Pictures of Different Kinds of Pasta

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Whether it's freshly made or from a box, pasta is one of the simplest—and most beloved—dishes to prepare at home. From stuffed shells and spaghetti and meatballs to fettuccine Alfredo and potato gnocchi, there are countless recipes that feature pasta as their main ingredient. This carbohydrate-rich food is traditionally made from simple ingredients, including wheat, water, and eggs, and then molded into different shapes before being cooked in boiling water. Thanks to the low-carb and gluten-free movements in the U.S., there are now a variety of "alternative" pastas made from protein-packed lentils, chickpeas, or quinoa. Many of these are offered in classic shapes like rotini, penne, or fusilli, so you can try more health-conscious versions of time-honored pasta recipes. (Check out our favorite healthy pasta recipes here!)

But despite how pervasive pasta is in kitchens and restaurants across America, you might see a word like "bucatini" or "pappardelle" on a menu and find yourself either completely stumped or racking your brain to recall the shape of that particular noodle. That's why we've rounded up some of the most common Italian types of pasta to give you a crash course on one of the world's most delicious, popular foods. Plus, check out our corresponding recipes for delicious twists on all your favorite traditional pasta dishes! (Don't miss these summer pasta recipes and pasta salad recipes too.)

1 Gnocchi

Gnocchi is an Italian pasta made of cooked mashed potatoes, flour, and eggs. These soft, doughy dumplings are typically served with a savory white or red sauce.

Try it in Potato Gnocchi with Pork Ragù.

2 Linguine

Italian for "little tongues," linguine is elliptical in shape and about 4 millimeters in width, which is wider than spaghetti, but not as wide as fettuccine. It's traditionally served with seafood or pesto, but we love it with crispy pancetta and Brussels sprouts!

Try it in Pancetta-and-Brussels Sprouts Linguini.

3 Bucatini

Bucatini is a long pasta that's similar to spaghetti, but thicker and with a hole running through the center. This means that with every bite, you get a little extra sauce. Yum!

Try it in Bucatini with Winter Pesto and Sweet Potatoes.

4 Tagliatelle

Tagliatelle is a long, ribbon-shaped pasta that's similar to fettuccine. In fact, some people say they're actually the exact same thing! This pasta is usually known as fettuccine in Rome and Southern Italy, while Northern Italians typically refer to it as tagliatelle.

Try it in Chicken Meatball and Vegetable Noodle Soup.

5 Pappardelle

Is it any wonder that the word pappardelle comes from the Italian "pappare," which means "to gobble up"? This pasta comes in the form of long, broad ribbons that are the perfect canvas for rich, meaty ragù sauces.

Try it in Pappardelle with Beef Ragu.

6 Cavatelli

Considered one of the oldest pasta types, cavatelli are made from an eggless dough and rolled into small shells that resemble tiny hot dog buns. Commonly cooked with broccoli or broccoli rabe, you can kick things up a notch with spicy Italian sausage.

Try it in Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe.

7 Tortellini

Tortellini are ring-shaped pastas that are usually stuffed with cheese or meat. Tortellini are traditionally served in capon broth, which could explain why they make the perfect addition to a variety of soups.

Try it in Pesto Chicken Minestrone.

8 Ravioli

Ravioli are a type of pasta featuring a filling enveloped in thin, egg-based pasta dough. Raviolis are typically square or circular and stuffed with meat, cheese, or vegetables. One of our favorite recipes features a butternut squash center.

Try it in Butternut Squash Ravioli with Seared Chicken.

11 Farfalle

Also known as bow-tie or butterfly pasta, farfalle is perfect for cream-based sauces or in pasta salads. This pasta is said to date back to the 1500s, originating in Northern Italy.

Try it in Creamy Chicken-and-Broccoli Pesto Bow Ties.

12 Lasagna

Lasagna is a type of wide, flat pasta that's typically layered with sauce and cheese to form the popular casserole dish of the same name. Lasagna originated in Italy and is considered one of the oldest types of pasta in the world.

Try it in Skillet Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna.

13 Rigatoni

Rigatoni are a large, tube-shaped pasta with ridged edges that perfectly capture sauces and grated cheese. These thick tubes are strong enough to take on heavier sauces like Bolognese.

Try it in Skillet Roasted Cauliflower and Sausage Rigatoni.

14 Orecchiette

Orecchiette means "little ears" in Italian, which makes a lot of sense when you consider their shape. These round, dome-like pasta shells are thinner in the center than they are on the edges, which gives them an unusual texture.

Try it in Orecchiette with Sausage and Radicchio.

15 Spaghetti

You know it, you love it, you can't get enough of it. Spaghetti is a long, thin, solid, cylindrical pasta that's easily recognizable. A staple food anywhere you go, spaghetti is so beloved in the U.S. that it has its own unofficial holiday.

Try it in Spaghetti with Red Onion and Bacon.

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Pictures of Different Kinds of Pasta

Source: https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g30798763/pasta-shapes-types/

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