Which pasta is better with pesto?

Answered by Paul Bowser

When it comes to pairing pasta with pesto sauce, it’s important to choose a pasta shape that complements the flavors and texture of the sauce. Here are a few pasta options that work exceptionally well with pesto:

1. Bucatini: This pasta variety is like a thicker version of spaghetti, but with a hollow center. The hollow center allows the pesto sauce to cling to the pasta, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor.

2. Capellini: Also known as angel hair pasta, capellini is very thin and delicate. Its delicate texture pairs beautifully with the light and fresh flavors of pesto sauce. However, be mindful of cooking time as capellini cooks very quickly and can easily become overcooked.

3. Spaghettini: Similar to spaghetti, spaghettini is slightly thinner and cooks faster. This pasta shape is a great choice for pesto as it allows the sauce to evenly coat each strand, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors.

4. Fettuccine: Although traditionally paired with creamy sauces, fettuccine works surprisingly well with pesto. Its wide and flat shape provides a nice contrast to the vibrant green color of the pesto sauce, and the slightly thicker texture of fettuccine helps to hold the sauce well.

Now, let me share a personal experience with pesto and pasta. I once had the pleasure of enjoying a homemade pesto sauce with Fusilli pasta, which has a corkscrew shape. The pesto clung perfectly to the ridges of the pasta, creating a wonderful flavor and texture combination. The fusilli’s ability to hold the sauce made every bite a delight.

In addition to the pasta shapes mentioned above, it’s worth noting that pesto also pairs well with other long and thin pasta varieties such as linguine and spaghetti. Ultimately, the choice of pasta depends on personal preference and the desired texture you want to achieve.

To summarize, pesto sauce is best paired with pasta shapes that allow the sauce to adhere and distribute evenly. Bucatini, capellini, spaghettini, and fettuccine are all excellent choices that enhance the flavors of the pesto sauce. Remember to cook your pasta al dente and toss it with the pesto sauce just before serving for the best results.