Most Loved Pasta Types and How Mama Bella Serves Them

There’s something universally comforting about a good plate of pasta. Whether it’s silky strands coated in rich sauce or bite-sized shapes hugging herbs and cheese, pasta types have a way of turning an ordinary meal into something unforgettable.

At Mama Bella, our love for pasta runs deep, and every dish is made to celebrate the most beloved types of pasta from Italy and beyond. But what makes one pasta better suited to a certain sauce? And how many types of pasta are there, really?

Let’s dive into the world of pasta types, discover customer favourites, and show how Mama Bella brings each one to life.

What Makes Pasta So Irresistible?

Texture. Tradition. Endless variety. Pasta has been a staple for centuries, not just for Italians but for food lovers around the world.

From short and springy to long and delicate, the different types of pasta are designed with a purpose. Ridges help sauces cling, while hollow centers hold creamy fillings. When made fresh pasta in Dubai, like we do at Mama Bella, the result is a richer, smoother taste that elevates every bite.

Mama Bella’s Take on Popular Pasta Types

There are over 300 shapes among all types of pasta globally, but some stand out more than others. At Mama Bella, we focus on the pasta types list that our guests love most. Here’s how we do them justice:

Spaghetti

Spaghetti is arguably the most iconic of all pasta types when it comes to Italian food, known for its long, thin strands and simple charm. Its name comes from the Italian word spaghi, meaning “thin strings,” and it has been a staple of Italian cooking for centuries. 

Traditionally paired with tomato-based sauces, spaghetti is a versatile base that adapts well to everything from light olive oil dressings to hearty ragùs. Its smooth surface allows sauces to coat rather than cling, creating a balanced and comforting bite.

Tagliatelle

Originating from the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy, tagliatelle is a flat, ribbon-like pasta with a refined yet rustic character. This pasta is traditionally made with egg, giving it a rich yellow hue and a tender texture. 

Its wide surface area makes it ideal for thicker, creamier sauces, and it’s often used in classic dishes like Bolognese. Tagliatelle is celebrated not just for its ability to hold robust sauces, but also for the way it feels: soft, velvety, and indulgent without being overwhelming.

Penne

Penne is instantly recognisable by its short, cylindrical shape and diagonal-cut ends. The name comes from the Italian word for “quills” or “pens,” a nod to its sharp edges. With ridges along its surface, penne is well-suited to capturing chunky sauces, bits of vegetables, or flecks of herbs. 

This pasta is commonly found in baked dishes, simple oil-based recipes, and everything in between, making it one of the most flexible and widely used shapes in Italian cooking.

Ravioli

Ravioli are small, square parcels of pasta filled with a variety of savoury ingredients. These delicate pockets originated in northern Italy and are often associated with festive meals and comfort food. Fillings can range from classic spinach and ricotta to mushrooms, meat, or seasonal vegetables. 

Fusilli

Fusilli is a twisted, spiral-shaped pasta whose curves and ridges are perfect for grabbing onto textured sauces. Its name comes from the Italian word fuso, meaning “spindle,” reflecting the traditional method of twisting the dough around a rod. Fusilli is especially well-suited for rustic sauces featuring vegetables, cheeses, or chunky meat ragùs.

Why Do All Types of Pasta Need Different Sauces?

Think of pasta and sauce like a dance: one leads, the other follows, no matter which Italian pasta types you are using. Long strands are best with lighter sauces that coat rather than cling. Chunkier sauces need shapes with edges and grooves.

That’s why our types of pasta dishes are carefully matched, and each pairing enhances flavor, texture, and satisfaction.  

Which Type of Pasta Is Right for Your Taste?

If you’re craving something rich and indulgent, go for filled or long, flat pasta. If you want something light, short pasta with a tomato-based or olive oil sauce will hit the spot. Our staff is always happy to recommend the perfect pairing.

Choosing from a full pasta types list can be overwhelming, especially when everything sounds good. Don’t let another average meal disappoint you. You deserve a dish that feels like a warm hug, made with care and served with love. Reserve your table now and experience why Mama Bella is the go-to for pasta types in Dubai.

You’ll find us at Kempinski The Boulevard Dubai, along Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard in Downtown Dubai, UAE. For questions, each out to us directly at 050 589 4738 or email contact@mamabella.co. We’d love to welcome you soon.