Pasta is truly one of Italy’s most distinctive food items; in fact, it can be hard to imagine what Italian fine dining might have been without it. Although pasta might seem quintessentially Italian, it has actually changed in some surprising ways over the years.

Not Just Noodles

Long before Italy was the country we know today, and even before the Roman civilization became firmly established on the peninsula, Etruscan tribes used durum wheat to make a type of broad noodle that was baked instead of boiled. These baked dishes are the origin of piping hot favorites like modern lasagna. The pasta-like ingredients used in these dishes were not the long thin variety we might imagine. The idea of for this particular shape likely came from explorer Marco Polo, who encountered such noodles made from rice during his time in China. Still, they were a long way from establishing the first Italian restaurant or wine restaurant the way we might imagine it today.

A Shapely Revolution

As regional Italian culture flourished, each location took on its own distinctive style of cooking which included its own variety of pasta. Macaroni, for instance, likely came from a Sicilian word that referred to the energetic way the dough was kneaded. Different cities and provinces utilized ingredients particular to their region; cream sauce and cheese dominated in areas where dairy was produced while coastal cities perfected seafood preparations.

Today there are several dozen different pasta varieties, including:

  • Barbina
  • Capellini
  • Fusilli
  • Spaghettini
  • Fettuccini
  • Pappardelle
  • Trenette
  • Ditalini
  • Gemeli
  • Manicotti
  • Conchiglie

Each one brings a different quality to the meal. Some noodles are designed to lap up thick sauces while others are especially good for light, delicate toppings. Some are meant to be stuffed with meat, cheese, or vegetable preparations while others are meant to add body and texture to soup or stew.

Reserve A Table At Ferraro’s Restaurant & Wine Bar In Las Vegas

Enjoy our famous Italian pasta dishes when in Las Vegas – you won’t regret it! To get in contact with us, call 702.364.5300 or reserve a table online. We can’t wait to serve you our traditional cuisines and secret recipes, only found at Ferraro’s. We hope you will join us for late night dining at Ferraro’s in Las Vegas and taste a little bit of history with your Italian food.