SHORT PASTA NOODLES ... & HOW TO USE THEM

Playful shapes and fanciful names make these noodles a fun addition to your pantry. Short pasta has more fun. With fanciful names and playful shapes, it adds cheerfulness to any dish. It pairs with most sauces, particularly those with texture, so just choose the one that speaks to you. Read on for a quick breakdown of seven short noodles you need to try:

1 Conchigliette

A sea-shell shaped pasta that comes in small, medium and large sizes (large is called conchiglie). The ridges help sauce adhere to the noodle for optimum coverage. Small to medium shells, as seen above, are best used in soups and pastas while the large ones are ideal for stuffing.

2 Ditali

Also called tubetttini, the name ditali means “small thimbles” in Italian. This short cut noodle is ideal in soups as its small size is easily spooned out of the bowl.

3 Cavatappi

The name of this noodle, translates as “corkscrew.” You may also see it packaged as scoobi doo, fusili rigati, double elbow pasta and more. As with conchigliette’s ridged curves, the ridged double spiral on the cavatappi noodle also allows for pasta sauces to cling evenly.

4 Orecchiette

Translated, the name means “little ear”; these dome-shaped noodles let sauce settle inside, making them perfect for saucy dishes and salads.

5 Fiorelli

The tubular shape and ruffled edges of this unique Italian noodle allow it to capture sauces beautifully. (It will also add a fun flourish to any dish.)

6 Macaroni

Maccheroni in Italian, this ubiquitous noodle is no stranger to your pantry cupboard. Easytousein- pastas, soups and salads, it’s all about what you’re in the mood for.

7 Chiocciole

Translated, the name means “snail”; these ridged elbow noodles typically have one end pinched shut, giving them an almost snail-like appearance. The closed end allows the noodle to capture extra sauce.