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The Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Varieties of Pasta Noodles Available Today

Pasta has long been a beloved dish by many, including the people of Vietnam. With over 350 types of pasta available globally, it's a culinary delight that offers a world of variety. In this article, we'll be exploring the different types of pasta shapes and sizes, a true treat for all pasta enthusiasts out there!

Administrator

22 July, 2024

You may not know this, but pasta, as it is commonly known, did not originate in Italy. Its roots can be traced back to the East. According to culinary historians, the origins of pasta lie with the Arabs, who brought it to the island of Sicily in the 9th century. From there, it gradually spread from the south to the north of Italy and became an integral part of Italian cuisine.

Italians classify pasta according to its shape, size, and ingredients. Each type has its own unique recipe or specific purpose. With so many varieties, even a native Italian might struggle to identify and categorize them all.

When pasta was introduced to Vietnam, it quickly gained popularity and became a beloved dish. In this article, Bach Hoa Xanh will help you distinguish the different types of pasta. Let’s explore some of the most delicious and well-known pasta varieties!

1. Spaghetti

Spaghetti

Spaghetti is a type of pasta with thin, round strands made from Semolina flour and water. It is arguably the most famous and widely-known pasta in the world, often referred to as the “Queen of Italian Cuisine.” The key to its distinctiveness lies in Semolina, a flour made from the hardest type of wheat, which gives it an amber color.

Spaghetti is typically paired with tomato-based sauces, such as marinara or Bolognese, or it can be served with pesto, a sauce made from basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil. It is also delicious when paired with garlic, olive oil, and tuna. Spaghetti is one of the most well-known pasta varieties in Vietnam.

2. Rotell

Rotell

Rotell pasta has a unique and impressive shape, resembling small wheels with a central axis. Its shape has earned it the nickname “ox-cart wheel pasta.” Due to its sturdy structure, Rotell pairs well with thick, dense sauces. However, it is best avoided with sauces that have large chunks of meat, as they can compromise the shape of the pasta. Rotell salad is a must-try—the sweet and sour tang of balsamic vinegar combined with the chewy texture of the pasta creates a delightful sensory experience.

3. Fettuccine

Fettuccine

Fettuccine is a flat pasta, similar in width to Vietnamese pho noodles and resembling the flat rice noodles found in northern Vietnam. Its sturdy structure allows it to pair well with a variety of sauces. Unlike Rotell, Fettuccine can be enjoyed with meat-based sauces without worrying about altering its shape.

4. Pappardelle

Pappardelle

Pappardelle is the “big sibling” of Fettuccine, as it shares a similar structure and shape but is four to five times larger. Pappardelle noodles are soft and supple, although not as firm and sturdy as Fettuccine. Nonetheless, they can be enjoyed with dense, meaty sauces.

5. Pastina

Pastina

In contrast to Pappardelle, Pastina is likely the smallest member of the pasta family, with a size of only a few millimeters. Due to its tiny size, Pastina is best suited for light sauces such as broth or a small amount of melted butter, perhaps with some grated cheese on the side. Pastina can also be cooked in soup.

6. Angel Hair

Angel Hair

Angel Hair, also known as “hair of an angel,” evokes a sense of softness and femininity. These long, thin, and delicate strands pair well with light sauces that are not too dense or meaty. Italians often enjoy Angel Hair with butter or light cream sauces.

7. Conchiglie

Conchiglie

Conchiglie, meaning “sea shell” in Italian, is aptly named for its shell-like shape. This “shell pasta” is commonly paired with cheese or tomato sauces, as well as creamy sauces. Mixing the pasta with the sauce allows the flavors to permeate the shells, enhancing the taste and texture of the dish.

8. Farfalle

Farfalle

Farfalle, also known as “butterfly pasta,” resembles butterflies in flight. Its sturdy structure and shape make it ideal for stir-frying with vegetables and pair well with various sauces.

9. Orecchiette

Orecchiette

Orecchiette means “little ears” in Italian, and its shape certainly lives up to its name. Orecchiette is commonly found in soups, paired with broccoli and sausage. This pasta takes longer to cook due to its thicker structure, and it goes well with sauces that have a lot of liquid.

10. Lasagna

Lasagna has a distinctive shape resembling flat, wide ribbons with frilled edges. This type of pasta has gradually made its way into Western restaurants in Vietnam. Lasagna has a unique recipe, consisting of multiple layers alternating with meat and sauce, topped with a layer of cheese and baked in the oven.

11. Fusilli

Also known as “screw pasta” or “spiral pasta,” Fusilli is a thick variety that goes well with various sauces, especially those containing meat. Its unique spiral shape allows it to hold meat and sauce within its twists, making it a flavorful and appealing dish.

Fusilli

12. Linguine

Linguine is similar to spaghetti but with a flat, elongated shape instead of round strands. It pairs well with seafood and clam broth. It also goes beautifully with Arrabiatta sauce, made from tomatoes, chili peppers, garlic, and olive oil.

Linguine

13. Penne

Penne has a tubular shape with diagonally cut ends. It comes in various flavors, with egg being the most popular, followed by spinach and beetroot. Penne is simple to prepare and enjoy—just drizzle some olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of pepper, and it’s ready to be savored.

Penne

14. Cannelloni

Cannelloni has a large tubular shape and can be filled with various fillings. Try it with ricotta cheese and spinach, topped with a touch of tomato sauce.

Cannelloni

15. Tagliatelle

Tagliatelle has a similar shape to Fettuccine but is longer and flatter. To enjoy this variety, pair it with a dense meat sauce like Bolognese.

Tagliatelle

16. Tortellini

Tortellini is a delightful pasta known for its versatility in both flavor and filling. It has a round shape and is typically filled with meat, cheese, or a combination of both. Tortellini is delicious when served in broth or paired with butter and oil-based sauces.

Tortellini

These are some of the most famous and beloved pasta varieties around the world. With over 300 types of pasta in the Italian repertoire, it is a daunting task to explore them all. Bach Hoa Xanh has curated and introduced you to the most delicious and readily available pasta varieties in Vietnam. Gather your friends and embark on a culinary journey to discover these delightful dishes! Additionally, you can explore products like Acecook, Vifon, and more for quality and healthy options.

Frequently asked questions

Pasta is a staple food of Italian cuisine and is made from a mixture of flour, eggs, and water. It is a type of noodle that comes in a variety of shapes and sizes.

There are over 300 unique types of pasta in the world. Some common categories include long pasta (such as spaghetti), short pasta (such as penne), stuffed pasta (such as tortellini), and sheet pasta (such as lasagne).

Each shape of pasta is designed to pair with a specific type of sauce or ingredient. For example, long, thin pasta like spaghetti is perfect for clinging onto thin, oily sauces, while shorter, tubular shapes like penne work well with thicker, chunkier sauces.

The general rule for cooking pasta is to use a large pot with abundant, boiling water. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking together, and cook according to the package instructions for ‘al dente’ pasta – firm to the bite but not hard.

Yes, cooked pasta can be frozen for up to 2 months. It’s best to undercook it slightly if you plan to freeze it, as it will continue to cook and soften as it freezes and thaws.