With more than 300 types of pasta, you may find yourself wondering which are the most popular. We have compiled a list of the top ten ultimate kinds of pasta that made the cut.
Types of Pasta
Spaghetti
Naturally, spaghetti would be at the top of the list. The long yellow strands are common in every culture but are extremely popular in Europe and America. Delicious dishes are made around the world using spaghetti in many different variations. You can mix it with just about any type of pasta sauce, meat, or veggies to make a meal. Unless you are avoiding carbs altogether, spaghetti is a very healthy staple. It is low in calories and rich in fiber.
Macaroni
Macaroni runs a close second behind spaghetti in popularity, especially in certain regions, like America. This is a simple pasta made of flour and water, that is a hit with children. Macaroni goes well with pretty much any type of food but is most commonly combined with cheesy or meaty sauces.
Fettuccine
Fettuccine is another frequently used pasta, especially in Italian eateries. It is also very easy to make it at home. Fettuccine is a long flat pasta made of eggs and flour, commonly mixed with ingredients like alfredo, chicken, seafood and vegetables. Fresh and dry versions are popular with consumers.
Fusilli
Fusilli, an Italian original, is a hearty spiral-shaped pasta that can be found in a variety of colors. The colors come from adding healthy ingredients like tomatoes, spinach, beetroot, or cuttlefish. Fusilli can be either round or hollow, it is very similar to rotini. The corkscrew-like grooves are perfect for holding on to sauces.
Ravioli
Ravioli are very similar to dumplings, stuffed with delicious goodness between two thin layers of dough. They usually contain cheese or beef covered and are covered with a tomato sauce that is also made with cheese or beef. On occasion, you will see other varieties, such as chicken or spinach. Ravioli are commonly boiled, although some dishes require them to be baked.
Tagliatelle
Tagliatelle is flat, ribbon-style egg noodles that resemble fettuccini, only wider. Traditionally these noodles are served with a Bolognese or meat sauce but go well with a variety of sauces. They are usually fresh when used in a dish and hold thick sauces well.
Farfalle
Farfalle is another highly popular Italian pasta. It has a unique shape and is often referred to as bowtie pasta, although the Italian meaning is “butterflies”. Their shape allows them to hold sauces well. You can find farfalle in a variety of flavors. It is a very versatile pasta that can be used in a wide variety of ways, from casseroles to pasta salads.
Rigatoni
Rigatoni is thick hollow tubes that have ribbed lines running the length of the pasta. These ridges help the sauces to stick to the noodles nicely. It can be served in a variety of ways but is most commonly combined with meat and cheeses. Rigatoni is very popular throughout Europe and North America.
Lasagne
Lasagne, or lasagna, is a classic old-world pasta made from wide, flat strips of dough. This is one of the oldest types of pasta and remains highly popular today. The sheets are generally layered with cheeses and hearty sauces, then baked to perfection. Lasagne works great as a main course.
Linguine
Linguine is a thin, flat pasta that is most often combined with traditional pesto. The Italian meaning for linguine is “little tongues”. It can also be enjoyed with tomato, oil-based sauces, or seafood. Some regions offer flavored linguine noodles.
Pasta is a diverse food that is enjoyed around the world and for a very long time. Check out our article on the fascinating History of Pasta.
It may not seem like a big deal, but choosing the correct type of pasta and ingredients to pair it with, will make a big difference in your meal. Traditionally speaking, the long thin types tend to go better with light or oil-based sauces, while firm shapes work well with thick and hearty sauces.
