• Home
  • News
  • World
  • Politics
  • Money
  • Lifestyle
  • Entertainment
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Travel
  • More
    • Tech
    • Web Stories
    • Spotlight
    • Press Release
What's On

WH Smith shopper dies when ‘common medicines’ caused uncontrollable bleeding after fall

6 August 2025

Mum of Israeli hostage Evyatar David delivers blistering message to Hamas apologists

6 August 2025

Elon Musk’s X ‘played central role’ in stoking racist riots, damning report finds

6 August 2025

Aldi fans can now get a tattoo in stores that look like Specialbuys – full list

6 August 2025

Liverpool make final transfer decision on Marc Guehi after two bids rejected

6 August 2025

Brits warned of swimwear rules that could land them £434 fines in holiday hotspots

6 August 2025

Hulk Hogan’s loved ones ‘gather for funeral service’ as tribute to WWE star spotted

6 August 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Trending
  • WH Smith shopper dies when ‘common medicines’ caused uncontrollable bleeding after fall
  • Mum of Israeli hostage Evyatar David delivers blistering message to Hamas apologists
  • Elon Musk’s X ‘played central role’ in stoking racist riots, damning report finds
  • Aldi fans can now get a tattoo in stores that look like Specialbuys – full list
  • Liverpool make final transfer decision on Marc Guehi after two bids rejected
  • Brits warned of swimwear rules that could land them £434 fines in holiday hotspots
  • Hulk Hogan’s loved ones ‘gather for funeral service’ as tribute to WWE star spotted
  • Remove make-up stains from clothes using 10p trick that takes minutes to do
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
England TimesEngland Times
Demo
  • Home
  • News
  • World
  • Politics
  • Money
  • Lifestyle
  • Entertainment
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Travel
  • More
    • Tech
    • Web Stories
    • Spotlight
    • Press Release
England TimesEngland Times
Home » Chef says there’s ‘secret code’ that explains why certain pastas have holes in them
Lifestyle

Chef says there’s ‘secret code’ that explains why certain pastas have holes in them

By staff5 August 2025No Comments3 Mins Read

Many of us love tucking into a bowl of pasta for lunch or dinner, but have you ever been confused about which shape is best to use? A chef explains the secrets behind each pasta

People are only just realising why pasta shapes have a hole in the middle (stock image)
People are only just realising why pasta shapes have a hole in the middle (stock image)(Image: BRETT STEVENS via Getty Images)

Diving into a scrumptious bowl of pasta is the ultimate comfort when you’re famished and craving something hearty. It’s an affordable and tasty dish that also happens to be perfect for leftovers. While classics like Bolognese and carbonara are go-to favourites, pasta’s versatility means you can pair it with pretty much anything. Yet, faced with supermarket aisles brimming with a dizzying array of pasta shapes, making a choice can be overwhelming.

Some may habitually reach for the same pasta shape, but a culinary expert has shed light on why there’s such a vast selection. To the surprise of many, each pasta shape serves a distinct purpose.

New Zealand-born chef Andy, who goes by Andy Cooks on social media and has honed his skills in some of the finest eateries globally, including those in London, recently imparted his wisdom about pasta.

Andy revealed: “Have you ever wondered why there are so many pasta shapes? Well, it’s not random. The Italians have basically invented a secret code where every shape is matched to a specific sauce.”

Let’s delve into the pasta shapes you ought to know….

Thin and long pasta

READ MORE: ‘I went to city with pretty canals, bikes and less tourists than Amsterdam or Venice’

Andy advises that spaghetti and angel hair pasta are ideally suited to lighter sauces. They blend seamlessly with combinations like garlic and olive oil or lemon and butter sauce.

“Or even Cacio e Pepe,” Andy added.

The seasoned chef pointed out that these sauces cling to the pasta strands uniformly. He observed: “If you have a heavy meat sauce on a pasta like this, you’re going to watch all that meat just fall straight off.”

Flat and wide pasta

This pasta category includes varieties such as fettucine, pappardelle, and tagliatelle. Andy suggests that these pasta shapes are perfectly suited for meaty sauces, creamy concoctions, and pestos.

He clarified: “All that extra surface area grips all the flavour. And generally speaking, the heavier the sauce, the wider the noodle.”

Twisted and tubular pasta

Consider pasta forms like fusilli, penne, and rigatoni. The latter two boast a convenient hole, ideal for trapping extra flavour.

Andy remarked: “Now, these pastas, they’re sauce magnets. The twists are great with the lighter sauces, and these tubes – they love the thick stuff.”

Final thoughts

Matching the pasta shape with the appropriate sauce can truly elevate your culinary creations.

Andy concluded: “Next time you’re in the shop and you need to buy some pasta, think about what sauce you’re having with it and what pasta you should match.”

The guidance was met with enthusiasm in the comments section, where people shared their reactions.

One individual commented: “This genuinely changes my life as somebody beginning their cooking journey.”

Another stated: “I love pasta, and this has encouraged me to explore more shapes…apart from spaghetti.”

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Tumblr Email

Related News

Remove make-up stains from clothes using 10p trick that takes minutes to do

6 August 2025

Unusual kitchen ingredient helps robins and banishes pests from your garden

6 August 2025

Drivers over 70 handed warning over new ‘mandatory’ tests in the future

5 August 2025

Make cleaning your home easier with these 3 easy time-saving tips

5 August 2025

‘I’m a personal trainer and there’s 3 signs your body is storing fat’

5 August 2025

Andy Capp – 5th August 2025

5 August 2025
Latest News

Mum of Israeli hostage Evyatar David delivers blistering message to Hamas apologists

6 August 2025

Elon Musk’s X ‘played central role’ in stoking racist riots, damning report finds

6 August 2025

Aldi fans can now get a tattoo in stores that look like Specialbuys – full list

6 August 2025

Liverpool make final transfer decision on Marc Guehi after two bids rejected

6 August 2025
Stay In Touch
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Vimeo
Don't Miss
Travel

Brits warned of swimwear rules that could land them £434 fines in holiday hotspots

By staff6 August 20250

Brits heading on summer holidays to the likes of Italy and Spain are being warned…

Hulk Hogan’s loved ones ‘gather for funeral service’ as tribute to WWE star spotted

6 August 2025

Remove make-up stains from clothes using 10p trick that takes minutes to do

6 August 2025

‘My daughter, 6, seemed off-balance on holiday – 7 months later she was dead’

6 August 2025
England Times
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of use
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
© 2025 England Times. All Rights Reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Go to mobile version