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A guide to pasta shapes and how to best use them
People from different cultures have been making and cooking pasta for centuries, resulting in a wealth of pasta styles. What began as a regional food has spread around the world to become an almost essential part of the food pyramid. It’s often thought that Marco Polo brought it back from China, where pasta was made from rice flour, according to historian Harold McGee in On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen. But while the Chinese developed the art of the noodle, McGee claims that other pastas existed in Europe before that.
The beauty of pasta is its versatility. You can eat it at home for comfort food or in a fine restaurant. A bowl of pasta is like a canvas waiting for a masterpiece, with as many toppings and sauces as there are colors in the world. The Los Angeles Times reports that what makes pasta so adaptable is its variety of shapes and textures, along with how easy it is to make. Although the ingredients are essentially the same (flour, water and/or eggs, Allrecipes writes), dishes can taste drastically different depending on the preparation, which is determined by the shape. The geometry of the pasta dictates which sauces, vegetables, and proteins work best in combination. So knowing the ABCs of pasta shapes can help you turn an ordinary dinner into a memorable meal.
Skinny strands
Often, long, thin pasta is simply called spaghetti, says The Pasta Project. The strands, which translates to “little strands” in Italian, come in a variety of widths, and each has a different name, from angel hair, capellini, and fettuccini to spaghettoni and bucatini. As the styles get wider, the number of ways to cook the pasta increases. And certain recipe strategies work best with certain widths.
Recipe Tips suggests this rule of thumb: the thicker the pasta, the denser the sauce. Thinner spaghetti should be paired with lighter, delicate sauces or oils that coat the delicate strands evenly without weighing them down. So with thin angel hair, use a light sauce instead of a heavy one loaded with vegetables or meat. For wide spaghettoni, use a thicker sauce, such as a carbonara, says pasta maker Barilla. Its dimensions will easily support the weight of the sauce without clumping or collapsing. It will also be easier to twirl.
Ribbon style
Ribbon-style pasta is ideal for many preparations. You can choose from a full range of widths, including linguini, fettuccine, tagliatelle and pappardelle. Despite their different dimensions, most tagliatelle will work with most recipes, so which one you choose is a matter of preference. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
First, the linguine. In Italian, linguine means “little tongues.” Thinner than other flat varieties, it works best with medium-bodied ingredients. Think vegetables, pesto, or seafood-based dishes. As with spaghetti, the wider the ribbons, the richer your sauce can be. There’s just more room to hold it. Next, fettuccini and tagliarini work well with meat and cream sauces. Thicker noodles are often rolled out with wooden pins, which gives them a texture that heavier sauces can hold, says Francine Segan in La Cucina Italiana. Finally, tagliatelle and pappardelle are the broadest pasta choices in this category, and both are egg-based, an attribute that gives them a deep flavor when paired with a rich ragu or heavy, cheesy sauce.
Short and thin
There’s no denying that images of ribbons and strands come to mind when you think of pasta. But if you’re looking to get creative in the kitchen, there are many other shapes to try, especially the short and skinny. Generations ago, these developed a special reputation for being so consumable that they earned the name strozzapreti, or “priest stranglers,” as Delishably writes. Imagine that: pasta so good that even air can wait.
Some of these short pastas are made from two strands twisted together. Strozzapreti – and its shorter cousin, casarecce – are the forms of pasta made when two strands are wrapped around each other and then cut short, according to The Pasta Project. The result is something a few inches long with a shape all its own. According to CooksInfo.com, this pasta is often served with chunky sauces made from vegetables or meat. Twisted pastas like strozzapreti have a tiny channel between the twists that allows sauces, oils, and small bits of ingredients to cling to the pasta.
There are many other short and thin pasta shapes to explore, such as penne, rigatoni, and fusilli. Penne, with its cylindrical shape and angled ends, is a versatile pasta that holds up well with thick sauces because it traps the sauce in its hollow center. Rigatoni, larger and wider than penne, is often paired with hearty meat sauces or baked in casseroles. The ridges on rigatoni help hold in the sauce and provide a satisfying texture. Fusilli, with their spiral shape, are excellent at capturing and holding thick and chunky sauces, making them a popular choice for pasta salads.
Tubular shapes
Speaking of penne and rigatoni, tubular pasta shapes offer a unique dining experience. These hollow tubes come in a variety of sizes and are known for their ability to catch and hold sauces. In addition to penne and rigatoni, other tubular pasta shapes include cannelloni, ziti and macaroni.
Cannelloni, often associated with stuffed pasta dishes, is a large cylindrical pasta that is typically stuffed with a savory filling and baked in the oven with sauce and cheese. Ziti, similar to penne but with straight cut ends, is often used in baked pasta dishes such as ziti al forno. Macaroni, a classic pasta shape, is often used in dishes such as macaroni and cheese or pasta salads.
Shells and tubes
Shells and tubes are pasta shapes that resemble sea shells or tubes, adding a delightful texture and appearance to dishes. Some popular examples are conchiglie, orecchiette and farfalle.
Conchiglie, or shell-shaped pasta, come in a variety of sizes, from large to small. The ridges and curves of the shells help catch and hold sauces, making them a great choice for thick and creamy sauces or even seafood-based dishes. Orecchiette, which means “little ears” in Italian, is a small pasta shape with a shallow indentation. It is often paired with chunky sauces, vegetables or meat, as the indentation helps retain the sauce. Farfalle, known for its butterfly shape, is a versatile pasta that works well with a variety of sauces and can be used in salads or as a base for flavorful pasta dishes.
Twists and Spirals
Twisted and spiral pasta shapes add a playful and visually appealing element to dishes. They are often used in pasta salads, casseroles or dishes where the sauce can adhere to their unique shapes. Some popular twists and spirals include fusilli, rotini and gemelli.
Fusilli, as mentioned earlier, is a spiral-shaped pasta that is excellent for holding thick and chunky sauces. Rotini, similar to fusilli but with tighter turns, are often used in pasta salads or baked dishes. Gemelli, which means “twins” in Italian, consists of two strands of pasta twisted together. Its shape holds sauces well and adds an interesting texture to the dish.
The importance of pasta shapes in cooking
Understanding different pasta shapes and their characteristics is essential to creating balanced and delicious pasta dishes. The shape of the pasta can affect how the sauce sticks to it, how it cooks, and even the overall eating experience. By choosing the right pasta shape for your recipe, you can enhance the flavors, textures and presentation of your dish.
Experimenting with different pasta shapes can also add variety and excitement to your meals. Try pairing different shapes with complementary sauces and ingredients to create unique and flavorful combinations. Whether you prefer long and thin strands, ribbon-style pasta, short and thin shapes, tubular pasta, shells and tubes, or twists and spirals, there is a pasta shape to suit every culinary preference and creative idea.
So the next time you’re in the mood for pasta, think shape and get creative in the kitchen. Explore the vast world of pasta shapes, discover new recipes, and enjoy the art of combining pasta with delicious sauces and toppings. Buon appetito!
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on content available at https://www.mashed.com/798031/a-guide-to-pasta-shapes-and-the-best-way-to-use-them/. Please refer to the original source for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
FAQS
Does the shape of the pasta really make a difference in the taste of the dish?
Yes, the shape of pasta can have a significant impact on the taste and overall experience of a dish. Different shapes have different textures and surfaces that affect how sauces adhere to them and how they cook. Choosing the right shape can enhance flavors and create a harmonious balance in your pasta dish.
Can I substitute one shape of pasta for another in a recipe?
While you can substitute one pasta shape for another in most cases, it’s important to consider the overall compatibility of the shape with the sauce and other ingredients. Thinner, delicate sauces may work better with thinner pasta shapes, while chunky sauces may work well with larger or hollow shapes. Experimentation is encouraged, but keep in mind the intended texture and presentation of the dish.
Are there specific shapes of pasta that work best for pasta salads?
Yes, certain shapes of pasta work well for pasta salads. Twisted or spiral shapes like fusilli or rotini are great choices because they can hold dressings and other ingredients in their crevices. Small shapes like orzo or small shells also work well, providing a pleasant texture and good distribution of flavors in each bite.
Can I use any shape of pasta for baked pasta dishes?
While many shapes of pasta can be used for baked pasta dishes, some shapes work better than others. Tube-shaped pastas such as penne or rigatoni are excellent choices because they can hold sauces and fillings, resulting in a satisfying texture. Large, flat shapes such as lasagna sheets are also often used for layered baked pasta dishes.
Are there gluten-free options for various pasta shapes?
Yes, there are gluten-free alternatives for various pasta shapes. Look for gluten-free pasta made from alternative flours such as rice, corn, quinoa or chickpea. These options allow people with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions to enjoy a variety of pasta shapes.
Can I mix different shapes of pasta in the same dish?
Absolutely! Mixing different shapes of pasta in a dish can add visual interest and textural variety. It can also provide a unique eating experience, as each shape can hold sauces and flavors differently. Just make sure the different shapes have similar cooking times to ensure even cooking throughout the dish.