Different Types of Pasta You Should Try for Authentic Italian Cooking

Pasta is a food that is loved by many people regardless of age, especially for Italians. From small children to adults, they enjoy pasta because it has a very authentic taste, versatility with different processing, and is suitable for eating anytime and anywhere. You will never feel bored with pasta because it has various types. In fact, research says there are 350 different types of pasta in the world, including unique shapes like bow and ring.

So, do you know some of them? Here are 13 typical pastas that are perfect for your lunch ideas!

Spaghetti

Spaghetti is the most common and loved pasta because it is versatile and lends itself to different types of dip. You can create spaghetti with a thick sauce like Bolognese, but it can also go well with light spice like aglio olio. 

Piccolino also offers spaghetti with many types of sauce, making the menu flexible and will suit your taste! They traditionally provide bolognese and carbonara, the best sauce combinations with spaghetti!

Pappardelle

This pasta is wide and flat, like a ribbon. This pasta is perfect for holding onto thick, heavy dip, like a bolognese dip or a creamy mushroom dip, because of the flakiness and thin texture. Although both pasta have a similar texture to fettuccine and are often difficult for people to distinguish because of their similar shape, they provide two slightly different textures when you eat them directly.

Linguine

This pasta is long and flat but a bit thinner than Pappardelle, resembling a strand of linguine. It's a good choice for a lighter condiment, making it easier for people who do not eat food with thick dip because it feels too heavy for them. You can try linguine as a pasta famous for its light condiments, such as seafood, pesto, or garlic and oil, and it can also be a delicious option when paired with farfalle.

Tagliatelle

Because of its simplicity, Tagliatelle is thin and flat, making it easy for many people to love. Its versatility knows no bounds. From traditional Bolognese to creamy carbonara, Tagliatelle embraces them all gracefully. This pasta never disappoints, always providing a satisfying and cozy experience.

Don't worry too much because Piccolino also serves rare and uncommon pasta found on restaurant menus so that you can try it! By providing a varied menu of different forms of pasta, you will get the chance to try many kinds of pasta you may not have tried before. 

Fusilli

If you are craving pasta but want a thick and dense texture, fusilli will be your best option. With its spiral shape, fusilli makes the texture of the food better because this thick pasta will not feel too thick when chewed due to its spiral shape. Fusili is also a pasta that goes very well with thick seasonings, which can bring out its rich flavour image, especially when you consider its twisted shape. However, fusilli is also very common in salad dishes, and some people like it because it surprisingly provides a good combination. 

Fettuccine

Fettucini is an egg and flour based pasta with spaghetti texture but longer and wider pieces, making it perfect when paired with creamy dip with added mushrooms such as carbonara or cream dip. Usually, people consume fettuccine when craving pasta that has a smooth, chewy, yet not too small texture and is paired with creamy dip and milk. It makes it perfect for afternoon and evening meals.

Macaroni

Macaroni or elbow pasta is also a very popular type of pasta because of its versatility. You can consume elbow pasta as a main dish using thick dip combined with meat, but you can also prepare elbow pasta as a snack or salty snack as a side dish. While eating macaroni as a side dish may not be very common for many people, it is possible because macaroni goes well with any sauce, just like tortellini. Moreover, it can also be a good combination with a leafy mixture, enhancing the meal with a flavour twist.  

Gnocchi 

Gnocchi is one of the most commonly consumed pasta, especially for people who love the authentic taste of Neapolitan food, which originates in Italy. Made from potatoes, gnocchi is a pasta that has a soft and flavorful texture. Gnocchi is also a flexible pasta because it can be combined with many dishes such as chicken, meat, vegetables, and more.

If you want to try gnocchi with quality ingredients, you must try Piccolino's menu! Piccolino offers Italian pasta that maintains the image of traditional Italian food flavours, so you must try gnocchi at Piccolino!

Capellini

With less than 1mm in diameter, capellini is a thin pasta commonly called angel hair in the United States. This pasta is called angel hair because it has a thinness like hair and is thinner than spaghetti. So, it has a texture suitable for consumption with light condiments such as light tomato and olive oil. If you want to make pasta quickly and practically, try the cappelini recipe at home because it does not take much time to cook with an estimated 3-5 minutes.

Manicotti

Manicotti is a hollow form of pasta that is very appetizing just by looking at the visual from the picture alone, especially when it is stuffed like a dumpling. With the combination of beef and cheese in the pasta, Manicotti offers the savoury flavour of pasta that will be very suitable with thick dressing, especially when baked in the oven. Eating Maniccoti is like enjoying a beef dish because it usually requires more protein than pasta, so it is thicker and softer.  

Orzo

Tired of pasta that mostly comes in the shape of a noodle? You should try a pasta-like orzo that offers a unique pasta preparation because it is shaped like rice in soups. With the shape of a warm soup food, this pasta is perfect for eating during the cold season or weather with your favourite person. Moreover, it can also be combined with a leafy mixture so that orzo preparations are not only focused on soup.  

Radiator

The radiator is relatively short in shape and is a jagged paste that resembles a small radiator, like the name of the paste itself. Its unique shape consists of broad, flat sections that are slightly curved, creating a surface texture that attracts condiments. Due to its texture, the top of the radiator makes it excellent for holding thick dressing such as creamy tomato, creamy Alfredo, or hearty meat. Its compact size and serrated structure allow it to capture dressing within its grooves and crevices.

Ravioli

Ravioli are square or round pockets of pasta typically filled with various ingredients, such as cheese, tomato, vegetables, or even seafood. The filling is sealed inside two layers of pasta dough, making ravioli one of the most iconic stuffed pasta varieties. You can also customize this pasta with various condiments; it is versatile and goes well with many combinations! You can combine it with tomato-based dressing, cream sauces, or butter and sage, making it a versatile choice for any strand of pasta. Some variations, like in certain Italian regions, are also served in brodo.

Penne

Penne is shaped like a tube and is generally 2 inches long, with the ends of the pasta cut diagonally. It offers a variety of pasta that pairs well with vegetables and chunky meat because the combination of flavours is very popular.

Piccolino offers penne pasta with ingredients directly imported from Italy, showcasing authentic flavours from traditional recipes! If you want to experience eating Italian food like in Italy, try penne at Piccolino. 

Shells

Shell pasta (known as conchiglie in Italian) is shaped like small clams' shells. This pasta comes in various sizes, from small shells ideal for stuffing to larger shells suitable for holding dressing or grilled dishes, providing flexible flavours to consume according to your taste. Additionally, scallops can be boiled in salted water for 9-11 minutes, depending on their size. Stuffed scallops are often grilled after boiling until they are cooked.  

Conclusion

Understanding the different diversity of pasta, such as those with a ridge or twist, can enhance your dining experience, allowing you to make informed choices and discover new favourites, including shaped pasta like bow and ring. We hope this guide will inspire you to explore the diverse world of pasta and try something new, including unique shapes like tortellini and farfalle. 

Indeed, if you love pasta, including pasta and lasagna, then trying different varieties of pasta is a must, as they offer different textures and flavours! Ready to expand your horizons about pasta? Visit your nearest Italian restaurant, such as Piccolino Woodfired Pizza and Homemade Pasta, which serves different varieties of pasta to enjoy.

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