Smaller pasta shapes, interchangeably called “macaroni,” fall within the 1- to 2-inch range. They’re best served with thick, chunky sauces or baked into creamy casseroles. Their sturdy shapes also hold up well in pasta salads, though the smallest of the small are best in soups.

There are many different varieties of pasta. [1] . They are usually sorted by size, being long (pasta lunga), short (pasta corta), stuffed (ripiena), cooked in broth (pastina), stretched (strascinati) or in dumpling-like form (gnocchi/gnocchetti).

Dec 18, 2022 · Italian pasta names generally end in “ini, elli, illi, etti, ine, and elle which all denote “small”. Pastas deemed “large” end in “oni or one”. Here are 51 common types of pasta (click the links below to jump around this guide, or scroll to explore all of the varieties)!

May 3, 2022 · When shopping for your Italian dinner menu, you can choose from flat pastas, tube pastas, tiny pastas, and even stuffed pastas. You can also decide between dry pasta (which has a distinct chewy texture) and fresh pasta (which is often softer and quicker to cook).

Feb 24, 2023 · Pastina is a type of small, grain-shaped pasta that is commonly used in soups or as a simple, comforting dish on its own. It is sometimes called "stars" or "stelline" because of its small, star-like shape.

Jan 11, 2023 · Though not all are one-to-one swaps for pastina, all are extremely cute. This pasta shape, which translates to “grains of pepper,” adds a burst of springy, chewy texture to any dish. Although...

Nov 25, 2024 · Discover the best short pasta shapes and how to use them, with photos and recipe ideas for top pasta types from casarecce to ziti.

Feb 22, 2025 · From basic macaroni to the fanciest stuffed agnolotti, you'll find a delicious short pasta shape to complete any dish and delight every diner.

Aug 20, 2024 · From rotini to Gemelli pasta, here's what makes each pasta shape unique and how we like to use them. Whether you're doing your weekly grocery shopping or eating at your favorite Italian restaurant, it's easy to stick to familiar pasta shapes like spaghetti and penne.

Jul 21, 2023 · Orzo may look like rice, but it's actually a small pasta shape resembling grains of barley. This diminutive pasta is often used in soups, salads, and casseroles, adding delightful texture and substance to any dish. Orecchiette, translating to "little ears" in Italian, is a small, round pasta with a slight indentation in the center.