Pasta is a staple food that has been enjoyed by people all over the world for centuries. It's important for delicious meals as starter or mains dishes for any good respectful Italian restaurant to be able to cook and served to perfection and a masterpiece for a real Italian restaurant.
Did you know that there are many different types of pasta, and each Italian Region has its unique shape and texture? From dry, fresh and filled pasta. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most popular types of pasta and what they are best used for.
Spaghetti: Spaghetti is one of the most well-known types of pasta, and it’s a favourite of many people. We can find different sizes or shapes, dry and long pasta from Granano, and fresh egg pasta Spaghetti alla chitarra is a variety of egg pasta typical of the Abruzzo region in Italy or square thick spaghetti: tonnarelli is a similar pasta from Roma
Spaghetti are used for classic Italian dishes like carbonara, aglio ed olio or with tomato base sauce like arrabbiata o cacio e pepe.
Linguine: Linguine is similar to spaghetti, but it’s flatter and wider. This pasta is often served with seafood, as its shape is perfect for capturing sauces and other ingredients. It’s also a great choice for dishes that have a lot of sauce like clam sauce or garlic and olive oil.
Tagliatelle or Fettuccine depending on the region are from north Italy tagliatelle central and soth Fettuccine. It’s a wider, flatter pasta than linguine, mostly common with fresh egg pasta originally hand cut and it’s perfect for hearty meat sauces, like ragù or Bolognese. Also are perfect for holding onto small bits of food, like diced vegetables or grated cheese.
Rigatoni: Rigatoni is similar to penne, but it’s wider and has ridges on the outside. This pasta is often used in baked pasta dishes, like lasagne or baked ziti, as the ridges help to hold onto the sauce and other ingredients.
Fusilli: Fusilli is a spiral-shaped pasta that is perfect for cold pasta salads or casserole sauce Its shape makes it ideal for holding onto other ingredients, like chopped vegetables or cheese.
Farfalle: Farfalle, also known as bowtie pasta, is shaped like a bowtie or butterfly. This pasta is often used in salads or served with light sauces, like pesto or tomato sauce. Its unique shape makes it a popular choice for more elegant dishes.
Filled Pasta: depending on the region we can have different shapes: Tortellini, Ravioli, Agnolotti, Corlugiones, Plin, Casoncelli etc filled with different filling from north to south. We can have it with meat, fish, cheese or vegetables, served plain with butter and Sage or with sauces
Gnocchi: Gnocchi generally is a type of pasta made from potatoes, flour, and eggs. But in different regions, we can find different gnocchi made without potatoes and can be done also with ricotta or only semolina flour and water. It’s often served with tomato sauce, pesto, or brown butter sauce. Its soft, pillowy texture makes it a popular choice for people who love comfort food.
Furthermore, pasta is a staple food in many cultures worldwide, making it a great option for vegetarians and vegans meals. It can be well prepared in a short amount of time, making it a convenient meal option for busy individuals or families. Additionally, pasta is a great source of carbohydrates and energy, making it an ideal choice for athletes and fitness enthusiasts important part of the Mediterranean diet. With its endless possibilities for customization, pasta can be adapted to suit any taste preference, from classic Italian to a fine dining restaurant Overall, pasta is a versatile, tasty, and nutritious food that has earned its place as a beloved dish around the world.
In conclusion, pasta is a versatile and delicious food that can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you prefer long and thin pasta like spaghetti or tube-shaped pasta like penne, there is a type of pasta that will work perfectly in your dishes.
Enjoy a wide range of pasta dishes on our menu! Let us know what pasta is your favourite.