The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Italian Pasta Pairings
Italy is the undisputed home of pasta, with each shape carefully crafted to complement the flavors and textures of specific dishes. Whether you’re indulging in a rich ragù, a delicate seafood sauce, or a hearty baked pasta, choosing the right pasta shape is essential for creating the perfect Italian dining experience.
In this guide, we’ll take you through Italy’s most popular pasta shapes and how to pair them with the best sauces for an authentic Italian meal. Plus, if you’re looking to taste some of these pasta dishes in a modern, vibrant setting, we’ll introduce you to Livia Bar and Grill, Fort Lauderdale’s newest Italian dining destination. At Livia, you can savor the rich, authentic flavors of Italy, alongside our curated wine list and handcrafted cocktails.
A Match Made in Italy: Pasta Shapes and Sauces
Pasta is more than just a base for your sauce—its shape can make or break a dish. The texture and size of the pasta determine how well it holds onto sauces, allowing you to experience all the nuanced flavors. Let’s explore Italy’s most beloved pasta shapes and the sauces that complement them best.
1. Penne
Best paired with: Chunky, Hearty Sauces
Penne is one of Italy’s most popular pasta shapes, known for its short, tube-like appearance with diagonal cuts at both ends. There are two types of penne: penne lisce (smooth) and penne rigate (ridged). The ridged version is more common, and its surface is perfect for gripping thick, chunky sauces like arrabbiata (spicy tomato) or alla vodka (tomato-cream sauce).
At Livia Bar and Grill, try penne rigate with a robust, meat-based sauce for an unforgettable Italian experience. Our chefs expertly craft traditional Italian dishes, pairing them with wines from our specially curated list to enhance the bold flavors.
2. Spaghetti
Best paired with: Light, Oil-based Sauces
Spaghetti, meaning “little strings,” is a long, thin pasta that’s iconic in Italian cuisine. It’s ideal for lighter sauces that can evenly coat each strand without overwhelming the pasta. A classic pairing is spaghetti aglio e olio, a simple yet flavorful dish made with garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. Spaghetti is also perfect for seafood-based sauces like spaghetti alle vongole (with clams).
Pro Tip: Avoid using spaghetti with heavy meat sauces like Bolognese (ragù), as the sauce doesn’t cling to the thin strands. Instead, opt for thicker noodles like pappardelle for these dishes.
3. Fusilli
Best paired with: Pesto or Creamy Sauces
Fusilli is a spiral-shaped pasta that captures sauces in its twists, making it perfect for thick, creamy sauces like pesto or a rich cheese sauce. The shape also holds up well in baked dishes or pasta salads. Its unique corkscrew design ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
At Livia Bar and Grill, fusilli is paired with vibrant, fresh pesto made from the finest ingredients. Pair this dish with a glass of wine from our curated selection for a perfect balance of flavors.
4. Rigatoni
Best paired with: Thick, Chunky Sauces
Rigatoni is similar to penne but larger, with ridges along its cylindrical body that help sauces adhere to the pasta. It’s perfect for hearty, meat-based sauces like ragù or baked dishes like pasta al forno, where the pasta can hold up under the weight of rich, cheesy layers.
For a comforting and satisfying meal, try rigatoni at Livia Bar and Grill, served with our signature slow-cooked Bolognese sauce, which clings to the pasta’s ridges, delivering bold flavors in every bite.
5. Fettuccine
Best paired with: Creamy or Rich Sauces
Fettuccine is a flat, wide pasta, traditionally served with creamy sauces like alfredo or carbonara. Its broad surface makes it perfect for holding onto rich sauces, ensuring a full flavor experience with every bite. Fettuccine also pairs well with lighter seafood sauces, making it versatile enough for a range of dishes.
If you’re a fan of fettuccine, Livia Bar and Grill offers a decadent take on fettuccine alfredo, made with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and butter, giving you a true taste of Italy in Fort Lauderdale.
6. Bucatini
Best paired with: Carbonara or Amatriciana
Bucatini looks similar to spaghetti but has a hollow center, allowing the sauce to fill the tube as well as coat the outside. This pasta is ideal for classic Roman dishes like bucatini alla carbonara (with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and black pepper) or bucatini all’amatriciana (with tomatoes, guanciale, and pecorino cheese). The hollow shape ensures that you get a burst of flavor with every bite.
At Livia Bar and Grill, you can enjoy bucatini paired with our house-made amatriciana sauce, crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients for an authentic taste.
7. Tagliatelle
Best paired with: Meat-based Sauces
Tagliatelle is a flat, ribbon-like pasta that is perfect for pairing with rich, slow-cooked meat sauces like ragù alla Bolognese. Its broad surface area allows it to soak up the sauce, making it a great choice for hearty dishes. Tagliatelle’s origin is often linked to the region of Emilia-Romagna, the home of traditional Bolognese sauce.
At Livia Bar and Grill, indulge in tagliatelle served with our house specialty, ragù alla Bolognese, paired perfectly with a glass of wine from our expertly curated list.
Experience Authentic Italian Flavors at Livia Bar and Grill
If reading about these pasta pairings has your mouth watering, there’s no better place to experience these authentic Italian dishes than Livia Bar and Grill in Fort Lauderdale’s vibrant Flagler Village area. At Livia, we pride ourselves on bringing the true essence of modern Italian cuisine to our guests. Whether you’re in the mood for classic spaghetti aglio e olio, rich fettuccine alfredo, or comforting rigatoni Bolognese, our menu has something to satisfy every craving.
While we’re renowned for our pasta, don’t miss out on trying our authentic Italian pizza, made with fresh, high-quality ingredients that transport you straight to Italy. Pair your meal with a selection from our curated wine list or indulge in one of our handcrafted cocktails for a dining experience that goes beyond just food—it’s a celebration of Italian culture and flavors.
Ready to embark on a culinary journey through Italy’s most beloved pasta dishes? Visit Livia Bar and Grill at 500 North Andrews Avenue, Unit 106, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, or make a reservation by calling us at (954) 306-3407. Join us for an unforgettable evening of fine dining, where authentic Italian cuisine meets modern sophistication. And don’t forget to pair your pasta with a slice of authentic Italian pizza for the ultimate Italian dining experience!
