With over 600 shapes of pasta found around the world, the choices available can be mind boggling! The origins of pasta are a little convoluted, but we all know that Italy are the master minds behind so much of the pasta we eat today. We love a good pasta, including these seven mouth-watering pasta dishes to hunt down when in Italy.
1. Pasta e Ceci – Lazio
Bearing more of a resemblance to soup, pasta e ceci (pasta and chickpeas) is still a hearty pasta dish. If you’re in need of packing a few more vegetables into your holiday diet, this is the perfect match! You can often it on offer in Rome, but other regions in Italy have their own versions, too.
2. Ziti Alla Genovese – Campania
Funnily enough, ziti alla genovese is actually found in Naples (not Genoa). Ziti are small hollow tubes of pasta, served with a moreish sauce that is heavily onion-based and cooked off with carrots, celery and tender, slow-cooked meat.
3. Orecchiette Con Cime Di Rapa – Puglia
The Puglia region is the birthplace of orecchiette, a small, round pasta with an indent to resemble its translation of ‘little ears’. This Italian dish is simple but has a flavoursome sauce. The combination of anchovies, garlic, broccoli and olive oil comes together for a real umami hit.
4. Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina – Campania
As the name suggests, this potato pillowy delight hails from Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast. This Italian meal screams Mediterranean vibes, essentially looking like a Caprese salad in gnocchi form with a tomato sauce, basil and mozzarella cheese.
5. Tortellini en Brodo – Emilia Romagna
Another soup-based pasta dish that Italy is famous for is tortellini en brodo, found in the Emilia-Romagna region. Tortellini are filled with a tasty mixture of meat, cheese and spices and float leisurely in a refreshing beef or chicken broth.
6. Vincisgrassi – Marche
Vincisgrassi could well be called the sister of the well-known lasagne. With layers of pasta and a meat-based sauce, the difference is in the meat used. Beef is used in lasagne, but vincisgrassi takes it one step further by incorporating less common meats like rabbit, duck and even chicken giblets. Make sure you hunt this tasty pasta in Italy!
7. Tajarin al Tartufo – Piedmont
You will have heard of tagliatelle before…so when in the Piedmont area, keep an eye out for tajaran. This sunshine yellow pasta gets it colour from a higher number of eggs used, making it a feast for both your stomach and eyes. When in Piedmont, tajarin al Tartufo is served with butter and truffles – another example of a simple, but delicious, Italian meal.
Bon appetit! Are you now on the hunt for the perfect holiday in Italy? Take a look at our Globus and Cosmos tours through this mouth-watering country.
