The perfect pairing of pasta and sauce at your favorite Italian restaurant is what memorable evenings are made of. If you are relatively new to the world of Italian cuisine, use the following guide from The Pizza Haven to discover which pastas go best with each tasty topping. This Rhinelander, WI-based Italian restaurant specializes in delicious homemade pizza and Italian fare that has kept customers coming back for years.

Increase your knowledge of authentic pasta and sauce pairings today.

Small, Short, & Long Tube Pasta

Small tube pastas such as macaroni and ditalini are at their best when smothered in creamy sauces. While these pastas get lost in meaty toppings, they are ideal for baked dishes. Long tube options such as perciatelli are perfect for looser sauces because there is more pasta to work with. Short tube versions such as penne and rigatoni are arguably the most versatile options, as they work with creamy, red, meaty, or vegetable-based sauces. The ridges and edges of these pieces provide the perfect amount of traction for almost any condiment.

Thin & Flat Long Noodles

Spaghetti and angel hair are among the thin, long noodles that belong to the light sauces of the world, such as garlic and olive oil or tomato. Light ingredients coat each noodle, whereas a meat-based pasta would result in weighty clumps on your fork. Ribbon-like members of the pasta family—such as linguine and fettuccine—are perfect for thick, rich cream sauces because they feature plenty of surface area. Thinner versions are conducive to basic cream sauces, such as alfredo, while meaty options are ideal for thicker ribbon pastas.

Find your favorite pasta and sauce combination at The Pizza Haven tonight. This premier Italian restaurant and banquet hall offers the best in Italian cuisine as well as a festive party space. Call (715) 362-5942 to make a reservation or review the menu on the website. Like the Italian restaurant on Facebook for more tips.