Pasta! It’s the Italian food that most people visit Italian restaurants for. Pasta dishes, however, are not exclusive to Italy, pasta is simply, a mixture of flour and water or egg, and is a staple food that comes in many shapes and sizes. From simple sides to complex dishes bursting with flavor pasta is loved all over the world – not just Italy. Pasta did not originate as Italian food and is in fact found as a staple in most countries around the world. Have you heard of some of these far away pasta dishes?
Just a Few Pasta Dishes by Origin:
Pasta originally came from Asia and today is found in Wonton Soup in the Cantonese region of China.
Much like a giant ravioli, a popular dish in Argentina is Sorrentino. A large, round pasta filled with cheese in a creamy or tomato-based sauce.
With its proximity to Italy, Greece is no stranger to pasta. The lasagna of Greece is called Pastitsio, it is a baked pie of ziti-like pasta layered with lamb and bechamel cream sauce.
In Germany, spatzle noodles made from egg is a common side dish with gravy.
Short, spaghetti like noodles are found in a Spanish dish called Fideos. It is a popular base for a paella-like dish.
In Uruguay, they enjoy Noquis, a similar twist on gnocchi as a common pasta dish
Vietnamese Pho, Japanese Ramen, and Pad Thai of Thailand are just a few more famous noodle dishes from around the world.
But back to Italy, pasta dishes of Italy do not actually include Spaghetti and meatballs – that is an American twist and the most common use of pasta in America that was adopted from Italian immigrants. Traditional Italian pasta dishes fall into 3 categories:
- Pasta in brodo is a broth or soup with noodles such as a tortellini soup.
- Pastasciutta is pasta with sauce like linguini in clam sauce or spaghetti with butter sauce.
- Pasta al forno is a baked pasta dish such as lasagna or baked ziti.
What pasta dishes are calling your name?
Bolognese, ravioli, tortellini? We have your Italian pasta cravings covered at Campania – an authentic Italian Restaurant near you!
