Whether you’re at the grocery store or looking at a menu in a restaurant, you’ve noticed there are many different pasta shapes out there. There are long types of pasta, like spaghetti, linguini, and tagliatelle; shorter types, like farfalle, penne, and fusilli; and of course, there are types of pasta that are completely different, like tortellini and gnocchi. In many cases, these types of pasta are made from the same ingredient, so what’s the point of making so many different shapes and sizes?
Even if you’ve never put much thought into it, you probably have a favorite pasta shape and choose certain types of certain dishes. Still, you might be wondering what the reason for all these different pasta shapes is.
Pasta Shapes for Different Sauces
One of the main reasons there are so many types of pasta that have been created over the years is so they’ll pair just right with a range of different sauces. Different types of pasta are better suited for certain sauces, so what shape you choose does have an impact on how enjoyable your meal will be.
Thicker types of pasta tend to go with thicker sauces, like cheese and cream sauces, while thinner pasta pairs well with thinner sauces, like olive oil-based sauces. If you’re having a chunky sauce, like one with pieces of meat or vegetables, a short, chunky pasta shape is likely to be the best type of pasta to use. While we often associate pasta with sauces, many smaller types are made to be ideal for soup. Pasta has been made for centuries, so there’s been a lot of work that’s gone into creating pasta that pairs perfectly with different sauces.
Pasta Shapes for Certain Dishes
Even when you know that there are certain types of pasta that are best eaten with certain sauces, there’s still a lot to choose from. However, some types of pasta aren’t as versatile. Dishes like lasagna, ravioli, and stuffed shells all call for specific types of pasta. In cases like this, the dish is dependent on very specific types of pasta.
Pasta Shapes Have Developed Over Time
There are over 600 shapes of pasta today, but it hasn’t always been that way. Many of us think of pasta as being an easy meal to throw together at home, but it’s much more artful than that. Consider hundreds of years ago, when all pasta was made by hand without the tools we have available now. Because of this, many of the shapes you can easily find today would have been extremely difficult to make. Pasta shapes likely started out being very simple, such as gnocchi or spaghetti. As more advanced tools and machinery came out, more intricate shapes could be created.
Try Delicious Italian Food at Grico’s South
Sure, some pasta shapes might just be for fun, but there’s nothing wrong with making food into something special that you’ll look forward to. At Grico’s South, we know pasta is a go-to dinner for many. We offer various pasta dishes on our menu, such as penne vodka and shrimp scampi, that any pasta-lover will enjoy. If you’re looking for a restaurant in Nanticoke that serves delicious, classic cuisine, Grico’s South has everything you’re looking for.
Make reservations to dine with us today!