How Do You Pick the Perfect Pasta?

By Colleen McTiernan
Pasta

Pasta comes in many shapes and sizes, but do you know what each shape is called? And do you know which type is best for different dishes? Check out this quick guide to some of our favorite so you can pick the perfect pasta!

Pappardelle

These wide egg pasta strands are reminiscent of thin lasagna noodles. They are often used with heavy meat sauces.

Farfalle

Also known as bowties, this type of pasta is often used in pasta salad, but can also be used in saucy dishes.

Bucatini

These spaghetti-like noodles are hollow in the middle, meaning they hold sauce well.

Gnocchi

Gnocchi are soft dumplings made of potato that do well with hearty sauces.

Penne

Cut on an angle to resemble the nib of a quill (“penne” means pen in Italian), the ridges of this pasta allow it to hold onto sauces well.

Radiatore

This oddly shaped pasta is designed to look like a radiator. The increased surface area of this pasta allows it to absorb flavor and hold sauces well.

Torcetti

The rough shape of this twisted pasta holds olive oil and other sauces beautifully.

Ravioli

Ravioli is a stuffed pasta that can be filled with anything from meat to cheese to veggies to seafood.

Cavatappi

This corkscrew-shaped pasta pairs well with just about any sauce and can be used in pasta salads as well.

Conchiglie

Also known as shells, the larger versions can be stuffed and baked for a delicious result. 

Orzo

This small pasta resembles rice in shape and can be baked, incorporated into soups, or even served with a light sauce as a main course.

 

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