Pasta is a popular menu option. Diners of all ages enjoy many varieties of the carb-filled meal. Whether it is served as an entrée, as a side, or served hot with sauce or cold in a salad, there are no shortages of meal varieties. Below are some popular pasta shape options to make at home or to order at your favorite restaurant.

7 Pasta Options to Consider

1. Angel Hair

Thin and long, angel hair is very fine and cooks quickly. Because of its delicate texture, it is best with lighter sauces, like a fresh tomato or tossed in a broth. Some restaurants may offer it with a little butter and oil, making the pasta the star of the dish.

2. Penne

Penne is a versatile pasta that can be cooked al dente with sauce or served cold in pasta salads. They are typically about two inches long and designed to look like a quill. Each end of the tube shape is cut diagonally. Because of the ridges on the surface, penne holds sauces like vodka or a simple marinara well. 

3. Farfalle

Farfalle means butterfly in Italian, which is the shape that this pasta resembles. Some also refer to these as bowties and include them in everything from pasta salads to soups. Farfalle also works well in hearty dishes that feature meat and vegetables.

4. Shells

There are a few different size shells that can be used in a variety of delectable dishes. Small to medium sizes work with broths, sauces, and vegetables like peas. They also pair well with meat sauces. Larger shells can be stuffed with ricotta and baked.

5. Linguine

Linguine means little tongues, which is the perfect description of these long, flat, and narrow noodles. Linguine is a popular pasta with seafood, especially clams, as well as in a fresh pesto sauce.

6. Spaghetti

Spaghetti is probably one of the most popular choices, and the long and rounded strands can work with nearly every type of sauce. You can toss the pasta with meatballs for a hearty lunch or dinner.

7. Rigatoni

Rigatoni is a medium-sized tube with a ridge surface. This pasta’s hollow shape makes it an efficient vessel for meat sauces, but many people know it best in baked ziti- with ridge edges. This dish has a few variations based on regional and familial tastes, but it typically involves ziti baked with marinara, cheese, and sometimes chopped meat or small meatballs.

For a delicious plate of fresh pasta, head over to Paul’s Pasta Shop in Groton, CT. Serving Southeastern Connecticut, including Mystic, New London, Lyme, Old Lyme, Stonington, East Lyme, and Waterford, this shop offers freshly prepared pasta that is made from scratch, even for their daily specials. Whether you stop into the restaurant for a late lunch in the afternoon or you want a hearty meal for dinner, their friendly staff can help you select the perfect dish for your palate. They also offer catering for events. Call (860) 445-5276 to find out more or stop by their website to view their menu.