This additive has been banned from cosmetics, but not from food
These small pieces of pasta are a nice addition to soup. Though you can also mix it with egg and cheese.
Ziti is the perfect pasta for baking. Add a tomato-based sauce and cheese for a gooey goodness casserole.
This pasta works great with beef or chicken ragù. Fettuccine Alfredo (or fettuccine al burro) with butter and cheese is also a popular dish.
This type of pasta goes well with meat-rich sauces. Rigatoni works great with sausages and meatballs.
This popular tube-shaped pasta is extremely versatile. Try it all'arrabbiata—a delicious, spicy sauce made from tomatoes, garlic, chili peppers, and olive oil.
The little wheels are the perfect addition to a fresh salad. Add onions, peppers, cucumbers, and other veggies, and toss it with a nice extra-virgin olive oil.
Tagliatelle works best with rich sauces. Think a nice cream-based sauce with zucchini, pancetta, and mushrooms. Or a rich tomato sauce with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
Pasta that resembles small ears sounds fun, right? Toss it with greens such as spinach.
Cannelloni's big brothers can be stuffed with a variety of fillings. Ricotta and spinach is a popular combo.
This traditional egg-based flat noodle goes well with hearty ragù sauces, meats, and mushrooms.
Who doesn't love gooey and delicious mac and cheese?
See also: Pizza, pasta, and other common Italian stereotypes.
This pasta-lovers' favorite can be cooked with a traditional bolognese sauce.
It's easy to see why farfalle is sometimes called "bow tie pasta." It goes particularly well with cream-based sauces and salads.
But you can fill it with other ingredients. Spinach and ricotta is also a popular combo.
Shaped like little shells, they're perfect to trap the sauce flavor in their center. Try them with tomato, cream, or cheese-base sauces.
From clams to prawns, this sort of flattened spaghetti pairs perfectly with seafood.
But spinach and ricotta also works really well with cannelloni. Experiment with different fillings, pop it in the oven, and enjoy!
This classic tube-shaped pasta is perfect for filling with thick, rich sauces. Bolognese is a popular choice.
This thin pasta goes well with light sauces, or simply tossed with olive oil.
These little thimbles work amazingly with soups. Try it in a thick minestrone soup.
Though slightly different, they both resemble small twisted springs. They're very versatile and can be paired with tomato or cream-based sauces.
Ravioli can be made or bought with different fillings. Sometimes a simple tomato sauce and a touch of Parmesan cheese on top is enough.
Cavatelli resembles tiny hot dog buns. Add a light tomato-based sauce, or sauté it with garlic.
Similar to ravioli, these are filled bits of pasta. Meat, Parmesan cheese, egg, and nutmeg make for a delicious filling.
Bucatini is a type of thick spaghetti with a hole running through the middle. You can use it instead of regular spaghetti to trap a bit more flavor inside!
We all know this classic pasta. Spaghetti alla Bolognese, carbonara, and puttanesca are just a few favorites.
This is a traditional pasta from Sardinia. You can cook it with sausage and saffron, seafood, or mix it with asparagus and gorgonzola cheese.
This type of ribbon-shaped pasta goes well with shrimps, vegetables, and a light sauce.
Not many of us can resist pasta. Extremely versatile, pasta can be paired with a variety of sauces and ingredients. This staple of Italian cuisine has crossed borders and is one of the most popular foods around the world.
There are many types of pasta to choose from, and each has its particular characteristics. Some work better with light sauces, while others beg for thick, rich sauces. Browse through the following gallery, get inspired, and impress your friends and family with your pasta knowledge!
Try these 25+ recipes for pasta
Today is World Pasta Day
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Not many of us can resist pasta. Extremely versatile, pasta can be paired with a variety of sauces and ingredients. This staple of Italian cuisine has crossed borders and is one of the most popular foods around the world.
There are many types of pasta to choose from, and each has its particular characteristics. Some work better with light sauces, while others beg for thick, rich sauces. Browse through the following gallery, get inspired, and impress your friends and family with your pasta knowledge!