Canva
The love for pasta has quite literally suspended time and space. Something so lip-smacking, that can be made with just a handful of ingredients has truly been a game-changer.
However, it is almost impossible for a food lover to select the best pasta shape since each one adds a different flavor and whips up the most unique recipes.
And so, while elbow macaroni is crucial for mac and cheese and carbonara is impossible without spaghetti, here are the 11 best pasta shapes trusted by Italian chefs around the world.
11 Best Pasta Shapes That Italian Chefs Agree On
From creamy smoothness to the spicy kick, different shapes of pasta have created a unique flavor profile and delivered an iconic recipe across the globe.
Although the basic process of cooking remains the same for most of these pastas, it is the expertise of the Italian chefs that takes things to the next level. They often rely on recipes passed down from generations before them, creating a masterpiece in all senses.
Diving back to our list, the pasta shapes have been ranked on the following criteria:
-Absorption of flavors
-Cooking time
-Popularity across the globe
So without any further ado, it’s time to check out the list of best pasta shapes that have rocked the world.
#11. Trofie
Trofie tops the list of pasta shapes across the globe, due to its unique hand-rolled, twisted shape. It originates from the Liguria region of Italy, where it is highly utilized across kitchens.
Its shape is ideal for holding onto the thicker sauces in which it is cooked, such as pesto. Besides durum wheat, this short pasta is also sometimes made out of potato.
Apart from pesto, Trofie best pairs with green beans, pumpkin and potatoes.
#10. Orecchiette
Orecchiette enjoys a fandom of its own among pasta lovers all over the world, mainly due to its cute, ear-shaped form. Its origins are traced back to the Apulia region of Italy.
The orecchiette’s thicker center and slight dome-like outer structure make it ideal for being cooked with a large number of vegetable sauces.
Additionally, this Southern Italian pasta is also served along with meat, capers, and delicious wine to wash it down with.
#9. Pappardelle
Talk about Pappardelle and we’re immediately reminded of a delectable bowl of the pasta served with ragu!
These flat, broad-ribboned pasta shapes were created in Tuscany. Unlike wheat, this one is made from a handcrafted egg-pasta dough.
Its wide texture is ideal for heartily holding thicker sauces, including those with a meatier base. Creamy sauces like Bolognese also pair well with Pappardelle.
#8. Fettuccine
Fettuccine is undoubtedly one of the popular choices of flat pastas among food lovers. Slightly less in width than Pappardelle, these are usually freshly made from dough ahead of time.
Another traditional egg-dough pasta shape, it pairs best with rich and creamy sauces like Alfredo. Meaty Bolognese sauce is also a popular choice for Fettuccine.
It is usually served with simpler vegetables like broccoli and asparagus.
#7. Bucatini
Bucatini, a.k.a. the hollow pasta, makes for a fascinating shape. Differing highly from spaghetti, it is a popular choice for most Roman cuisines.
Due to its hollow shape, it is ideal for pairing with hearty sauces with a variety of ingredients, which evenly coat the inside and outside of the pasta.
As a result, it is mainly served in both thick red and white sauces, leaving everyone with a wholesome flavor.
#6. Lasagna Sheets
This one needs no introduction as its shape has been popularized across cultures for preparing Lasagna. They have a really thin surface, which absorbs a lot of flavor by holding onto the sauce. Its flat shape makes it easy to use in layering.
While one can easily roll out fresh pasta dough at home for making Lasagna sheets, store-bought ones are also handy for making last-minute dishes.
It pairs well with a slice of garlic bread on the side, as well as salad portions and steamed veggies.
#5. Linguine
The word Linguine literally means “little tongues”, although its actual shape is quite a lot longer than the real organ!
This one joins Fettuccine and Spaghetti in their longer pasta shape but is slightly elliptical from the center, thus standing out uniquely.
Originating from the city of Liguria in Italy, chefs swear by its best pairing with tomato, fish and pesto sauces.
#4. Farfalle
Unarguably, Farfalle is one of the cutest pasta shapes you’d have ever come across. Resembling both a butterfly and a bow-tie, this type of pasta continues to stir nostalgia among many.
To add variation, the Farfalle dough can also be rolled with beetroot and spinach to give it a pop of color.
Coming to some of its most popular recipes, Farfalle is usually kept simple with fewer ingredients and sticking to mostly creamy white and red sauce bases.
#3. Fusilli
The iconic Fusilli pasta has made it to almost all kitchens across the world. The quirky spiral shape resembling a corkscrew also resonated with the Italian spindle.
Besides Italy, the Fusilli-shaped pasta has also been popularized in other parts of the world as well. It is hand-rolled chiefly, but can be either hollow or solid.
Chunky sauces, casseroles and one-pot meals are popular ways of preparing Fusilli across the world.
#2. Penne
Think of spicy red sauce pastas like arrabbiata, marinara– penne is the most common shape that comes to mind.
Resembling the steel nibs of fountain pens, its shape consists of a tubular structure that is cut at an angle on both ends. Its surface can either be smooth or have ridges.
Penne pasta is cooked to an extent that it remains firm on the bite. Oregano, mozzarella, parmesan and basil are trusted choices of seasonings for penne pasta.
#1. Spaghetti
It’s not hard to guess why spaghetti has bagged the first spot in a contest for the best pasta shapes. Most Italian chefs trust the simple, noodle-like structure for its sheer versatility.
While breaking spaghetti before cooking is a crime (Yes, we agree), it takes less time than most other shapes to cook.
Moreover, it goes well with almost all kinds of sauce bases and is universally accepted by food lovers of all age groups.
Which pasta shape wins it for you — are you a spaghetti purist or a farfalle fan? Tell us in the comments.