The More You Know: Origin Stories of Your Favorite Pasta Shapes

When you think of pasta Italy immediately comes to mind, when history tells us that China had been producing noodles for thousands of years. However, it was indeed the Italians that defined the culture of pasta by reshaping it, flavouring it, and stuffing it. 

If you have ever been to an authentic Italian restaurant or walked down the pasta aisle of your grocery store, you will notice the dozens of pasta shapes.

It is the shape of the noddle that has a rich and fun origin.

Read on to find out the story of your favourite meals. 

TAGLIATELLE

Legend has it that this half-inch wide strip pasta was created out of love and fascination. In 1487, Maestro Zafirano, the cook at the wedding of the Duke of Ferrara admired the bride's blonde locks. He decided to cut the pasta thicker than fettuccine, yet thinner than pappardelle, replicating her hair.

LINGUINE

One of the most classic pasta types, linguine, literally translates to "little tongues." This might be due to their ability to soak up thick rich sauces like seafood and vegetable varieties like pesto. The flattened narrow spaghetti is believed to come from Genova, the capital of the Northeast and Mediterranean Liguria region known for its seafood. 

RIGATONI

Certain types of pasta shapes are made for a reason. Rigatoni, meaning a "straight line" and "to make fluting", is perfect for holding meaty and cheesy thick sauces. Their ridged hollow tubes are wider than penne pasta resembling their grand Roman origins. 

GEMELLI

This double helix noodle has one of those pasta shape names that makes perfect sense. Gemelli means "twin" since the pasta looks like two noodles have intertwined to form one. 

TORTELLI

Some different pasta shapes on our menu come with surprises inside. Tortelli is a tiny stuffed pasta that is smaller than ravioli. There is a myth that an innkeeper in the small village of Castelfranco Emilia invented the pasta. Apparently, the goddess Venus stopped by for a stay and undressed in her room. The innkeeper spotted her navel and decided to dedicate a new pasta to it. 

REGINETTE

You may not have heard of some pasta shapes and names as they are known by various names. Reginette also goes by mafalda or mafaldine, meaning little queens. Mafalda was actual royalty, a princess who married the German Prince of Hesse. The pasta was named or renamed after her.

However, the story of Malfada ended tragically. Her husband joined the Nazi regime, which Malfada despised. This led to her eventual arrest and detainment where she eventually died. 

Exploring Pasta Shapes

Having a variety of pasta shapes for your meals makes them exciting, fun, and flavorful. That is why the Italians invented so many. Each pasta goes with a specific kind of dish. 

Try each of our pasta dishes to explore all the flavours of Italian. Make a reservation today.