Pasta Types: The Ultimate List for Gourmets

This list of pasta types is a feast of recognition for the true connoisseur. From the velvety tagliatelle to the refined orecchiette; pasta is a culinary icon that goes beyond a quick weekday meal. But what types of pasta are there and how do you combine them optimally with the right sauces and ingredients? In this guide we take you into the world of different types of pasta , their origins and the perfect pairing.

The main types of pasta

There are a great many types of pasta, which can be roughly divided into four main types:

1. Long pasta - spaghetti, linguine, and fettuccine are examples of long pasta types. These pastas are ideal for light sauces based on oil or cream, as they wrap completely around the strands;
2. Short pasta - you know the penne, fusilli and rigatoni. These pastas hold sauces well, making them perfect for rich tomato or meat sauces;
3. Stuffed pasta – if you’re looking for an explosion of flavour, go for ravioli, tortellini or agnolotti, of course with a cheese, meat or truffle filling;
4. Special / regional pasta - strozzapreti, busiate and trofie. Artisan pastas, which often originate in a specific region in Italy.

How do you combine pasta types with sauces?

Knowing your pasta types can make your meals so much better. The best combinations will make your mouth water:

• Spaghetti & Linguine match super well with pesto, vongole or a light olive oil with garlic and chili pepper;
• Penne & Rigatoni come alive with a rich bolognese, arrabbiata or a creamy mushroom and pancetta sauce;
• Tagliatelle & Pappardelle are a true love story with game ragù, truffle sauce or a classic cacio e pepe;
• Stuffed pastas are a taste sensation in themselves, but most types benefit from a simple sage butter sauce or a light broth;
• Trofie & Orecchiette are perfect for hearty pesto variations, such as Pesto Genovese or Pugliese.

What are the most luxurious types of pasta?

If you are a true connoisseur, you can indulge yourself in the world of pasta. Have you tried one of these top recipes?

• Truffle paste – perfect in combination with a creamy Parmesan cream
• Egg pasta from Piedmont – with an intense, rich flavour thanks to extra egg yolks.
• Gragnano pasta – artisanally produced and famous for its rough texture that holds sauce better.
• Black ink paste – combines sublimely with seafood and citrus accents.

List of most popular types of pasta

• Spaghetti – Thin, long pasta without a hollow center.
• Linguine – Flat version of spaghetti, ideal for fish dishes.
• Tagliatelle – Wide ribbon pasta, often served with ragù.
• Fettuccine – Slightly wider ribbon pasta than tagliatelle, suitable for cream sauce.
• Pappardelle – Extra wide ribbon pasta, perfect for game ragù.
• Mafaldine – Wavy long ribbon pasta with ridges.
• Bucatini – Similar to spaghetti but has a hollow center.
• Penne – Diagonally cut tubes, ideal for rich sauces.
• Rigatoni – Larger, straight tube-shaped pasta.
• Fusilli – Spiral pasta that holds sauce well.
• Farfalle – Butterfly-shaped pasta, ideal for salads.
• Orecchiette – Ear-shaped pasta, popular in Puglia.
• Trofie – Twisted pasta, traditionally served with pesto.
• Cavatelli – Small, rolled pasta, ideal for hearty sauces.
• Casarecce – Lightly twisted pasta that holds sauce well.
• Paccheri – Large, thick tubes, often filled with ricotta.
• Tortellini – Small filled rings, often with cheese or meat.
• Ravioli – Two sheets of dough with a filling in between.
• Agnolotti – Half-moon shaped ravioli, typical from Piedmont.
• Cannelloni – Large, hollow tubes that are filled.
• Lasagne – Wide pasta sheets for oven dishes.
• Gnocchi – Potato and flour based pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions