Culinary Corner

Exploring the World of Food

Pasta Shapes Guide

Discover the diverse and delightful world of pasta shapes, each designed to complement different sauces and culinary creations.

Spaghetti

Spaghetti

The classic long, thin, cylindrical pasta. Perfect for light tomato sauces, carbonara, or aglio e olio.

Long Pasta Versatile Classic
Penne

Penne

Tube-shaped pasta with angled ends, similar to a quill pen. The ridges (rigate) hold sauce beautifully. Excellent with creamy or chunky sauces.

Short Pasta Ridged Hearty Sauces
Farfalle

Farfalle

Known as "butterfly" or "bow-tie" pasta. Its unique shape works well with light sauces, pasta salads, and cream-based dishes.

Short Pasta Fun Shape Salads
Fusilli

Fusilli

Corkscrew-shaped pasta that's excellent for trapping sauces. Great for pesto, meat sauces, and baked dishes.

Short Pasta Spiral Pesto
Lasagne

Lasagne

Wide, flat sheets of pasta used in layered baked dishes. The ultimate comfort food when paired with rich ragu and béchamel sauce.

Sheet Pasta Baked Dishes Classic Italian
Rigatoni

Rigatoni

Large, tube-shaped pasta with ridges and a wider opening than penne. Ideal for robust, meaty sauces and baked casseroles.

Short Pasta Large Tubes Meaty Sauces
Fettuccine

Fettuccine

Flat, thick pasta that is wider than linguine. A classic pairing for rich, creamy sauces like Alfredo.

Long Pasta Flat Noodles Creamy Sauces
Orzo

Orzo

Rice-shaped pasta, often used in soups, pilafs, and pasta salads. It has a tender bite and absorbs flavors well.

Small Pasta Soup Salads
Ravioli

Ravioli

Square-shaped pasta pockets, typically filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables. Best served with a light sauce to let the filling shine.

Filled Pasta Delicate Cheese/Meat