Is there a better mascot for Italian cuisine than a nice dish of spaghetti and meatballs? Amongst the other types of pasta that are out there, spaghetti is unique for its long and thin shape. That is, if spaghetti were the only type of pasta like it! There are actually a few different types of spaghetti that differ from the base recipe in their thickness, sauces used, and topping recommendations. What other types of spaghetti are there besides the base noodle? We give you a guide below!
Spaghettini
Spaghetti noodles tend to be a bit thick. After all, something is needed to absorb the heaviness of the marinara sauce and meatballs on top! Spaghettini differs from the norm by being a more delicate take on spaghetti noodles. Spaghettini noodles are a lot thinner and more exquisite than their counterparts. Because they are so lightweight, they work better in seafood dishes that are drizzled with olive oil. It’s also healthier than regular spaghetti, as it’s a great source of iron and several B vitamins. Try spaghettini for a healthier alternative!
Spaghettoni
Believe it or not, spaghetti is actually the middleman when it comes to the thickness of the noodles! Spaghettini is thinner than regular spaghetti, so you may have already put together that spaghettoni is the opposite. Spaghettoni is the thickest version of spaghetti. It should go without saying that you can use thicker sauces and toppings when experimenting with this type of pasta. Spaghettoni has the lowest glycemic index of the three types of spaghetti we’ve listed, meaning that it will help you stay fuller for longer. This trait may even help you with weight loss!
Bucatini
So we’ve explained the thickest and thinnest versions of spaghetti. Most of the differences have been with that characteristic, so where does bucatini fall? Bucatini actually is derived from the Italian word for hole, which is buco. That’s right: bucatini is a thicker spaghetti noodle with a hole running through the middle of the pasta! Like spaghettoni, bucatini works best with thicker ingredients and sauces, but you can use any type of pasta sauce and toppings you want.
Spaghettini at Quattro
If you’re curious about spaghettini and want to try it for yourself, there’s no better place to go than Quattro! We specialize in brick oven pizzas and Italian cuisines, including the aforementioned spaghettini. Amongst the Italian restaurants in Boston’s North End, Quattro is ranked as one of the best; make a reservation with us today to find out why!