A Taste of Italy: Pasta Guide for Perfect Pairings

August 14, 2024

The art of pasta making is a delicate dance between shape and sauce. Long, slender strands like spaghetti are perfectly suited to light, oil-based dressings, while the ridges of penne or rigatoni are designed to cradle hearty meat or vegetable ragùs. Each shape has a different cut and texture, working better with different types of dishes.

So, which meal pairs with your pasta best? Let’s take a look!

#1 Tonnarelli

Originating from Rome, Tonnarelli is long like spaghetti but square-shaped. Our Tonnarelli Aglio e Olio is a classic example, a simple yet sublime dish featuring garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, and a hint of chili for a spicy finish. This meal is great for anyone craving something light and fresh. Pair with a Pinot Grigio, and you’re in for a delightful summer meal.

#2 Paccheri

The large, shell-like paccheri is a statement piece. Our Paccheri Cacio e Pepe showcases its ability to hold onto rich sauces. A balanced blend of pecorino Romano cheese and freshly cracked black pepper makes this pasta suitable for anyone in the mood for a rich and creamy meal. Pair with our classic Negroni Blanco for some bitterness to cut through the rich sauce.

#3 Pappardelle

Broad and flat, pappardelle is the ideal canvas for hearty sauces. Our Pappardelle al Ragu is a labor of love, a rich, slow-cooked meat sauce that epitomizes the greatness of this pasta shape. This sauce is perfect for those slightly fresh evenings, paired with any robust red wine to really enhance those delicious flavors.

#4 Rigatoni

With its distinctive ridges, rigatoni is a master at capturing flavor. Our Rigatoni alla Norma is an example of this pasta’s potential. It’s another great example of the eggplant, tomato, and ricotta salata combination that is simply a classic. Perfect for those who want something hearty but don’t want meat. Pair with a Café Negroni for some slight bitterness that pairs well with the tomato-based sauce.

#5 Spaghetti

Simple yet endlessly versatile, spaghetti remains a global favorite. Our Spaghetti Carbonara is creamy and rich; it shows how an old classic like spaghetti can offer something truly special. Looking for a true Italian meal without tomato sauce? Order this, and pair it with a Pinot Noir to balance out the creaminess.

Put Our Pasta Guide to the Test at Ambra

At Ambra, we believe pasta is more than just food; it’s an experience. With this guide, you can test the different pasta shapes while you explore our exceptional Italian dinner menu. Book a table at Ambra for an indulgent taste of Italy you won’t forget!