How to choose the best pasta format for every recipe!

Did you know that on average an Italian eats 26 kg of pasta each year? In the US the average is of only 8,8 kg per person!

Maybe because we eat it so often, we refined the art of choosing the right pasta for each sauce. Pasta is the perfect ingredient to create every day a different meal, even while you are staying home, and with the added perks of not spending a fortune!

Are you looking for some inspiration on how to spice up your pasta game? Keep reading to discover our top pasta tips!

 

PASTA CORTA - SHORT PASTA

The AIDEPI - Association of Italian confectionery and pasta industries - counted 300 different formats of pasta! How can one choose the right one for each dish?

We start from “Short” Pasta formats: these are perfect for wintery soups with chickpeas, beans and lentils but also for summery pasta salads to eat cold on the beach or at your outdoor barbecue parties!

Our favorite short pasta formats and recipes are:

FUSILLI - great with a simple fresh cherry tomato sauce and a leaf of basil on top.

PENNE - the go-to format for more spicy sauces like Arrabbiata - Tomato sauce whit a lot of chili pepper.

FARFALLE - perfect for your summer pasta salad or with vegetable sauces like zucchini, peas and pumpkin.

RIGATONI - these make a great “Pasta al Forno” but are also great for Pasta alla Norma with eggplants, fresh tomatoes and ricotta cheese.

 

PASTA LUNGA - LONG PASTA

Spaghetti, Linguine, Cappellini, Tagliatelle...How many types of “long” pasta format can you name? It is not just about looks, each is perfect for a specific recipe!

Two long pasta formats that are always in our pantry are:

SPAGHETTI - A true classic is a good portion of “Spaghetti al pomodoro” with a simple tomato sauce. Try changing things up with whole wheat spaghetti, or if you feel like trying something really new, try the squared spaghetti by La Molisana!

BUCATINI - with Amatriciana sauce or for some amazing “frittata di pasta” - if you have ever been to Naples, you know what we are talking about! ;)

 

PASTA ALL’UOVO  - EGG PASTA

A special mention in this pasta-themed post goes to the rich egg pasta!

This pasta is easy to make at home and delicious when cooked right after, but on BellaItalia you can find it also dried to stock up in your pantry and have it ready when you need it!

Egg pasta is perfect for special occasions and to make every Italian Sunday lunch one to remember!

LASAGNE - We personally love the egg Lasagne, with their rich flavor they help to make this dish really special every time!

PAPPARDELLE - with Ragù, what else? These are perfect to go with a rich Bolognese sauce for a true Italian Sunday lunch.

 

SPECIAL MENTION:

Some traditions never change: while you can get as creative as you wish with your choice of pasta, some recipes are only so with the right format.

Spaghetti aglio, olio e peperoncino - garlic, oil and chilly pepper, Trofie with pesto, Orecchiette alle Cime di rapa - orechiette with broccoli rabe... you can never go wrong with these combinations!

A great debate instead is open about Carbonara: the traditional recipe dictates that it should be made with Spaghetti but some prefer to use Rigatoni. Which is your favorite version?