TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Every year on October 25, the world celebrates World Pasta Day, a tribute to Italian cuisine that has become a beloved staple across the globe. While pasta originates from Italy, its popularity has transcended borders, appearing in kitchens from Asia to the Americas.
Today, pasta is no longer just food; it is a cultural icon, symbolizing comfort, tradition, and creativity on the plate.
According to The Times of India, there are more than 350 types of pasta worldwide, each crafted to pair perfectly with specific sauces and ingredients. As the legendary Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini once said, “Life is a combination of magic and pasta.”
From classic spaghetti to playful farfalle, here’s a guide to some of the most popular types of pasta and their ideal pairings.
1. Spaghetti
Long, thin, and cylindrical, spaghetti takes its name from “spago,” meaning “string.” Originating in Naples, it is best enjoyed with tomato sauces, meatballs, or seafood. Its simple shape makes it a versatile favorite in kitchens worldwide.
2. Fettuccine
Wide and flat, fettuccine is the base for the legendary fettuccine alfredo, a rich yet simple dish combining butter and parmesan cheese. Its broad shape holds creamy sauces beautifully.
3. Penne
Named after the Italian word for “quill,” penne features angled cuts at both ends and comes in lisce (smooth) and rigate (ridged) varieties. Its shape makes it ideal for thick, hearty sauces.
4. Fusilli
usilli’s spiral twists make it perfect for clinging to chunky sauces. Derived from “fuso” (spindle), this pasta is also commonly used in textured pasta salads.
5. Farfalle
Known as bow-tie pasta, farfalle means “butterfly.” Originating from Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna, its playful shape pairs wonderfully with creamy sauces.
6. Orecchiette
Shaped like tiny ears, orecchiette hails from Southern Italy. Its concave form is ideal for holding sauces, vegetables, or sausage bits.
7. Conchiglie
Also called shell pasta, conchiglie features ridges and hollow interiors that capture sauce effortlessly. It works well in baked dishes or cold pasta salads.
8. Trofie
Trofie is a short, hand-rolled spiral that is traditionally served with Genoese pesto, as its shape clings to the sauce perfectly.
9. Cavatappi
Literally “corkscrew,” cavatappi is commonly used in baked dishes such as macaroni and cheese, thanks to its spiral structure that traps cheese and sauce.
10. Capellini
Also called angel hair, capellini is extremely thin and delicate, making it ideal for light sauces, olive oil, and garlic.
11. Garganelli
Made by rolling pasta sheets to resemble quills, garganelli pairs beautifully with rich, meaty sauces.
12. Linguine
Narrower than fettuccine, linguine is traditionally served with pesto, seafood, or light tomato sauces.
13. Mafaldine
This long, flat, and wavy-edged pasta is named after Princess Mafalda of Savoy. Its ruffled edges are perfect for holding onto thick sauces.
14. Pappardelle
Derived from “pappare,” meaning “to gobble up,” pappardelle is wider than fettuccine and pairs excellently with heavy meat sauces like wild boar ragù.
15. Bucatini
Bucatini is a hollow spaghetti-like pasta, allowing sauce to flow inside. It is particularly popular with Amatriciana, a spicy tomato-based Roman sauce.
16. Cavatelli
Small shell-shaped pasta, cavatelli is often used in soups or served with thick, savory sauces that cling to its curves.
17. Ravioli
Ravioli are square pockets filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables. They are usually served with simple sauces to highlight the flavor of the filling.
18. Agnolotti
Similar to ravioli but smaller, agnolotti is typically stuffed with meat or vegetables and often served with butter and sage sauces for a fragrant finish.
19. Tortellini
haped like small rings and filled with cheese or meat, tortellini is commonly served in warm broth or creamy sauces, making it a comforting classic.
Pasta’s versatility, rich history, and cultural significance make it a dish celebrated by millions worldwide. From casual weekday meals to elaborate festive feasts, each type of pasta brings its own unique texture and flavor, inviting creativity in every dish.
From its origins in Italy to its global influence, pasta continues to be more than just a meal; it is a universal symbol of comfort, craftsmanship, and culinary delight.
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