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Whether it’s the highlight of a rustic recipe with just a handful of ingredients or a feature in a complex baked dish that takes hours to prepare, pasta is one of the most recognizable features of Italian cuisine. However, because it’s available in such a variety of shapes, understanding the differences can be overwhelming. If you’re curious about some of the most popular pasta options, here’s what you need to know.

Common Pasta Types

1. Cavatelli

A small, shell-shaped pasta, cavatelli get their name (which means “little hollows”) from the little indentation in the middle of each one. It’s this space that makes them perfect for thick sauces. The wide surface area also allows for a hearty bite, which pairs well with large pieces of vegetables or meat.

2. Strand Pasta

pastaNo pasta list would be complete without mentioning strand pasta, which encompasses a variety of popular pasta types Characterized by their long, thin strands, this category includes the incredibly popular spaghetti as well as capellini, which is commonly known as “angel hair” pasta. Their long, thin shapes means they’re best served with light sauces that can evenly coat their surface without weighing them down. 

3. Tortellini

Similar to a dumpling, tortellini are a ring-shaped pasta with stuffing inside. The filling can vary depending on the recipe. Sometimes the filling is simply cheese; at other times it’s a complex mixture of meat, cheese, and herbs. Thanks to the stuffing, tortellini can stand on their own in simple sauces or broths. 

4. Ravioli 

Like tortellini, ravioli are another type of stuffed pasta that can be served with basic sauces or broths. Also, they can be filled with any combination of cheese, meat, seafood, and herbs. However, unlike tortellini, they aren’t ring-shaped; instead, they resemble square or semicircular envelopes with crimped edges.

5. Ribbon Pasta

Another signature feature of Italian cuisine, ribbon pasta includes linguine and fettuccine. These varieties are wider and flatter than strand pasta, which makes them the perfect choice for heartier sauces like Alfredo, a sauce made with butter and Parmesan cheese. 

 

 

If you’re eager to taste some of these pastas, stop by Inzillo’s Pizzeria & Restaurant in Jackson, NJ. For nearly 20 years, families throughout Ocean County have flocked to this Italian restaurant. They have a wide variety of homemade pasta specialties, like cavatelli with broccoli and tortellini Alfredo. They also offer customizable pasta dishes. You can preview their menu on their website. If you have any questions, call them today at (732) 370-0310.

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