The 8 Best Pasta for Marinara Sauce

Do you love the flavor of marinara sauce but don’t know which pasta to pair it with?

Look no further!

I have compiled a list of eight different types of pasta that will bring out the best in your marinara sauce.

From spaghetti to rigatoni, these pastas are sure to make your dish stand out from the rest.

Whether you’re looking for something light and delicate or hearty and filling, this list has something for everyone.

So grab a pot and get cooking – it’s time to enjoy some delicious marinara-topped pasta!

Read Also: What Wine Goes With Pasta and Red Sauce? (10 Best Wines)

What is Marinara Sauce?

Marinara sauce is a classic Italian tomato-based sauce that is typically made with tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and onions.

It is usually seasoned with oregano, basil, and sometimes red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

The name “marinara” comes from the Italian word for sailor or mariner; it was traditionally served to sailors returning from sea voyages as it could be easily prepared in large batches using ingredients that were readily available on board ships.

Marinara sauce has a bright flavor profile due to its combination of fresh tomatoes and herbs.

It can range in texture from chunky to smooth depending on how much the tomatoes are cooked down before being added to the other ingredients.

Marinara sauce is often used as a base for other sauces such as arrabbiata (spicy) or puttanesca (anchovy-based).

It can also be used as an accompaniment to pasta dishes or pizza, or simply enjoyed on its own with some crusty bread.

The 8 Best Pasta for Marinara Sauce

Marinara sauce is a classic Italian dish that pairs perfectly with pasta.

The trick is to find the right type of pasta that will bring out the flavors of the marinara sauce.

Here are eight types of pasta that pair well with marinara sauce, each offering a unique taste and texture:

1. Spaghetti

Spaghetti is a type of pasta that is long, thin, and cylindrical in shape.

It is made from durum wheat semolina flour and water.

Spaghetti can be served with a variety of sauces, such as marinara sauce or pesto.

Spaghetti is an excellent choice for marinara sauce because the strands are able to hold onto the sauce better than other types of pasta.

The texture of spaghetti also helps to create a more enjoyable eating experience as it has just enough bite without being too chewy.

When making spaghetti with marinara sauce, it’s important to cook the noodles al dente (firm but not hard).

This will ensure that they don’t become soggy when combined with the sauce and will help them retain their shape while still absorbing some of the flavor from the sauce.

2. Penne

Penne is a type of pasta that is shaped like a tube with ridges on the outside.

It’s one of the most popular types of pasta in Italy and around the world, and it comes in many different sizes.

Penne is often used in dishes such as macaroni and cheese, lasagna, casseroles, soups, salads, and more.

Penne pairs especially well with marinara sauce because its shape holds onto the sauce better than other types of pasta.

The ridges also help to create pockets for the sauce to cling to so you get more flavor in every bite!

Additionally, penne has a slightly chewy texture which helps it stand up to heavier sauces like marinara without becoming soggy or mushy.

3. Fettuccine

Fettuccine is a type of pasta that originated in Italy.

It is made from egg and flour, and has a flat, ribbon-like shape.

Fettuccine is most commonly used in dishes such as Alfredo or Carbonara, but it can also be used to make Marinara sauce.

When making Marinara sauce with Fettuccine, the combination creates an incredibly flavorful dish.

The thick sauce clings to the wide noodles perfectly and the texture of the pasta helps to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes in the sauce.

Additionally, Fettuccine’s neutral flavor allows for all of the other ingredients in your Marinara sauce to shine through without overpowering them.

Pro Tip: To take your Marinara Sauce up a notch, try adding some fresh herbs like oregano or basil before serving!

4. Rigatoni

Rigatoni is a type of pasta that is shaped like large tubes with ridges down the sides.

It is traditionally made from durum wheat flour and water, but can also be made with other flours such as semolina or whole wheat.

The name comes from the Italian word “rigato” which means “ridged”.

Rigatoni has a slightly chewy texture and holds sauces well due to its shape and ridges.

This makes it an ideal choice for marinara sauce, as the sauce clings to the ridges and coats each piece of rigatoni evenly.

The rigatoni’s hollow center also allows for more sauce to be held inside, making every bite flavorful!

5. Orecchiette

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

It is shaped like a small ear and has a ridged surface, which helps it to hold onto sauces better than other types of pasta.

Orecchiette is the perfect shape for marinara sauce because its ridges help to trap the chunky pieces of tomato, onion, garlic, and herbs in the sauce.

The result is an incredibly flavorful dish with every bite!

6. Farfalle

Farfalle is a type of pasta that is shaped like bow ties or butterflies.

It is also known as ‘bow-tie’ or ‘butterfly’ pasta.

Farfalle has been around since the 16th century and is popular in Italian cuisine.

Farfalle pairs perfectly with marinara sauce because its shape helps to hold onto the sauce better than other types of pasta.

The ridges on farfalle help to trap the sauce, making every bite flavorful and delicious!

7. Linguine

Linguine is a type of pasta that is similar to spaghetti, but it has a flat, narrow shape.

It originated in Italy and is made from durum wheat flour and water.

Linguine can be served with many different sauces, including marinara sauce.

Linguine’s flat shape makes it perfect for absorbing the flavors of the sauce it’s cooked with.

The thin strands also make it easier to twirl around your fork when eating!

Marinara sauce pairs especially well with linguine because its thick texture clings to the noodles nicely.

8. Cavatappi

Cavatappi is a type of pasta shaped like a corkscrew or helix.

It is also known as cellentani, amori, spirali, or tortiglione.

Cavatappi has ridges on the outside and a hollow center that helps it hold onto sauces and other ingredients.

Cavatappi is an ideal choice for marinara sauce because its shape allows it to capture all the flavors of the sauce in each bite.

The ridges also help to create a textural contrast between the smoothness of the sauce and the chewiness of the pasta.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many types of pasta that can be used to make a delicious marinara sauce.

From spaghetti to cavatappi, each type of pasta has its own unique texture and flavor that can enhance the taste of your marinara sauce.

The best pastas for marinara sauce are spaghetti, penne, fettuccine, rigatoni, orecchiette, farfalle, linguine, and cavatappi. Each of these kinds of pasta has its own unique texture and flavor that can be used to create a delicious and flavorful marinara sauce.

So, the next time you’re looking for the perfect pasta for your marinara sauce, try one of these 8 types of pasta and enjoy the delicious results.