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8 January 2021

The Pastabilities are endless

We all know and love the pasta classics like spaghetti and meatballs or Macaroni and cheese, but we’re here to tell you there’s a world of pasta beyond your wildest dreams! For some, the kitchen can be daunting; particularly if you are not a seasoned cook; have no fear, it is not as hard as it seems. whether you are a novice or expert, we all tend to gravitate towards what is familiar and seemingly easier. So, instead of cooking the same mundane meals on auto pilot, let’s take pasta to the next level.

You may be wondering why you should listen to us…well, we have been making and producing pasta for over 145 years (not exactly our first rodeo). If that’s not enough to convince you, well, you will just have to try for yourself and with Pastene, you know you are using only the best ingredients packed at the source. 

So let’s get started! 


Below are five often-overlooked pasta cuts that will impress any guest and provide an exciting way to sharpen up your skills. Master your kitchen with — Organic mafaldine, orzo, farfalline, orecchiette, and pappardelle! 

Mafaldine

Mafaldine, also known as Reginette (Italian for little queens), is a flat, wide, ribbon-shaped pasta. Pastene Mafaldine is produced in Italy from the finest organic durum semolina and slow-dried to maintain its natural texture and consistency. This cut is typically paired with ingredients like shrimp, cherry tomatoes, cheese, sausages, or mushrooms.Try our recipe for Creamy Mushroom Mafaldine!

Orecchiette

Orecchiette pairs nicely with broccoli and broccoli rabe and absorbs white creamy sauces deliciously. Italian for “ears”, Pastene’s Italian Orecchiette resembles little ears and is equally as delicious served warm or cold. Boiled to al dente perfection in about 8-15 minutes, they are wonderful when tossed with any Pastene sauce or mixed with salad dressing, veggies and cheese in a cold pasta salad. Try our Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe recipe for a quick and nutritious weeknight meal! 

Pappardelle 

Italian Pappardelle

Meaning “gobble up” in Italian (for real!), this pasta is very absorbent and sturdy, which forms the perfect balance for thick sauces; it is also ideal for stews and pot roasts. Pastene’s Italian Pappardelle is slow-dried to maintain its natural glutens, ensuring that your pasta will cook to a perfect al dente every time.If you are feeding a big crowd, this is the pasta for you: use it with thicker sauces and meat! Try stepping up your carbonara game a notch by swapping spaghetti for Pappardelle. 

Orzo 

Orzo can best be described as a short-cut pasta with the size and shape of a grain of rice. Pastene Italian Orzo is highly versatile and absolutely brilliant tossed with Pastene Tomato Basil Sauce and sprinkled with our Grated Parmesan or Romano cheese. Orzo is also perfect as a base for soups like our Shrimp Minestrone.

If you prefer gluten-free we’ve got options for you, too! From arborio rice and polenta to our Gluten-free Penne Rigate and Spaghetti, our gluten-free products are imported from Italy and made with the perfect combination of corn, rice, and quinoa, giving you the pasta texture and taste you know and love.

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