7 Interesting Italian Pastas We Bet You've Never Heard Of 

By Shireen Jamooji

November 13, 2023

Italy is well-known for its pasta dishes, but beyind the basics like pesto, bolognese or carbonara, a lot of the more complex pastas remain a mystery to most of the world.  Here are 7 pasta dishes you can explore that go deeper int the country's rich history.

Orecchiette alle Cime di Rapa

A Puglian delight, orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe. The little "ear" shapes capture the rich, slightly bitter taste of the greens, enhanced with garlic and a hint of chilli.

Trofi Al Pesto Genovese

Hailing from Liguria, trofie pasta is paired with the iconic Genovese pesto. Basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil create a simple yet vibrant dish.

Paccheri alla Nerano

A Campanian gem, paccheri tubes meet zucchini and provolone cheese. The result is a creamy, satisfying marriage of textures and flavours.

Cavatelli con Ceci e Miso

From Sicily, cavatelli pasta blends harmoniously with chickpeas and a surprising touch of miso paste, offering a unique fusion of Italian and Japanese influences.

Cavatelli con Ceci e Miso

This Lombardian dish features buckwheat pizzoccheri noodles, dressed in a hearty sauce of potatoes, cabbage, garlic, and melted cheese - a perfect Alpine comfort.

Gnocchi alla Romana

Roman-style semolina gnocchi, baked to golden perfection with butter and Parmesan, offer a delightful departure from the more familiar potato-based counterparts.

Fregola Con Arselle

Sardinian fregola, small toasted pasta balls, are paired with tiny clams in a broth infused with tomatoes, garlic, and white wine for a taste of the Mediterranean seaside.