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14 Types of Pasta to Elevate Your Cooking Game

Are you tired of making the same old pasta dishes? Bored of the usual spaghetti and meatballs or penne alfredo? You're not alone.

Finding the perfect pasta for your recipes can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But imagine whipping up a meal that has everyone at the table asking for seconds, using pasta shapes they’ve never even heard of.

With so many pasta types out there, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But don't worry—we've got you covered. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to 14 different types of pasta that will take your cooking to the next level.

From familiar ones like spaghetti and penne to twisty fusilli and elegant fettuccine, and hearty rigatoni to delicate stelline, you'll discover new favorites and learn how to pair them perfectly with your favorite sauces.

Get ready to wow your family and friends with pasta dishes they’ll be talking about for weeks!

Different types of pasta on a kitchen table

1. Fusilli

Fusilli are short, corkscrew-shaped pasta that are perfect for holding onto sauces. Their spiral design traps sauces and seasonings, making every bite flavorful. Fusilli can be used in a variety of dishes, from hearty tomato-based sauces to lighter pesto sauces.

Fusilli also works well in cold pasta salads. The shape and texture keep the ingredients well-distributed and the dish visually appealing. It’s a versatile pasta that can elevate both simple and complex recipes.

2. Conchiglie

Conchiglie, commonly known as shell pasta, come in various sizes and are excellent for stuffing or baking. The larger shells can be filled with cheeses, meats, or vegetables and then baked with sauce for a delicious main dish.

The smaller shells are great for soups and stews. Their shape holds bits of meat and vegetables, ensuring a burst of flavor in every spoonful. Conchiglie’s unique shape makes it a fun and functional addition to many dishes.

See this Conchiglie Rigate No. 126 on Amazon.

3. Penne

Penne are short, tube-shaped pasta with angled ends, ideal for thick, chunky sauces. Their ridged surface helps sauces cling to the pasta, making each bite rich and satisfying. Penne pairs well with both creamy and tomato-based sauces.

Baked penne dishes, like penne al forno, are popular because the pasta holds up well in the oven and absorbs flavors beautifully. It's also a great choice for pasta salads, maintaining its shape and texture even when served cold.

4. Rigatoni

Rigatoni are large, ridged tubes that work wonderfully with hearty, robust sauces. The ridges and wide diameter allow the pasta to catch and hold thick sauces, making it perfect for meaty ragùs or rich, creamy sauces.

Rigatoni is also a fantastic choice for baked dishes. Its sturdy shape ensures it doesn’t become mushy, even after baking. This pasta’s hearty texture makes it a favorite for substantial, comforting meals.

Read more: What’s The Best Pot For Cooking Pasta?

5. Farfalle

Farfalle, often called bow-tie pasta, has a playful shape that adds a touch of whimsy to any dish. Its pinched center gives it a unique texture, holding onto sauces differently than other pastas. Farfalle works well with light, creamy sauces and is a favorite in pasta salads.

The shape is not only fun but functional, making it a great choice for dishes with small, finely chopped ingredients. Farfalle can elevate simple meals with its distinctive look and texture.

See this Homemade Farfalle Pasta on Amazon.

6. Spaghetti

Spaghetti is a classic pasta that everyone knows and loves. Long, thin, and cylindrical, it’s perfect for a wide variety of sauces, from simple marinara to rich Bolognese. Its versatility makes it a staple in many households.

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    It's also excellent for dishes like spaghetti carbonara, where its slender shape allows it to be evenly coated with the creamy, egg-based sauce. Whether dressed up or down, spaghetti is a reliable choice for any pasta dish.

    Read more: For How Long Should You Cook Spaghetti?

    7. Fettuccine

    Fettuccine are long, flat ribbons that are ideal for thick, creamy sauces. Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic dish where this pasta truly shines, as the wide surface area of the noodles allows them to soak up the rich, cheesy sauce.

    This pasta is also great for dishes with hearty, chunky sauces. The wide, flat noodles hold up well to the weight of heavier ingredients, making it a versatile and satisfying choice for many recipes.

    8. Creste di Gallo

    Creste di Gallo, meaning "rooster’s crest" in Italian, is a unique, curved pasta with a ridged, ruffled edge. This distinctive shape is excellent for trapping sauces and small ingredients. It's great for baked pasta dishes and hearty soups.

    The unusual shape adds an element of surprise and fun to your dishes, making it perfect for impressing guests. Creste di Gallo is a versatile pasta that can elevate both simple and elaborate meals.

    9. Ravioli

    Ravioli are stuffed pasta pillows that can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as cheese, meats, or vegetables. They are often served with simple sauces that complement their rich fillings, like sage butter or marinara.

    Homemade or store-bought, ravioli add a touch of elegance to any meal. The filling possibilities are endless, allowing for creativity in the kitchen. Ravioli can transform a simple dinner into a gourmet experience.

    Read more: Does Frozen Ravioli Or Tortellini Go Bad?

    10. Rotelle

    Rotelle, or wagon wheel pasta, is a playful, circular pasta that kids and adults love. Its shape holds sauces well and adds a fun twist to traditional pasta dishes. Rotelle is perfect for hearty sauces and pasta salads.

    This pasta’s unique design makes it a great choice for soups and stews, where it can catch bits of meat and vegetables. Rotelle brings a touch of whimsy to any meal, making it both delicious and visually appealing.

    11. Macaroni

    Macaroni, the classic elbow-shaped pasta, is a staple in many kitchens. It's the star of the beloved dish mac and cheese, where its small, curved shape holds onto the creamy, cheesy sauce perfectly.

    Macaroni is also great in pasta salads and casseroles. Its small size and shape make it versatile and easy to incorporate into a variety of dishes. This humble pasta can elevate simple recipes into comforting, delicious meals.

    Read more: How Long To Cook Pasta In Instant Pot?

    12. Cavatappi

    Cavatappi, also known as corkscrew pasta, has a spiral shape that’s perfect for holding onto sauces. Its ridges and twists make it ideal for both creamy and chunky sauces. Cavatappi is a versatile pasta that can be used in many different dishes.

    This pasta works well in baked dishes and pasta salads, maintaining its shape and texture. Cavatappi’s unique shape adds a fun twist to your meals, making them more interesting and enjoyable.

    See this Cavatappi Pack on Amazon.

    13. Lasagna

    Lasagna noodles are wide, flat sheets that are perfect for layering with rich sauces, cheeses, and meats. They are the foundation of the classic Italian dish, lasagna, where their large surface area and sturdy texture hold up well to baking.

    Lasagna noodles can also be used in creative ways, such as rolled up with fillings or cut into pieces for soups. Their versatility and ability to absorb flavors make them a valuable addition to any pasta repertoire.

    Read more: 13 Types of Lasagna

    14. Stelline

    Stelline, meaning "little stars" in Italian, are tiny, star-shaped pasta that are perfect for soups and broths. Their small size makes them cook quickly and evenly, adding a delightful texture to light soups.

    Stelline is often used in Italian wedding soup and other clear broths, where their delicate shape complements the other ingredients. This charming pasta can elevate simple soups, making them more comforting and visually appealing.

    In Closing

    Exploring different types of pasta can significantly elevate your cooking game, adding variety and excitement to your meals.

    From the playful shapes of rotelle and farfalle to the rich, hearty satisfaction of rigatoni and ravioli, each pasta type brings its unique texture and flavor to the table.

    Whether you're preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a lavish weekend feast, incorporating these diverse pasta shapes into your repertoire will ensure that every meal is a culinary delight.

    So, the next time you’re planning a pasta dish, consider trying one of these varieties to make your meal truly special.

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