The Most Popular Types of Pasta Shapes Around The World

See if your favorite made the list!

I have spoken previously about how incredible it is that there are over 500 different types of pasta shapes, yes, more than 500! So many of them pair perfectly with a particular sauce and some are really versatile. What I have been curious about recently, is what the Top 10 Most Popular Pasta Shapes in the World are. The ones that have captured hearts (and stomachs) everywhere, and the highest contenders might just surprise you. This list comes from Gianluigi Peduzzi of Rustichella d’Abruzzo, one of Italy’s best-known artisan pasta makers. If anyone knows pasta, it’s Gianluigi.

If you’ve ever wondered why some type of pasta shapes are loved more than others, you’re about to find out. Sometimes it’s the texture, the way the sauce clings, or just the satisfying feeling you get with each bite that makes certain shapes simply irresistible.

Stay with me until the end as I’ll also reveal two pasta shapes that, in my opinion, really shouldn’t be in the Top 10. (Extra points if you guess once you see the list yourself!)

Watch The MOST Popular Types of PASTA Shapes Around The World

Let’s find out which types of pasta shapes made it into the Top 10.

#10 Orzo

Also called risoni in many countries, Orzo is a beautiful little pasta that’s not often seen on restaurant menus, and I have to say, this is a good reminder that I should be cooking with it more often. It’s more of a hidden gem and very popular in the kitchens of passionate home cooks. Orzo is often used in pastina, warm dishes, and comforting winter soups. It honestly makes me happy to see Orzo in the Top 10, I think it deserves the love – and for me to share some of my yummy recipes with you.

#9 Rigatoni

Among all the short pasta shapes, Rigatoni is one of my favorites. Even though I wish it ranked a little higher, I’m just glad it made the list. Rigatoni is perfect for rich, chunky sauces. Think slow-cooked tomato ragù’s or hearty meat sauces. Its wide tubes are designed to trap pieces of meat, vegetables, and plenty of sauce in every bite. I love it most with Pasta al forno, a delicious oven baked pasta tray.

One thing to keep in mind: Rigatoni isn’t the best choice for lighter, creamier dishes like Cacio e Pepe or Four Cheese Pasta. For those, you’ll want a long, thin pasta that lets the delicate sauce become the star of the dish.

#8 Fettuccine

Fettuccine to me, seems like one of the most popular pasta shapes in the world, so I’ll be honest — I was really surprised to see it ranked only at number 8. It’s such a versatile pasta: you can serve it with red sauces, white creamy sauces like fettuccine alfredo, or even a beautiful pesto.

It’s definitely in my top 5 for long pasta shapes and I expected it to rank higher.

#7 Linguine

Linguine is a pasta I sometimes use as a substitute for spaghetti. Spaghetti alle Vongole also pairs well with linguine which I find myself using quite a lot. Its slightly flatter shape is perfect for soaking up that light, refreshing, seafood sauce.

#6 Macaroni

Now this one really surprised me! I couldn’t believe it ranked higher than Rigatoni. But I guess it just shows how popular Macaroni and Cheese is around the world… it’s a classic comfort food that many people love making at home.

To be honest, macaroni isn’t too high on my own list. It wouldn’t even make my Top 30. But according to Gianluigi, this shape is gaining popularity even in traditional Italian dishes, especially with the younger generation.

#5 Farfalle

Also known as bowtie or butterfly pasta, Farfalle is another one that surprised me. I used to love it as a kid because maybe because it looked fun on the plate. But now I don’t use it so much for my pasta dishes.

Although, it pairs well with creamy sauces, pesto, or just about anything, it is most often cooked quite soft making it easy to eat, for kids and maybe the older generations! It’s great for people who don’t enjoy a chewy texture or a pasta with a bit of bite. But I have to wonder… does this mean the world prefers soft pasta over al dente?

#4 Fusilli

Fusilli is one of those pasta shapes that always seems to be on the supermarket shelf no matter the brand. It’s reliable, easy to find, and incredibly versatile. Its spiral shape holds onto sauces beautifully, making it perfect for dishes like tuna pasta, pasta salads, pesto, or even a creamy salmon pasta.

It might not be the most glamorous pasta, but it’s great in all kinds of dishes!

#3 Gnocchi

Now this… this is what I’m talking about! Gnocchi deserves to be in the Top 3, no question about it. Whatever kind you try, gnocchi is pure comfort food. I’m lucky that my nonna makes the best gnocchi you’ll ever taste (you can find the recipe on my website), and my wife Suzanne is the Gnocchi Queen in our house.

If you’ve never made gnocchi before, please do it at least once in your life. You won’t regret it.

And one important tip: don’t fry them before adding the sauce! Cook them gently, straight in the sauce. That’s how you get that pillowy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

#2 Penne Rigate

Penne Rigate (the penne with ridges) absolutely deserves its spot near the top. The lines along the pasta help hold onto any sauce beautifully, and when cooked al dente, it’s just perfect. I’m happy to see it ranked this high! Penne Rigate goes with just about everything: Bolognese, Carbonara, pesto, creamy four-cheese sauces, even tuna. It’s flavorful, beautiful, and easy to find in nearly every supermarket.

Now, you might have also seen smooth penne (without the ridges), but I have to say… I’m not a fan. It tends to get soft and mushy too quickly and doesn’t seem to hold the sauce in quite the same way. I’m glad it’s Penne Rigate that made the list because it’s the real star.

#1 Spaghetti

Of course, Spaghetti takes the top spot! This type of noodles is the most recognized pasta shape in the world and is especially beloved in southern Italy. And honestly, it’s the kind of pasta I could eat every single day. One of my all time go-to classic dishes is Spaghetti al Pomodoro.

Just one thing: please don’t serve it with hearty meat-based sauces like Bolognese. These rich, sauces deserve pasta with more surface and weight like Tagliatelle, Pappardelle, Fettuccine, or even Rigatoni. Spaghetti, while super flexible, is paired best with sauces like Carbonara, Aglio e Olio, or a light basil and tomato sauce.

Conclusion: Are these MOST Popular Types of PASTA Shapes Really the Best?

I have to say, I was a little surprised by this list. Pappardelle, Tagliatelle, and even Orecchiette are missing from the Top 10 and honestly, that worries me a bit. These sensational, traditional types of pasta shapes truly deserve a top spot and more people should be enjoying them! It makes me wonder if the world’s pasta palate is becoming a little less sophisticated?

I’m also surprised to learn about the shift among the younger generation in Italy. More and more are falling in love with dishes like mac and cheese. It shows just how strong the American influence has become. While there’s always room for innovation, I believe it’s so important to keep tradition alive. Family recipes, regional pasta shapes, and time-honoured cooking methods are treasures we shouldn’t lose… not in Italy, and not anywhere else in the world.

And then there’s Farfalle, making it into the Top 10. While it’s fun and nostalgic, especially for childhood memories, Farfalle has never really been known for creating that perfect bite the way traditional pasta shapes do. It’s charming, but maybe it reflects a preference for looks and simplicity over flavors and tradition (or maybe it’s just easy to get in to the little ones!).

Now I want to hear from you: What’s your favorite type of pasta shape?

Are you a Macaroni fan or a Farfalle lover? Tell me in the comments and share why you think your favorite deserves a spot in the Top 10!