Treasures of Italian Cuisine: 5 Traditional Pastas You Need to Know

Italian cuisine is world-famous for its diverse and rich pasta culture. Here are five classic pasta shapes without which an authentic Italian dinner would be unimaginable.

Spaghetti

Originating from around Naples, spaghetti is one of the most famous Italian pastas. Due to its long, thin shape, it pairs excellently with tomato or olive oil-based sauces. It is classically used in Bolognese or aglio e olio dishes.

Tagliatelle

Hailing from Northern Italy, especially Emilia-Romagna, its flat, wide ribbons go wonderfully with hearty, meaty ragùs. Its most famous dish is tagliatelle al ragù (Bolognese).

Penne

This slant-cut, tube-shaped pasta originates from the Campania region, and its ridged surface holds thick sauces perfectly. It is an ideal choice for tomato, cream, or vegetable-based pasta dishes.

Rigatoni

Originating from the Rome area, it is larger and wider than penne, and sauces cling well inside its hollow center. It is especially recommended for baked pasta dishes (pasta al forno) or rich meat sauces.

Tortelloni

This stuffed pasta comes from the Emilia region and is a larger version of tortellini, often filled with ricotta or spinach. It is best enjoyed with a butter-and-sage sauce or a light tomato sauce.

Each of the pastas above offers a different experience – but one thing is certain: they all bring a slice of Italy to your table.