From Fettuccine to Fusilli, Discover a Range of Pasta Types Here

When someone mentions the word ‘pasta’, your mind might immediately think of the classic spaghetti. It’s the world’s favourite pasta after all. You enjoy it at family dinners, birthday parties, casual gatherings, holiday meals.

But did you know that there are many pasta types, each with its unique shape, size and texture? Flat sheets, little grains, long noodles and short tubes are found in almost every grocery store. Some have ridges perfect for capturing rich pasta sauces, while others are sturdy enough to handle thick, creamy flavours. 

If this is your first time exploring pasta types, the choices may overwhelm you. Does the type of pasta truly matter in a recipe? Which is the right pasta shape you should buy on your next grocery run?

You probably already know enough pasta types to cook most of your favourite dishes, but trying new pasta names can be a fun way to spice things up. Continue reading below to learn more!

Different Shapes of Pasta: Pasta Types You Should Know

To help you get started, let’s explore some of the most common pasta types, their ideal sauce pairings and recipe inspirations.

Long Pasta

Considered a staple in Italian cuisine, long pasta types are noodles that typically have a cylindrical or flat shape and are usually served with lighter sauces. However, some long types of pasta, like those with ridges or unique textures, can also hold heavier sauces exceptionally well.

Some popular examples of long pasta include:

Linguine

In Italian, linguine means ‘little tongues’. It is a type of long pasta made from durum wheat semolina. It’s known for its flat, narrow shape, similar to fettuccine but thinner. Originating from the Liguria region of Italy, linguine is often paired with the region’s famous flavours like basil pesto and fresh seafood.

To cook linguine, boil a large pot of salted water. Use about five quarts of water with two tablespoons of salt for every pound of pasta. Once the water is boiling, add the whole, unbroken linguine and stir gently until it softens. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Follow the cooking time on the pasta package. 

A good linguine recipe to cook is a plate of tomato & garlic pasta. Use ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes and fragrant garlic for an unforgettable taste. Make sure you use high-quality garlic-flavoured olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh basil to bring out the flavour.

Capellini (Angel Hair)

Often referred to as angel hair pasta in English, capellini is a delicate and slender type of pasta. Its name, derived from the Italian word capelli meaning ‘hair,’ accurately describes its appearance as fine, long strands. This pasta is known for its subtle texture and ability to absorb flavours effortlessly.

Due to its thinness, capellini cooks rapidly, ensuring a perfect al dente texture. You only need to cook it for about three to five minutes. And to make sure the pasta doesn’t clump together, use a large pot of salted water when cooking.

Moreover, this thin pasta complements light, creamy flavours like lemon butter, pesto or Alfredo. Depending on your preference, you can add seafood such as clams, scallops, and shrimp to enhance the taste.

For starters, you can try capellini pasta with tuna and garlic oil sauce. This quick and easy pasta dish combines delicate capellini with flavourful tuna, garlic, capers and red pepper flakes. The result is a satisfying meal that can be ready in just 20 minutes.

Spaghetti

Spaghetti is undoubtedly the most famous pasta. Its long, thin strands are incredibly versatile, making it a perfect base for countless sauces. From rich meat sauces to simple garlic and oil, spaghetti can handle it all. Its elegant shape makes it also a joy to eat.

Its name, derived from the Italian word spago meaning ‘twine,’ perfectly captures its appearance.

Keep in mind that proper cooking is important to achieve the ideal texture—slightly firm with a bite. Use plenty of water to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Make sure that you also salt the water to enhance the taste.

Some spaghetti recipes you can try include:

• Spaghetti Aglio e Olio: A simple yet flavorful combination of garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes and fresh parsley.
• Spaghetti with Tomato and Basil: A classic Italian combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil and garlic.
• Spaghetti Carbonara: A creamy and indulgent dish made with eggs, Parmesan cheese, pancetta and black pepper.

Fettuccine

Known for its flat, ribbon-like shape, fettuccine is a long Italian pasta perfect for creamy sauces like Alfredo and rich meat-based sauces like Bolognese. Its wide shape holds these thick sauces well but might not be ideal for chunky ingredients.

It is made from eggs and flour. It’s one of the oldest pasta types, traditionally rolled out by hand and cut into strips. While it can be made by hand, a pasta machine makes the process easier. The dough is formed with eggs, flour, and sometimes a bit of water, then rolled out to the desired thickness before being cut into fettuccine strips.

To cook fettuccine, boil a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the fettuccine. Fresh fettuccine cooks quickly, usually in just a few minutes. Be sure to taste it to ensure it reaches your desired al dente texture.

Since fettuccine is synonymous with Alfredo sauce, the first recipe you should try is fettuccine Alfredo. You can either prepare the classic Roman version with just butter and Parmesan or the richer American take with cream. Add organic chicken or shrimp to make it a hearty meal. 

If you further want to explore, bacon aglio olio is also worth trying! This flavourful pasta dish combines the salty crunch of bacon with the aromatic power of garlic and chilli flakes.

Vermicelli

Vermicelli is an Italian term that literally means ‘little worms’ due to its thin, worm-like shape. It may not sound appetising, but its delicate strands and subtle flavour profile make it a versatile ingredient in various cuisines. It is a delicious, light alternative to spaghetti.

This pasta type shines in Asian-inspired dishes like stir-fries, noodle soups or cold noodle salads. Its quick cooking time makes it a perfect choice for these recipes.

If you want to prepare a pasta dish, the perfect pasta sauces to pair with vermicelli are pesto, lemon-garlic sauce, Alfredo sauce and vinaigrette.

One of the best recipes you can try is a refreshing vermicelli noodle bowl. It features rice noodles, fresh herbs, cucumber, bean sprouts and grilled shrimp, all tossed in a tangy sweet and sour sauce. Simple yet satisfying, a perfect summer meal.

Tagliatelle

Hailing from the Emilia-Romagna region, tagliatelle is a beloved Italian pasta known for its long, flat ribbons. It’s a staple in many Italian households.

Traditionally made from egg and durum wheat flour, its name literally means ‘little cut pieces’ due to its method of creation. While famously paired with meat sauces like Bolognese, tagliatelle is versatile and can be enjoyed with toppings including mushrooms, truffles or even a simple tomato sauce.

Fortunately, cooking this pasta is simple and straightforward. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and read the package instructions. The exact cooking time will vary depending on whether you’re using fresh or dried pasta. Generally, fresh tagliatelle cooks faster than dried.

You can try cooking a classic tagliatelle bolognese. Here’s a step-by-step instruction to get you started:

1. Brown ground beef and pork over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion, carrot, celery and garlic.
3. Deglaze with red wine.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato puree and milk. Simmer for at least 30 minutes.
5. Cook tagliatelle.
6. Combine pasta with sauce, add cream. Season.
7. Serve with Parmesan cheese.

Another excellent choice is tagliatelle with mushroom cream. This dish is lighter and creamier, perfect for those who prefer a milder flavour profile. It typically involves sautéed mushrooms in a creamy sauce tossed with cooked tagliatelle.

Short Pasta

Short pasta refers to pasta shapes that are, well, short! These bite-sized noodles come in different shapes and sizes, each with its own unique character and best uses.

Take a closer look at different short pasta types:

Penne

Penne, a popular Italian pasta enjoyed worldwide, is named after its pen-like shape. This short, cylindrical pasta with angled ends is incredibly versatile, complementing a wide range of sauces. Penne Rigate, a ridged version, is particularly well-suited for thick, hearty sauces like meat ragu or creamy alfredo. Baked pasta dishes also benefit from the unique shape of penne.

Beyond the classic smooth, angled penne, there are diverse options to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whole wheat penne offers a nutritious twist with its nutty flavour, while tricolour penne adds a visual feast with its mix of plain, spinach and tomato pasta. For those with dietary restrictions looking for gluten-free pasta, gluten-free penne provides a delicious alternative.

To prevent sticking, boil penne in a large pot of heavily salted water. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, meaning tender but still firm to the bite.

Here are a few recipe ideas you can prepare for the next family dinner:

• Penne Alla Vodka: A creamy and rich sauce made with vodka, tomatoes and cream.
• Penne Arrabbiata: A spicy pasta dish with tomatoes, garlic and red pepper flakes.
• Penne Alfredo: A classic creamy sauce made with butter, Parmesan cheese and heavy cream.

Fusilli

Known for having shapes like curly spirals or little springs, Fusilli is best served with rich sauces like meat sauces and heavy cream. The name ‘fusilli’ comes from the Italian word fuso, meaning spindle, a nod to the traditional method of creating this pasta by wrapping dough around a spindle.

When cooking fusilli, cook it directly from the package in a large pot of salted boiling water. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Fresh fusilli cooks quickly (3 to 4 minutes), while dried takes 7-10 minutes. Check the package for exact times. Drain well and toss with sauce immediately for a hot dish, or rinse with cold water for pasta salad.

And since it has a playful shape, it makes the ideal pasta type for different dishes. With fusilli, here are some recipe inspirations:

• Fusilli Carbonara: A hearty Italian dish with pancetta, eggs and Parmesan cheese.
• Fusilli with Pesto: A vibrant and flavorful dish with basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes and pine nuts.
• Baked Fusilli with Spinach and Ricotta: A creamy and cheesy baked pasta dish.

Macaroni

The English term ‘macaroni’ originates from the Italian ‘maccheroni.’ This pasta is known for its curved, hollow tubes, making it ideal for heavy or watery sauces.

One of the most popular macaroni dishes is the mac & cheese—a classic kids snack. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make one:

1. Cook macaroni. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
3. Combine. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
4. Toss. Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce in a large bowl. Serve immediately.

If you want a crispy top, transfer the macaroni and cheese to a greased baking dish and sprinkle with additional cheese. Broil until golden brown.

Conchiglioni

Conchiglioni (big shells in Italian) are large, shell-shaped pasta. They are perfect for stuffing, but they’re also delicious on their own. A simple tomato sauce, topped with plenty of Parmesan cheese and olive oil, turns these large shells into a classic Italian meal.

To prepare conchiglioni with a simple tomato sauce, follow these instructions:

1. Cook conchiglioni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, combine marinara sauce and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Combine pasta and sauce. Add cooked conchiglioni to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
4. Serve! Divide pasta among plates. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Orecchiette

Orecchiette, named for its ear-like shape, is a traditional Puglian pasta made simply from semolina, water and salt. These small, round pasta shells have a slight dome and a thinner centre, creating a unique texture and a perfect vessel for capturing sauces.

It is typically served with simple but flavourful sauces, bringing out the pasta’s deliciousness. Its shape makes it ideal for holding chunky sauces, creamy dressings or even small bits of vegetables or meat.

If you want to try this pasta shape, cook it in a large pot of salted boiling water. Fresh orecchiette cooks quickly, usually within 5 to 7 minutes. Dried orecchiette typically takes 9 to 12 minutes for an al dente texture. Always check the package for specific cooking times. Drain the pasta completely and serve immediately with your chosen sauce.

What’s more, it makes a quick and satisfying Italian meal—an orecchiette with spicy sausage. This dish combines flavourful, crumbled sausages, fresh basil and Parmesan cheese in a zesty tomato sauce, all tossed with tender orecchiette pasta.

Farfalle (Bow Ties)

Dating back to the 1500s, Farfalle (meaning ‘butterflies’ in Italian) is a popular pasta shape resembling bow ties. It is best served with creamy sauces like Alfredo or mushroom, zesty tomato-based dishes and even soups and salads. It pairs well with grilled chicken or steak, and kids love its fun bow-tie shape.

What makes Farfalle ideal for pasta enthusiasts is that it is widely available dried in boxes or bags from major brands. It’s versatile and reasonably priced like other pasta. 

This pasta type is also good for a hearty, meat-free pasta dish. Prepare Farfalle with spinach, mushrooms and caramelised onions that feature a rich Parmesan cream sauce to get the most comforting pasta experience.

Stuffed Pasta

Another pasta type that you can experiment with on your next dishes is the stuffed pasta. It involves filling pasta shapes with a delicious mixture of cheese, meat, vegetables, or a combination of these ingredients.

Here are some of the most popular stuffed pasta names:

Tortellini

Originating from Emilia in Northern Italy, tortellini is a ring-shaped delicacy that has been a beloved treat since the 17th century.

Tortellini is typically filled with ricotta cheese, but modern variations explore a range of savoury options, including cured meats like mortadella and prosciutto. While classically paired with a simple butter and sage sauce, tortellini also shines in creamy sauces or baked in rich meaty marinara.

You can also use this pasta type as a quick and easy alternative to classic chicken noodle soup! Prepare a spinach tortellini soup in just 15 minutes with pantry staples like chicken stock, chopped spinach, garlic, tomatoes, kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Mezzelune

Mezzelune, meaning ‘half-moons’ in Italian, are semi-circular stuffed pasta with roots in the Tyrol region, shared by Italy and Austria. It is traditionally made using white or buckwheat flour, eggs, olive oil and semolina. Common fillings include ricotta cheese, spinach, mushrooms and potatoes.

Depending on the filling, this versatile pasta can be paired with any sauce, similar to ravioli.

To make a mezzelune pasta, here are some traditional dishes you can try:

• Wild mushroom mezzelune in brown butter sauce is a gourmet choice, featuring mezzelune filled with sautéed mushrooms and garlic, elevated by a rich brown butter sauce. 
• For a simpler option, mezzelune in marinara sauce offers a classic combination of creamy spinach and ricotta filling bathed in a fresh tomato sauce. 

Cappelletti

Cappelletti are hat-shaped stuffed pasta from Emilia-Romagna, Italy. A luxurious delicacy since the Middle Ages, these pasta pockets can be made from circular or square dough, but the folding technique remains the same. 

Traditionally served in a meat broth, cappelletti also pairs well with meat sauce, creamy sauces, walnut sauce or a simple browned butter and sage combination.

For a change, try making a plate of cappelletti romagnoli for dinner. Prepare turkey breast, crescenza cheese, grated cheese, pork loin, rosemary, pepper, sage and salt.

1. Prepare the dough: Combine flour, eggs, oil and salt. Knead into a smooth ball. Let it rest.
2. Make the filling: Cook and season turkey and pork. Combine with cheeses and spices.
3. Assemble cappelletti: Roll out dough thinly, cut it into squares. Fill with meat mixture, fold into triangles and seal.
4. Cook and serve: Boil cappelletti until tender. Serve with pork ragout or broth.

Manicotti

Did you know that manicotti is one of the earliest known pasta shapes? It is a large, tubular pasta—often ridged—that’s traditionally stuffed and baked. With its ancient origins, this hearty pasta was once made by rolling rectangular dough into tubes. 

Perfect for rich fillings like meat, cheese or vegetables, manicotti tastes best with robust sauces such as creamy béchamel or vegetable-based options.

Ravioli

Ravioli are square or round pasta pockets filled with cheese, meat or vegetables. They’re made by enclosing filling between two layers of pasta dough and sealing the edges. Ravioli are versatile, pairing well with different sauces, from light butter to rich meat-based options. You can also just top it with just butter and/or oil. 

Originating in Tuscany in the 14th century, ravioli has a rich culinary history.

The good news is, you don’t have to visit an Italian restaurant to enjoy ravioli. A homemade ravioli recipe with pesto-Alfredo sauce and marinara in just an hour or so. Here are some ingredients you might need:

• Flour, eggs, olive oil and salt for dough
• Ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, egg, parsley, salt, pepper and water for filling
• Olive oil, garlic, basil pesto, heavy cream, Parmesan and marinara for sauce

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to travel all the way to Italy to taste authentic pasta flavours. From the classic spaghetti to the hearty penne, the world of pasta can be found in online grocery stores, conveniently delivered right to your doorstep.

Whether you’re a seasoned pasta aficionado or just starting to try new pasta names, experimenting with different pasta types can truly widen your meal options. Remember, the key to a delicious pasta experience lies not only in the choice of pasta but also in the quality of ingredients and the art of cooking.

That’s why Ryan’s Grocery offers a wide range of pasta types, including gluten-free pasta. We also offer a selection of pasta sauces and pantry staples for a truly Italian-inspired meal right at home.

Sign up now, discover your favourite pasta shapes and create unforgettable meals that will have everyone craving for more!

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