When it comes to pasta, the variety of shapes available opens up a world of delicious pairing possibilities. While there’s no definitive rule for which pasta goes with which sauce, here are some smart suggestions for matching your favorite Finest Reserve pasta with the right sauces.
Long, Flat Pasta – Linguine
The ribbon-like shape of linguine is versatile and pairs well with a wide range of sauces. From lighter pairings to rich meat sauces, linguine can handle it all. It works wonderfully with creamy sauces like Finest Reserve’s Classic Alfredo or Basil Alfredo and is the perfect pasta option for this delicious Linguine Alla Nerano recipe from Finest Reserve.
Try the Linguine Alla Nerano recipe!
Long, Thin Pasta – Spaghetti and Angel Hair
These delicate strands are ideal for smooth sauces that cling beautifully. Tomato-based sauces, especially those infused with herbs, twirl effortlessly around your fork. Thin varieties also complement broth-based soups, while thicker strands hold up well against heartier sauces, such as the rich Tomato & Italian Basil sauce from Finest Reserve.
Fancy-Shaped Pasta – Casarecce
Casarecce’s open-fringed shape is ideal for rich sauces, or creamy tomato sauces like vodka sauce or Finest Reserve’s Tomato & Ricotta Sauce. This elegant pasta shape adds a touch of sophistication to any dish.
Check out this delicious recipe for Sicilian Casarecce alla Norma!
Spiral or Twist Pasta – Fusilli
Fusilli is perfect for both simple and sophisticated sauces. Its spiral shape is often featured in pasta salads, where it holds onto oil-based dressings or complements the fresh flavors of Finest Reserve’s Sundried Tomato Basil Pesto and Italian Basil Pesto. The grooves of fusilli are excellent for capturing vegetables, herbs, and spices.
Hollow-Center Pasta – Penne and Rigatoni
These robust pasta shapes are designed to hold up against full-flavored sauces. Their hollow centers make them perfect for chunky meat sauces or those with vegetables, such as peas or capers. The ridges of rigatoni and the angular-cut ends of penne create an appealing texture, making them a great choice for cold pasta salads as well.
Make this Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Burrata for dinner tonight!
Miniature Pasta – Orzo
Orzo, with its delicate and compact shape, is perfect for soups and broth dishes. These tiny pasta pieces are just the right size for scooping onto a spoon, adding a satisfying bite to your favorite warm bowls.
Enjoy this recipe for One-Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Artichoke Orzo!
Experimenting with different pasta shapes and sauces can elevate your meals to new heights. By pairing your Finest Reserve pasta thoughtfully with the perfect sauce, you can create a deliciously satisfying dining experience. Enjoy discovering your own perfect pasta pairings!
Try these delicious pasta recipes!
Penne alla Vodka Pizzettes
Linguine alla Nerano
Baked Spasagna
Salmon Pesto Carbonara
Sicilian Casarecce alla Norma
