Pasta comes in many different shapes and sizes. In fact, there are approximately 350 different types of pasta around the world. These noodles can be organized into several different groups including long pasta (spaghetti, fettucine), tubes (penne), stuffed (tortellini, ravioli) and more! The meu at Li'l Rizzo's has a variety of different types of pasta.
Why All These Shapes and Sizes?
Chefs use different shapes and sizes of pasta for different purposes because certain shapes hold different sauces better than others. Thin pasta, such as angel hair works better with thin oil-based sauce, while thicker sauces work better with thicker, heavier pastas. Flat pastas pair well with cream sauces, while tomato-based sauces seem to cling better to round pastas. What's your favorite shape of pasta?
Popular Pasta Shapes
Alphabet Pasta - This pasta shape is a favorite among the children and can make any meal fun!
Capelli d'angelo - More commonly known as angel's hair, this very thin, long -cut pasta is sutiable for clear soups or oil-based sauces and is a very popular shape all over the world.
Cavatappi - Also known as "Corkscrew" pasta, locks-in the flavor with it's tight spirals. The shape pairs well with both simple and sophisticated sauces, while also great for pasta salads.
Cavatelli - This pasta resembles tiny hot dog buns. They are commonly served with thick, chunky sauces or in pasta salads.
Conchiglie - More commonly known as "Shells," this pasta makes a great addition to soups or as the base of a salad. These can also be used in place of macaroni when making macaroni and cheese. Larger shells are best when stuffed with a cheese mixture, meat and vegetables.
Egg Noodles - These types of noodles can be baked, tossed in soups or salads, or topped with cream, tomato, cheese or meat sauces. Typically used for stroganoff, these noodles have many great uses.
Elbow Macaroni - Probably one of the most popular pastas becomes another kid favorite when covered in cheese sauce. While commonly used for the traditional dish of macaroni and cheese, this pasta's versatile shape can be topped with any sauce, baked or put in soups, salads and stir-fry dishes.
Farfalle - You've probably heard it referred to as "Bow Ties." This pasta will brighten any meal with it's interesting shape. It is thick enough for a variety of different sauces.
Fettuccine - This long-cut pasta is flat and rectagular in shape. It is most commonly used with a creamy sauce in the ever popular Fettuccine Alfredo dish.
Fusilli - This long, spiral shaped pasta is seen in many pasta salad dishes. It can be topped with any sauce and also bakes well in casseroles.
Lasagna - These noodles have pretty much one purpose to make the casserole named after itself, Lasgna. Lasagna is created by using chopped vegetables, cheeses and any kind of sauce, typically a meat one, and it can be prepared ahead of time to freeze for a later date.
Linguine - This pasta has a great shape that complements a variety of sauces. It is also a good choice for salads and stir-fry dishes.
Manicotti - This type of pasta is most commonly stuffed with a mixture of meat, cheese and vegetables, topped with your favorite sauce and then baked.
Penne - Penne pairs well with virtually every type of sauce, but is exceptional when paired with a chunky sauce. This shape is also great for baking dishes.
Ravioli - This square shaped pasta is also used in a common dish named after itself. They are round pillows of pasta that have a filling consisiting of ingredients such as cheese, meats, vegetable and seasonings. They can be served with a red sauce or with butter, oil or cream. Try the Toasted Ravioli at our Lake of the Ozarks Italian Restaurant!
Rigatoni - The ridges and holes in this pasta make it perfect with any sauce, from cream or cheese to the chunkiest meat sauces.
Rontini - Also a spiral shaped pasta, rotini holds bits of meat, vegetables and cheese, so it works well with any sauce or you can use it in salads, baked casseroles or stir-fry meals.
Ruote - Known by it's "Wagon Wheel" shape, this pasta makes interesting salads or add it to soup.
Spaghetti - America's favorite pasta shape, spaghetti is typically served with a tomato-based sauce and meatballs! Li'l Rizzo's loves to serve it that way! However, it can be used with nearly any type of sauce or it can be used in casseroles or stir-fry dishes.
Tortellini - This ring shaped pasta is typically stuffed with cheese, meat, vegetables or a combinationof hte three. It is commonly served in a broth or cream sauce.
Li'l Rizzo's has a wide variety of pasta shapes and sauces to fit everyone's tastes! Try our Spaghetti and Meatball or Cavatelli con Broccoli, paired with our Li'l Rizzo's "World Famous" House Salad. All of our menu items are made from the freshest quality ingredients and are served in generous portions. Stop by either Li'l Rizzo's location for the BEST Italian Food at the Lake of the Ozarks!
Lake of the Ozarks BEST Italian Foodand Sports Bar!
