The perfect guide to different types of pasta and their uses

Hot or cold, pasta is so versatile. With so many varieties of pasta, from sheet pasta, round pasta, and short pasta, you can make a quick midweek meal or a hearty chicken pasta bake. 
Transform your leftover pasta into a noodle dish (use pasta instead of noodles). Refresh your palate with a juicy pesto pasta salad. 

Looking for a healthy pasta option? Whole grain pasta contains more fibre and has fewer calories, which can help you feel fuller for longer.

So, from Alphabetti to Ziti, let us tell you about all the types of pasta. Read on to find out more:

What are the different types of pasta?

There are different types of Italian pasta for different types of pasta dishes. Just as there are many types of pasta sauces to smother your pasta in. 

There are 5 groups of pasta:

1. Long pasta
2. Short pasta
3. Sheet pasta
4. Filled pasta
5. Dumpling pasta

Which are the best types of pasta? You decide! All pastas have different shapes that complement a range of sauces. So let's dig in!

Long pasta

Long, thin, ribbons or string; these are “spaghetti types” of pasta. There are lots of spaghetti recipes to try. Long pasta is well suited to creamy sauces, though classic tomato and meatballs are a firm favourite.

Angel’s Hair

Much thinner than pasta, it is best with light sauces. Sit down and appreciate a light evening meal of Angel Hair Pasta with lemon and chicken.

Bucatini

Shaped like a straw, the hollow centre holds sauce, so each bite is more flavoursome than the previous. Great with heavier sauces like bucatini all'amatriciana and soups. 

Fettuccine

A flat ribbon shaped pasta. Try shrimp fettuccine and enjoy the smooth and creamy sauce.

Short Pasta

Short pasta, with its dips and curves, captures sauces well, making every mouthful delicious. To enjoy this, a simple yet spicy penne al arrabiata is an easy weeknight dish. Sip on sweet lemonade to cool your mouth. Then finish your meal with a refreshing affogato.

Campanelle

Campanelle is shaped like bluebells with a ruffled edge. Its hollow shape holds sauce well and can be used to make macaroni cheese.

Casarecce

Shaped like a rolled piece of paper, it holds sauce well. This easy tuna mornay casserole is great served with Caesar salad.

Sheet pasta

A rectangular or square flat sheet of pasta that is used as layers in pasta dishes. Sometimes the edges are straight or ruffled. You could be adventurous and make them in your own style at home!

Lasagne

Alternating sheets of lasagne and sauce are used to make the meal lasagne. You can use fresh lasagne sheets as they won't need to be cooked beforehand.

Filled pasta

Filled pasta can be stuffed with cheese, vegetables or meat. Pasta is folded into special shapes and sealed. Serve filled pasta with garlic bread and sautéed broccolini, followed by an Italian negroni cocktail. You will want to make every day a pasta day after such a meal!

Tortellini

A small ring shaped pasta that is often stuffed with meat or cheese. You can make your own homemade tortellini recipe and serve it with a classic banoffee pie for a sweet dessert.

Ravioli

Shaped like a stamp ravioli comes in large and small sizes. Usually served with a sauce or in a soup. 

Manicotti

These are jumbo pasta tubes that are filled and baked. For a hearty meal, they are best with rich sauces like béchamel and bolognaise.

Dumpling pasta

A simple pasta in the shape of a lump. Potato, flour, and eggs are combined to create these small rolled shapes.

Gnocchi

Gnocchi are small soft rounded pasta balls that are made with potato. Sometimes semolina or breadcrumbs are added to bring variety to the taste. Crispy vegetables served with pillowy gnocchi make a traditional Gnocchi Primavera.

Enjoy more of these pasta recipes

• Ziti timballo
• Slow Cooker Pork and Eggplant Pasta Sauce
• Cannelloni straight-up
• Easy gnocchi with asparagus, peas and lemon
• Beef Ravioli with Thyme Burnt Butter and Bacon