The Best Pasta for Lasagna

Lasagna is one of the most beloved dishes in Italy, and it’s no wonder why.

The combination of cheese, sauce, and pasta creates a flavor that can’t be beaten.

But just as important as the ingredients is the type of pasta you choose for your lasagna.

Depending on how you want to prepare your lasagna – whether you want it to be light or hearty – there are different types of pasta that will work best for each dish.

In this article, I’ll share with you eight types of pasta that are perfect for making lasagna and explain why they’re so great.

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What is Lasagna?

Lasagna is an Italian dish made with layers of flat, wide pasta noodles, cheese, and a sauce.

It is usually baked in the oven and served as a main course.

The traditional lasagna recipe includes layers of ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce or béchamel sauce (a white sauce), and ground beef or sausage.

However, there are many variations on this classic dish that include different types of cheeses such as Parmesan or Gorgonzola; vegetables like spinach or mushrooms; seafood such as shrimp; and even vegan versions using tofu instead of meat.

Lasagna can also be prepared without baking by layering the ingredients in a casserole dish and letting it sit for several hours before serving.

The Best Pasta for Lasagna

Lasagna is a classic Italian dish and a favorite for many.

But to make it truly memorable, you need the right type of pasta.

Here are eight types of noodles that will bring your lasagna to life:

1. Lasagna Noodles

Lasagna noodles are flat, wide strips of pasta that are used to make the classic Italian dish lasagna.

Lasagna noodles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from traditional long strips to short squares or circles.

They can be made with semolina flour, durum wheat flour, egg whites, and other ingredients depending on the type of noodle.

Lasagna noodles are great for making lasagna because they hold their shape when cooked and provide a sturdy base for layering sauces and cheeses.

The ridges on the edges of the noodles help them grip onto layers of sauce and cheese so that each bite is full of flavor.

Plus, they’re easy to prepare—just boil them in salted water until al dente!

2. Linguine

Linguine is a type of pasta that is similar to spaghetti, but it is flatter and wider.

It originated in the Liguria region of Italy and has become popular all over the world.

Lasagna made with linguine instead of traditional lasagna noodles can be a great way to switch up your lasagna game!

The flat shape of linguine allows for more sauce and cheese to cling onto each noodle, making for an even richer flavor than regular lasagna.

Plus, it’s easier to cut into individual servings since the noodles are already separated!

Pro Tip: To make sure your linguine doesn’t get too soggy when baking, cook it al dente before adding it to the dish.

This will help ensure that you have perfectly cooked pasta every time!

3. Fettuccine

Fettuccine is a type of pasta that originated in Italy.

It is made from egg and flour, and is usually cut into long, flat ribbons about 1/4 inch wide.

Fettuccine can be served with a variety of sauces, including cream-based sauces, tomato-based sauces, or simply olive oil and garlic.

Making lasagna with fettuccine instead of traditional lasagna noodles adds an interesting twist to the classic dish.

The wider shape of the fettuccine allows for more layers in each pan, resulting in a thicker lasagna that’s sure to please everyone at the table!

Plus, you don’t have to worry about pre-cooking the noodles—just layer them raw between your sauce and cheese!

Pro Tip: To make sure your lasagna stays together when cutting it into slices after baking, use two layers of fettuccine on top instead of one.

This will help keep everything together as you serve it up!

4. Rigatoni

Rigatoni is a type of pasta that is shaped like large tubes.

It has ridges on the outside and a hollow center, which makes it perfect for holding sauces.

Rigatoni is often used in baked dishes such as lasagna, macaroni and cheese, or casseroles.

Lasagna made with rigatoni can be an interesting twist on the classic Italian dish.

The ridges help hold onto the sauce better than traditional flat lasagna noodles, making for a more flavorful dish.

The hollow center also allows for more filling to be added between layers of pasta without having to use too much sauce.

Pro Tip: To make your lasagna even more delicious, try adding some fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the sauce before layering it with the rigatoni!

5. Orecchiette

Orecchiette is a type of pasta that originated in the Puglia region of Italy.

It is shaped like small ears and has a slightly chewy texture.

Orecchiette can be used in many dishes, from soups to salads to casseroles.

Lasagna made with orecchiette pasta is an excellent way to enjoy this classic Italian dish.

The shape of the orecchiette helps it hold onto sauces and cheese better than traditional lasagna noodles, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

Plus, the unique shape makes for an interesting presentation!

6. Farfalle

Farfalle, also known as bow-tie pasta, is a type of Italian pasta shaped like small bows or butterflies.

It is made from durum wheat flour and water and comes in various sizes.

Farfalle is often used in soups, salads, casseroles, and baked dishes.

Farfalle has a unique shape that makes it ideal for lasagna because it holds the sauce well between its ridges.

The texture of farfalle also adds an interesting dimension to the dish—it’s slightly chewy but still tender enough to be enjoyable.

7. Cannelloni

Cannelloni is a type of pasta that is typically filled with a savory filling and then baked in the oven.

It is usually made from large tubes of pasta dough, which are then filled with a variety of ingredients such as ricotta cheese, spinach, or meat.

The name comes from the Italian word for “large reeds,” referring to the shape of the pasta tubes.

Cannelloni makes an excellent alternative to lasagna noodles because it has more texture and flavor than regular lasagna noodles.

The larger size also allows for more filling inside each tube, making it easier to create layers when baking your lasagna dish.

Plus, cannelloni can be stuffed with whatever ingredients you like—from classic Italian flavors like ricotta and mozzarella to vegan-friendly options like mushrooms and tofu!

8. Manicotti

Manicotti is a type of pasta that is shaped like large tubes.

It is usually made from durum wheat flour and eggs, although some varieties may also contain other ingredients such as spinach or tomato paste.

Manicotti can be filled with a variety of fillings, including cheese, vegetables, meats, and sauces.

Making lasagna with manicotti instead of traditional lasagna noodles adds an interesting twist to the classic dish.

The manicotti shells are larger than regular lasagna noodles so they hold more filling and sauce in each layer.

This makes for a heartier meal that will satisfy even the hungriest of eaters!

Plus, it’s fun to stuff the manicotti shells with your favorite fillings before baking them in the oven.

Pro Tip: To make sure your manicotti doesn’t dry out while baking in the oven, cover it with foil during cooking and then remove it for the last 10 minutes to let it brown on top!

Conclusion

In conclusion, lasagna is a classic Italian dish that can be made with a variety of different types of pasta.

The best kinds of pasta for lasagna are lasagna noodles, linguine, fettuccine, rigatoni, orecchiette, farfalle, cannelloni, and manicotti.

Each of these types of pasta has its own unique texture and flavor that can enhance the taste of your lasagna.

Experimenting with different types of pasta can be a great way to add variety to your lasagna and make it even more delicious.

So, the next time you’re making lasagna, try out one of these 8 types of pasta and see what you think.