive oil. Spaghetti is ideal with tomato based, cheese based and cream based sauces.

Penne Pasta Shape

The ubiquitous tubular shape with diagonal cuts on either side, is the defacto shape of Penne. This shape is meant for heavier, saucier dishes, like Penne Arrabiatta, where the thicker sauce nestles in the pasta shape. This makes for a better sauce to pasta ratio. Penne is also perfect in cheesy pasta bake dishes.

Linguine Pasta Shape

Flatter and wider than spaghetti, though essentially still a noodle based pasta. Linguine is considered more decadent and luxurious. Though traditionally served with Pesto, it is said to be perfect for lighter textures like cream based sauces and sea food.

Farfalloni Pasta

One of the more exotic shaped pastas, farfalloni a sub-set of the farfalle, i.e. the bow-tie or butterfly shaped pasta. This pasta is designed with ‘wings’ that really holds in cheesy or tomato based sauces, making for the perfect bite. It also does well in a cold pasta salad and in primavera or fresh vegetable pasta.

Rigatoni Pasta

A shape similar to penne, in that it is tubular with shallow ridges on the outside. The major difference is that it is a slightly thicker pasta, with a square cut, instead of a diagonal one. Rigatoni is build for meatier, chunkier sauces, ragu and can also be used very easily in bakes.

Fusilli Pasta

Fusilli shaped pasta is traditionally formed by rolling strips of pasta over a rod to create the twisted shape. Fusilli works well with any sauce, added to soups, or turned into a salad. They give most dishes an incredible texture as chunkier sauce and veggies often get trapped in the crevices of this spiral pasta.

Macaroni Pasta Shape

One of the world’s most popular pastas, if not the most, is Macaroni. Even people who aren’t pasta aficionados are familiar with this shape. The elbow shaped pasta is the star of the ooey-gooey Mac and Cheese. It is a versatile shape and can be used in bakes, cold pasta salads and even in soups.

Pasta is a definite treat and to millions the world over, a popular, inexpensive and comforting food. With hundreds of shapes to explore, you’re in safe hands with us. Do check out our extensive range of pastas from Risossa here.