Types of Pasta

The choice of a shape of pasta is, of course, a matter of taste—but it also depends on how the pasta will be served. For example, thinner pastas are primarily used in soups and broths, whereas curved or tubular shapes are excellent for soaking up sauces; ridged pasta is best served with a meat sauce; while smooth-surfaced pasta is perfect with cream or cheese sauces. Below are some of the most popular types of pasta, nearly all of which you should be able to find at a local supermarket. Note that the dried version of some of these types, such as tortellini and ravioli, require refrigeration and are located in the frozen foods aisle rather than in the dried pasta section. All types of fresh pasta are typically sold in the same section of the store.