We all know that pasta comes in lots of shapes and sizes. But did you know that each kind is designed for a particular sort of dish? Here’s a guide to some of the most prominent kinds of pasta and which dishes they are best suited for.
Farfalle
This butterfly-shaped pasta is best with buttery tomato and cheese dishes. The large surface area holds the sauce delicately in place and lightly holds the flavor.
Linguine
This long, flat noodle shapes pasta is traditionally used with rich creamy sauces and seafood dishes. Usually considered more on the luxurious side, the sauces cling to the tightly wound linguine so that every mouthful is bursting with flavor.
Penne
This popular tube-shaped pasta is designed for dishes with thick sauces that sit within the tubes. This way, each piece of penne holds a delicious combination of all the dish’s flavors. It can be used with both thick creamy sauces and cheesy tomato ones.
Ravioli
Ravioli is another of the more luxuriant pasta shapes. It is a little parcel that can be filled with a wide variety of filling. Mushroom, tomato, cheese, and basil are popular options. It is usually the centerpiece of the dish, but can also be served in soups or salads.
