With over 300 types of pasta that are made in Italy, there are a lot of pasta names to remember. Some names are fairly easy, like penne pasta. Their shape resemble the tips of fountain pens. Others are more of a mouthful like pappardelle. Let’s find out, what’s in a (pasta) name?
Once you start your delicious pasta research, you’ll find that every pasta shape has an origin story. Besides types of pasta that have been around since the time of the Etruscans, there are also pasta types which are fanciful ideas recently brought to life by talented chefs.
Scorzette al limone is a type of pasta that resembles the shape of lemon peel and even has a hint of lemon flavor. Orecchiette translates to little ears. This small, dome shaped pasta has its origins in the Apulia region of southern Italy. Pici pasta has a long, thick spaghetti shape and dates back to the Etruscan age. Additionally, pici pasta is fun to say three times fast!
Moving down the alphabet, there are Scialatielli and Sedanini. Sedanini means little celery, which is what they resemble. Then representing the letter T, there are Tagliatelle, Tagliatelline, and Trofie! The delicious list goes on and on for us to discover and enjoy.
What is your favorite pasta shape?
