In the vast and delicious universe of pasta, there's a shape, size, and texture for every palate and occasion. From the comforting classics to the more adventurous twists, pasta never fails to delight. In this gastronomic journey, we'll explore the most popular pasta types, unravelling their origins, unique shapes, and perfect pairings with delectable sauces.
The Most Beloved Pasta Types: A Culinary Exploration
Spaghetti:
Origin of Name and History: Spaghetti, derived from the Italian word "spaghetto," meaning "thin string" or "twine," originated in southern Italy. Its slender, cylindrical shape has been a staple of Italian cuisine for centuries, with historical references dating back to the 12th century. Initially handmade, spaghetti became more widely available with the advent of pasta factories in the 19th century.
Description: Long, thin cylindrical noodles.
Pairings: Classic spaghetti pairs famously with marinara sauce or carbonara, exemplifying the art of simplicity and flavour.
At Prezzo, we use spaghetti in many of our dishes including our Spaghetti Carbonara and Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese.
Fettuccine:
Origin of Name and History: Fettuccine, meaning "little ribbons" in Italian, hails from the central regions of Italy, particularly Rome and Tuscany. Its flat, wide shape has been favoured in Italian cuisine since the Renaissance period, often served with rich, creamy sauces or hearty ragù.
Description: Flat, wide ribbons of pasta.
Pairings: Fettuccine Alfredo, a creamy sauce made with butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese, beautifully coats each strand, creating a rich and indulgent dish.
Penne:
Origin of Name and History: Penne, translating to "quills" or "feathers" in Italian, originated in southern Italy. This versatile pasta shape, characterized by its short, cylindrical tubes with angled ends, has been a staple of Italian cuisine for generations, dating back to the 19th century.
Description: Short, cylindrical tubes with angled ends.
Pairings: Penne arrabbiata, featuring a spicy tomato-based sauce infused with garlic and red pepper flakes, complements the sturdy shape of penne, allowing the sauce to seep into its hollow centre.
Farfalle (Bowtie Pasta):
Origin of Name and History: Farfalle, meaning "butterflies" in Italian, was inspired by its resemblance to delicate butterfly wings. This whimsical pasta shape originated in northern Italy, particularly Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna, and gained popularity in the early 20th century.
Description: Butterfly or bowtie-shaped pasta.
Pairings: Farfalle with creamy pesto sauce offers a delightful blend of flavours, as the sauce clings to the folds and crevices of the pasta.
Rigatoni:
Origin of Name and History: Rigatoni, deriving from the Italian word "rigato," meaning "ridged" or "lined," originated in central and southern Italy. Its short, wide tubes with ridges are perfect for capturing chunky sauces, making it a beloved choice in Italian cuisine since the late 19th century.
Description: Short, wide tubes with ridges.
Pairings: Rigatoni alla vodka, a velvety sauce infused with vodka, tomatoes, and cream, adheres wonderfully to the ridges of rigatoni, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavour.
At Prezzo we use Rigatoni in many of our most popular dishes including Rigatoni Arrabbiata and Chicken Alfredo Rigatoni.
Linguine:
Origin of Name and History: Linguine, meaning "little tongues" in Italian, originated in the Liguria region of Italy. This long, flat pasta shape gained popularity in the 18th century, particularly in coastal regions where it became a staple of seafood dishes.
Description: Long, flat noodles similar to spaghetti but wider.
Pairings: Linguine with clam sauce epitomizes Italian coastal cuisine, with the tender linguine strands enveloping the briny essence of the sea.
Rotini:
Origin of Name and History: Rotini, deriving from the Italian word "rotare," meaning "to rotate" or "to twist," originated in southern Italy. This playful spiral-shaped pasta, resembling corkscrews, has been enjoyed in Italian cuisine for centuries, particularly in pasta salads and baked dishes.
Description: Short, corkscrew-shaped pasta.
Pairings: Rotini's spiral shape effortlessly captures chunky sauces, making it an excellent choice for hearty dishes like pasta salad with vibrant vegetables and tangy dressing.
Cavatappi:
Origin of Name and History: Cavatappi, meaning "corkscrew" in Italian, originated in southern Italy. This hollow, spiral-shaped pasta has been a beloved staple of Italian cuisine for generations, particularly in baked dishes and creamy sauces.
Description: Short, hollow corkscrew-shaped pasta.
Pairings: Cavatappi pairs beautifully with cheese-based sauces, such as macaroni and cheese, as its nooks and crannies trap the gooey goodness of melted cheese.
Lasagne:
Origin of Name and History: Lasagne, deriving from the Greek word "laganon," meaning "flat sheet of pasta," originated in ancient Greece before gaining popularity in Italy. This wide, flat pasta shape has been a cornerstone of Italian cuisine for centuries, particularly in layered baked dishes.
Description: Wide, flat sheets of pasta.
Pairings: Layered with rich Bolognese sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese, lasagne embodies comfort and indulgence, making it a beloved centrepiece for family gatherings.
Our delicious Lasagne features slowly braised beef and red wine ragu layered with pasta, béchamel, cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Orecchiette:
Origin of Name and History: Orecchiette, meaning "little ears" in Italian, originated in the Puglia region of southern Italy. This small, ear-shaped pasta has been crafted by hand for centuries, with its unique shape designed to capture sauce and flavour.
Description: Small, ear-shaped pasta.
Pairings: Orecchiette with broccoli rabe and sausage showcases the pasta's unique shape, with the tender broccoli rabe nestled within the curved pockets, creating a harmonious blend of flavours.
In conclusion, the world of pasta is as diverse as it is delicious, offering endless possibilities for culinary creativity and enjoyment. Whether you prefer the simplicity of spaghetti or the elegance of farfalle, each pasta type brings its own charm to the table, inviting us to savour every bite. So, the next time you're craving a comforting bowl of pasta, join us at Prezzo, and let your taste buds embark on a delightful adventure through the enchanting world of Italian cuisine. Buon appetito!