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We take a lot of pasta names for granted. Sure, we all enjoy “spaghetti,” but do you know what it means? How about “penne” or “fusilli”?
In this podcast, we talk about the names of various pastas. And in many cases how the name describes the shape.
If you want to see actual pictures of the various pastas, check out all the pics below.
Also, at the end the podcast, we give you a few cooking tips on pasta.
This is definitely not a comprehensive list. So let us know if we missed any fun ones and leave a comment below.
Spaghetti = little strings 
Penne = pens as in quills 
Rigatoni = big lines, ridges 
Malfatti = poorly made 
Orechiette = little ears 
Strascinati = dragged 
Linguine = tongues 
Manicotti = sleeves or short sleeves 
Capellini = thin hairs 
Cavatelli = hollow, carved out 
Tagliatellle = cut strips 
Tagliatellle = cut strips 
Fusilli = a twisted brush to clean the barrel of a rifle 
Gnocchi = a knot in wood. Today, sexy 
Rotelle = little wheels 
Strozzapreti = priest chokers 
Bucatini = little holes 
Calamarata = squid rings 
Cannelloni = big reeds 
Ditalini = little fingers (thimbles) 
Mostaccioli = mustaches (penne without ridges) 
Paccheri = slaps in the face 
Vermicelli = little worms 
Fettucine = little ribbons or slices 
Lasagne = cooking pot
Great stuff! Always amazed when Cathy calls different names for all the different shaped pastas.
Thank you! Very informative.
Loved it!
Thanks, Bruce! I’m still learning them all. It’s a bit crazy how many there are!
Thank you Steven and Paul, this was so much fun! I love pasta and I have to say, I am definitely on Paul’s side of the basil issue. I also love gemelli pasta with a tomato, eggplant and mozzarella sauce. It does not call for basil but I always add basil! Great hearing your voices❤️
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