There are many types of pasta in Italy. But which are the most famous? What is their history and what is the perfect sauce for each? Read on and find out why they were chosen by FiorFiore. We hope you enjoy it and buon appetito!

 

LINGUINE

They resemble flat spaghetti. In other words, while spaghetti is round, these are flat and rectangular.

Ideal with pesto, they are descended from an older type of pasta, bavette, which was the favourite holiday dish of Genovese families in that era. 

TRIVIA

They belong to the same category as bavette and trenette — in Genovese dialect “trena” means “laces”.

THE PERFECT ACCOMPANIMENT

Either fish or pesto.

 

MACARONI

Although the origins of macaroni are uncertain, they are now considered a typical Neapolitan dish that is enjoyed throughout the Italian Peninsula. Along with spaghetti and pizza, they symbolise Italy throughout the world. 

TRIVIA

They represent the simplicity and traditions of Italian working-class home cooking — so much so that they have become the emblem of neorealism, a cinema movement that focused on representing the everyday life of the working class.

THE PERFECT ACCOMPANIMENT

Macaroni can be cooked in almost any manner. The most traditional recipe is oven-baked macaroni.

 

LUMACONI PASTA SHELLS

This type of pasta originated in Italy’s Campania region. They got their name because their shape resembles the shell of a large snail — “lumaca” means snail in Italian. Lumaconi provides a strong flavour with lighter, less full-bodied sauces. Why? Because the sauce slides inside the pasta and explodes in the mouth with each bite.

TRIVIA

They can be stuffed and eaten as a small, tasty finger food.

THE PERFECT ACCOMPANIMENT

Meat sauce with pork and beef, or sausage.