Pasta is a beloved food around the world, and it’s no surprise why. With its versatility and ability to be paired with a variety of sauces and ingredients, it’s a go-to dish for many. However, not all pasta is created equal. From the shape and size to the texture and thickness, different types of pasta can drastically change the taste and overall experience of a dish. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular types of pasta and how they’re used in Italian cuisine. Additionally, we’ll discuss where you can find some of the best pasta options in Chicago, specifically at Fresh Farms Market.

• One of the most well-known types of pasta, spaghetti is a long, thin noodle that is often served with tomato-based sauces. Its round shape and smooth texture make it perfect for twirling around a fork, and it’s a staple in many Italian-American households.
• Penne is a tube-shaped pasta that is cut at a diagonal angle, giving it a distinctive shape. It’s often served with thick, hearty sauces, like meat-based ragù, and its ridges help to hold the sauce in place.
• Also known as bowtie pasta, farfalle is a whimsical pasta that adds a playful touch to any dish. Its unique shape makes it perfect for holding onto chunky sauces, like pesto or tomato-based sauces.
• Fusilli is a spiral-shaped pasta that is perfect for holding onto thick, creamy sauces. Its shape and texture make it perfect for cold pasta salads or as a base for a pasta bake.
• Similar to spaghetti, linguine is a long, thin pasta that is perfect for serving with light, delicate sauces, like seafood or garlic and oil. Its flat shape makes it easy to cook, and it pairs well with a variety of ingredients.
• Lasagna is a wide, flat noodle that is often used in baked pasta dishes. Its thickness and wide shape make it perfect for layering with cheese and meat, and it’s a classic dish that everyone loves.
• Rigatoni is a tube-shaped pasta that is larger than penne, and it’s often served with hearty meat sauces or baked into a casserole. Its size and shape make it perfect for holding onto chunky ingredients, and its ridges help to catch and hold onto sauce.
• Cannelloni is a large, cylindrical pasta that is often stuffed with meat or cheese and baked in the oven. Its size and shape make it perfect for stuffing, and it’s a great way to add a twist to classic lasagna or baked pasta dishes.
• Gnocchi is a small, doughy pasta made from potatoes and flour. It has a soft, chewy texture and pairs well with light sauces or hearty stews.
• Tagliatelle is a long, flat noodle that is perfect for serving with thick, creamy sauces or ragù. Its texture and shape make it ideal for holding onto chunky ingredients, and it’s a classic pasta dish that everyone loves.
• Ravioli is a stuffed pasta that comes in various shapes, including square and round. The filling can be made with meat, cheese, or vegetables, and it’s often served with a simple tomato sauce or creamy Alfredo sauce.
• Fettuccine is a long, flat pasta that is perfect for serving with cream-based sauces or hearty ragù. Its width makes it ideal for holding onto chunky ingredients, and its texture allows for a smooth and creamy sauce to coat every strand.
• Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that is often used in soups or salads. Its size and shape make it perfect for mixing with vegetables and dressing for a quick and easy meal.
• Pappardelle is a long, wide pasta that is perfect for serving with hearty meat sauces or stews. Its size and texture make it ideal for holding onto chunky ingredients, and it’s a classic Italian pasta dish.

Pasta is a beloved food for good reason. With so many different shapes and textures to choose from, there’s a pasta for every occasion. Whether you’re serving spaghetti with a classic tomato sauce or making a hearty lasagna, the quality of the pasta you choose can make all the difference.

Fresh Farms Market in Chicago offers a wide variety of fresh pasta options that will take your pasta dishes to the next level. So the next time you’re in the mood for a delicious Italian meal, head to Fresh Farms Market and pick up some high-quality pasta to make your dish truly shine.

Also, make sure to check out Fresh Farms’ weekly specials for exclusive discounts and offers on your favorite products.