A Guide to Pairing Pasta Shapes and Sauces

For every shape, there is a sauce. And this handy guide will help you find the best pasta shape – pasta sauce combos. With the right pairing, you’ll deliver maximum flavor impact with every bite you take.

One-Pot Orecchiette with Swiss Chard, Sausage, And Lemon

This easy weeknight dinner comes together in minutes, plus it’s super easy to clean up. The Italian sausage provides a flavorful base, and orecchiette, traditionally made with semolina flour, has an addictively toothsome bite. Orecchiette means “little ears” in Italian, and its cuplike shape splendidly holds the flavors of this hearty sauce together. 

Add a ¼ cup to ½ cup of pasta cooking water to your sauce. The salty water adds flavor and the starches in the water help the sauce stick to the pasta!