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Smart Tagliatelle Pasta
What it is
This is a package of dried tagliatelle pasta. Tagliatelle is a traditional type of pasta from the Emilia-Romagna and Marche regions of Italy. It is a long, flat ribbon pasta, wider than linguine but narrower than fettuccine. The texture of this pasta is designed to hold sauces well. It is made from durum wheat semolina and water, a common combination for dried pasta.
How people cook with it
Tagliatelle is a versatile pasta shape that pairs beautifully with a wide range of sauces.
- With rich meat sauces
- In creamy pasta dishes
- Tossed with vegetables
- As a base for baked pasta
To prepare, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the dried tagliatelle and stir gently to prevent sticking. Cook according to package directions until al dente, which means it should be tender but still have a slight bite. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water. Toss the drained pasta immediately with your chosen sauce, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce coat the strands evenly. Serve hot.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to spaghetti, tagliatelle is wider and flatter, offering a different mouthfeel. Its broader surface area allows it to capture and hold heartier sauces more effectively than thinner pasta shapes. It is also distinct from fettuccine by its typical width, though variations exist.
Who it is for
Home cooks looking for a classic pasta shape to elevate their everyday meals.
How to keep the rest
Store the unopened package in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, ensure the bag is sealed tightly to prevent moisture from entering. This helps maintain the pasta's freshness and prevents it from becoming stale or attracting pests.