Pasta is a beloved staple of Italian cuisine. You can find it in many forms, made with different sauces, toppings, and cooking methods. Even if you’re a big pasta fan, you might not be familiar with the traditional preparations of your favorite dishes. The guide below includes a few facts about some of the most popular types of pasta.

5 Popular Cuts of Pasta

1. Spaghetti

Perhaps one of the most common types of pasta ordered at Italian restaurants, spaghetti is often served with tomato and meat sauce. In Italy, this is called the spaghetti Bolognese.

These noodles are long, thin, and cylindrical. Most families cook with dried spaghetti at home. Fresh spaghetti can be made by hand, with a rolling pin and knife, or using a pasta machine.

2. Fettuccine

Long, flat, and on the thicker side, fettuccine is great for holding meats and creamy sauces. It is most popularly served as fettuccine Alfredo, which typically includes chicken, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Veggie versions, including the addition of broccoli, are also common.

3. Ravioli

Closely resembling dumplings, ravioli are made by sealing a filling between two thin layers of pasta dough. This pillowy noddle can be either round or squared.

Although meat and cheese fillings are popular in the United States, traditional Italian recipes often call for ricotta cheese and spinach. They are paired with many different toppings, including olive oil and creamy mushroom sauces.

4. Linguine

Thicker than spaghetti but narrower than fettuccine, linguine is a long and flat noodle. In authentic Italian cuisine, it’s often served with pesto, a basil-based sauce created in Italy. It’s also typically served with seafood, garlic, and fish sauces.

5. Lasagna

Lasagna is a term that refers to both a wide, flat noodle sheet and a variety of casserole-like dishes. This comfort dish consists of alternating layers of noodle sheets, tomato sauce, ground meats, vegetables, and cheeses. It is baked in the oven, cut evenly, and served in squares or rolls.

For delicious pasta dishes that are sure to satisfy you, come to The Pizza Haven. Since 1969, this restaurant has been serving mouthwatering Italian cuisine in Rhinelander, WI. Whether you’re craving a piping hot specialty pizza, seafood, or pasta, everything on their menu is made from scratch using fresh ingredients. Browse their tantalizing options online. To make a reservation or order carryout, call (715) 362-5942.