Our Guide to Italian Pasta at Biviano’s Dural
Italian pasta is a cornerstone of Italian cuisine, offering a rich history and a diverse range of flavours. The incredible variety of Italian pasta types and different kinds of Italian pasta shapes and styles make it easy to experiment with different combinations to suit your taste. Biviano’s Dural celebrates these traditional pasta dishes, and we invite you to explore how the perfect pairing of pasta and sauce can elevate your dining experience.
Long Pasta Styles
Long pasta styles such as spaghetti, fettuccine, linguine, and tagliatelle are some of the most iconic Italian pasta types. These pastas are often best paired with lighter sauces, allowing their texture to shine. Spaghetti is a versatile favourite that pairs wonderfully with olive oil-based sauces or classic tomato and garlic sauces. Fettuccine and tagliatelle are broader, flatter pastas that work beautifully with creamy sauces like Alfredo or carbonara. Linguine, slightly flatter than spaghetti, is the ideal companion for seafood dishes, such as linguine alle vongole, where the delicate pasta complements the seafood perfectly.
Short Pasta Shapes
Short pasta shapes such as penne, rigatoni, farfalle, and orecchiette are known for their ability to hold onto rich, chunky sauces. The unique ridges and hollow centres of penne and rigatoni allow them to trap hearty meat sauces, like a rich ragù, or vegetable-heavy sauces, creating a satisfying bite with every mouthful. Farfalle, also known as bowtie pasta, is ideal for both creamy and tomato-based sauces, while orecchiette, meaning “little ears,” pairs perfectly with rustic vegetable dishes or a simple broccoli sauce. These different kinds of pasta shapes are excellent for those looking for something hearty and full of texture.
Filled Pasta Types
Filled pasta types like ravioli, tortellini, and agnolotti bring an extra layer of flavour and indulgence to the table. Ravioli, typically filled with ricotta, spinach, or meat, is perfect with butter and sage, or a rich tomato sauce. Tortellini, often stuffed with a mix of cheese and meat, can be enjoyed in a delicate broth or creamy sauce. Agnolotti, a type of stuffed pasta from the Piedmont region, is traditionally filled with roasted meat or vegetables and is best paired with light, butter-based sauces or a simple broth. The fillings of these different kinds of Italian pasta offer a unique contrast to the pasta itself, providing a satisfying, flavour-packed bite in every piece.
Pair Your Pasta with Wine
To complete your meal, consider pairing your pasta with the right wine. A rich red wine like Chianti works well with different pasta styles such as penne or rigatoni served with a hearty meat sauce. On the other hand, a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio is the ideal companion for seafood pasta dishes such as linguine with clams or spaghetti with a light lemon and garlic sauce. A perfect wine pairing can take your dish from great to extraordinary, enhancing both the flavours of the pasta and the sauce.
Biviano’s Dural invites you to enjoy the diverse world of Italian pasta. Book a table online with us today, or call 02 9651 2022, and let us help you explore different pasta styles for an unforgettable dining experience.