Italian cuisine is famous worldwide for its diverse and rich pasta culture. Here are five classic pastas that are essential to an authentic Italian dinner.

Spaghetti
Spaghetti, originating from the Naples area, is one of the most well-known Italian pastas, and its long, thin shape pairs well with tomato or olive oil sauces. It is classically used in bolognese or aglio e olio dishes.

Tagliatelle
It comes from northern Italy, especially Emilia-Romagna, and with its flat, wide strips, it goes well with hearty, meaty ragù. Its most famous dish is tagliatelle al ragù (bolognese).

Penne
This tubular pasta with a slanted end originates from the Campania region and has a ribbed surface that perfectly holds thick sauces. It is an ideal choice for tomato, cream or vegetable pastas.

Rigatoni
Originating from the area around Rome, it is larger and wider than penne, with an inner cavity that allows sauces to adhere well. It is especially recommended for baked pasta (pasta al forno) or rich meat sauces.

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

Each of the above pastas offers a different experience – but one thing is for sure: each one is a slice of Italy on the table.