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Carbs Basics

bread pasta

For decades carbohydrates have been a confusing source of energy and calories. Find out the basics, the good and the bad of carbohydrates.

    Pasta Identification

    "Corkscrew" is a common nickname for this twisted pasta.

    • Penne Rigate
    • Rotelle
    • Radiatore
    • Fusilli

    You may also know this as "bow tie" pasta.

    • Farfalle
    • Ditalini
    • Cavatappi
    • Cavatelli

    This pasta is said to resemble little ears.

    • Campanelle
    • Pennoni
    • Cavatelli
    • Orecchiette

    Identify these pastas from left to right.

    • Papardelle, Linguine, Cavatelli
    • Linguini, Fettucini, Cappellini
    • Fettucini, Tagliatelle, Angel Hair
    • Bucatini, Linguini, Pastina

    Some folks call 'em "snails." We call 'em "yummy."

    • Chiocciole
    • Conchiglioni
    • Tubettini
    • Mostaccioli

    This variety is quite similar to several others, but it's all in the angle.

    • Tubettini
    • Ziti
    • Mostaccioli
    • Penne Rigate

    The name for this twisted strand pasta derives from the Italian word for twin.

    • Gemelli
    • Ditalini
    • Conchiglie
    • Bucatini

    This name, in its full form, translates loosely as "bride's macaroni." Appropriately enough, it's often served baked at weddings.

    • Stelette
    • Manicotti
    • Ziti
    • Orzo

    Call us loopy, but we think this looks like a telephone wire. A very delicious telephone wire.

    • Fusilli Lunghi
    • Rigatoni
    • Fettuccine
    • Anellini

    We "wheely" like the shape of this quite festive pasta.

    • Cappelletti
    • Gigli
    • Riccioli
    • Rotelle

    Name these pastas from left to right (thickest to thinnest).

    • Bucatini, Angel Hair, Cavatelli
    • Linguini, Capellini, Spaghetti
    • Spaghetti, Vermicelli, Capellini
    • Spaghetti, Bucatini, Tagliatelle

    This big ol' shell is best when it's stuffed with ricotta and sauce.

    • Lumaconi
    • Conchiglioni
    • Cavatelli
    • Gigli

    Fun pasta shapes are in full flower when these are in the mix.

    • Stelette
    • Campanelle
    • Fiore
    • Pennoni

    The name means "barley" in Italian, and it's shaped like rice, but it's made of plain 'ol wheat flour.

    • Orzo
    • Bucatini
    • Casarecci
    • Riccia Larga

    This curly-whirly pasta is ideal for locking in sauces.

    • Rigatoni
    • Farfalloni
    • Cellentani
    • Galletti

    This chunky, ruffled shape is almost as fun on the eyes as it is on the tongue.

    • Strozapretti
    • Radiatore
    • Torchietti
    • Trottole

    It's "little bell" in Italian, and delicious in a stew or thick sauce.

    • Trofiette
    • Anellini
    • Ruote
    • Campanelle

    From left to right these are...

    • Stelette, Pastina
    • Chitarra, Stelette
    • Acini di Pepe, Eliche
    • Pastina, Chitarra

    These wee, hollow pasta pieces are simply smashing in soups like minestrone.

    • Gramigna
    • Trennette
    • Tubettini
    • Candele

    Italian "little thimbles" are often found in Pasta E Fagioli.

    • Ditalini
    • Rigati
    • Tortiglione
    • Trofiette

    Outside ridges allow this pasta to grab and hold oil and butter based sauces.

    • Taglierini
    • Linguine Fini
    • Penne Lisce
    • Penne Rigate

    This robust, ribbed shape can stand up baking and the thickest, chunkiest sauces.

    • Candele
    • Rigatoni
    • Cavatappi
    • Cannelloni

    You've already seen the bigger shells, but the l'il version has a name all its own.

    • Conchiglie
    • Mafalde
    • Malloreddus
    • Casarecci

    Stuff and bake this oven-friendly hollow pasta with cheese, herbs, and thick sauces like Bolognese.

    • Quadrefiore
    • Manicotti
    • Pansotti
    • Mafalde

    Search Italian Recipes & Cookbooks

    pastaRachel Been, AOL

    Love linguine? Crazy for cannelloni? Find new pasta favorites with our expanded recipe search, share a family classic and create an online cookbook to keep them right at your fingertips.

    1. Browse All Pasta Recipes & Cookbooks
    2. Share Your Favorite Pasta Recipes
    3. Create a Custom Pasta Cookbook

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