The brand of pasta you choose plays a huge role in the quality of your dish. How the pasta is made, the quality of ingredients used, and the traditional techniques employed all impact the final product. These elements determine the texture, flavor, and how well the pasta can hold up to your sauce. Authentic Italian cooking is all about balance, and the right pasta can make all the difference. Here is the top 15 pasta brands for authentic Italian cooking, ranked from solid choices to absolute must-haves!
Contents
- 1 15. Garofalo
- 2 14. Barilla
- 3 13. De Cecco
- 4 12. Rummo
- 5 11. La Molisana
- 6 10. Monograno Felicetti
- 7 9. Setaro
- 8 8. Pastificio dei Campi
- 9 7. Mancini Pastificio Agricolo
- 10 6. Rustichella d’Abruzzo
- 11 5. Cipriani
- 12 4. Martelli
- 13 3. Colavita
- 14 2. Antica Maccheroneria
- 15 1. Benedetto Cavalieri
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15. Garofalo
Garofalo is one of Italy’s oldest pasta makers, dating back to the 1700s. Known for its premium quality, the brand uses high-protein semolina, resulting in a perfect al dente texture. Its wide range of shapes and cuts makes it a versatile choice for various Italian recipes. Garofalo pasta holds sauces exceptionally well, enhancing the flavors of every dish. This brand is a favorite among chefs for its authentic taste and consistency.
14. Barilla
Barilla is a household name and a top choice for home cooks looking for reliable pasta. Its availability worldwide makes it a go-to option for those who want to create authentic Italian meals without compromise. The pasta is made from 100% durum wheat, ensuring a firm bite and rich flavor. Barilla offers a wide variety of pasta shapes, making it suitable for both traditional and modern dishes. Its affordability and quality balance make it a staple in many kitchens.
13. De Cecco
De Cecco has been producing pasta since 1886, and its reputation for quality remains intact. Using a traditional drying method, De Cecco pasta retains a rough texture that perfectly grips onto sauces. This pasta brand prides itself on using fresh spring water in its dough, contributing to its superior taste. De Cecco’s commitment to quality ensures that every bite delivers a taste of Italy. The range includes classic cuts like penne, rigatoni, and spaghetti, ideal for authentic dishes.
12. Rummo
Rummo stands out for its slow-drying process, which helps preserve the pasta’s nutritional value and texture. This artisanal approach gives Rummo pasta a unique resilience to overcooking, ensuring a consistent al dente result every time. The brand is well-known for its pasta’s rich, golden color and slightly porous surface. Rummo’s wide selection, from classic spaghetti to lesser-known regional cuts, offers endless possibilities for authentic Italian dishes. Many chefs swear by Rummo for creating traditional recipes.
11. La Molisana
La Molisana offers premium pasta that has been crafted for over a century, using wheat grown in Italy’s fertile regions. The brand’s bronze die-cut pasta is designed to hold sauces and create authentic textures for Italian dishes. La Molisana’s products are often described as having a firm yet tender bite, ideal for hearty sauces like Bolognese and Carbonara. Its range includes whole wheat and gluten-free options, making it a versatile choice for health-conscious consumers. The brand’s rich history and commitment to quality make it a top contender.
10. Monograno Felicetti
Monograno Felicetti focuses on producing organic pasta using only the highest-quality wheat, spelt, and barley. This artisanal pasta is made in the Italian Alps, where the pure air and water contribute to its exceptional flavor. Known for its smooth texture and ability to enhance delicate sauces, Monograno Felicetti is a favorite among chefs aiming for authenticity. The brand’s sustainable farming practices and dedication to quality make it an eco-conscious choice for pasta lovers. Every shape is crafted with precision, offering a true Italian dining experience.
9. Setaro
Setaro is a family-owned pasta maker that has been in operation since 1939. Located in Torre Annunziata, a town famous for pasta production, Setaro uses traditional methods to create pasta that’s rich in flavor and texture. The bronze die-cut process gives the pasta a rough surface, perfect for clinging to sauces. Each batch is slow-dried at low temperatures, resulting in a pasta that is both flavorful and resilient. Setaro’s commitment to tradition ensures every dish has an authentic, homemade feel.
8. Pastificio dei Campi
Pastificio dei Campi is one of the most respected producers of Pasta di Gragnano IGP, adhering to strict traditional methods in the famed Gragnano region. The brand is known for using the finest durum wheat and bronze dies to give its pasta a rough texture that clings perfectly to sauces. Their slow-drying process helps preserve the pasta’s full flavor and ensures an ideal al dente bite. Pastificio dei Campi offers a wide range of shapes, from the classic spaghetti to unique regional cuts. The dedication to tradition and quality makes this brand a standout for anyone seeking authentic Italian pasta.
7. Mancini Pastificio Agricolo
Mancini is known for producing pasta directly from wheat grown on its farm, ensuring complete control over the quality. The wheat is harvested and milled on-site, then transformed into pasta using bronze dies for a rough texture. This hands-on approach gives Mancini pasta a rustic, artisanal quality. Its unique production method and commitment to sustainability make it a favorite among chefs and pasta enthusiasts alike. Mancini’s pasta is celebrated for its firmness and ability to absorb sauces beautifully.
6. Rustichella d’Abruzzo
Rustichella d’Abruzzo is a small, family-run company that produces high-quality, artisanal pasta. Made with durum wheat semolina and mountain spring water, the pasta has a distinctively rich flavor. The bronze die-cut technique gives it a rough texture that captures sauces well. Rustichella’s slow drying process ensures that the pasta retains its nutritional value and al dente quality. This brand is favored for its ability to elevate even the simplest Italian dishes with its authentic taste.
5. Cipriani
Cipriani is a high-end pasta brand created by the famous Cipriani family, known for their renowned Italian restaurants. The pasta is made using a unique blend of durum wheat and eggs, giving it a luxurious, silky texture. Cipriani pasta is ideal for dishes where the pasta is the star, such as simple butter and sage sauces or rich Alfredo. Its superior quality and delicate flavor make it a favorite for gourmet Italian dining. This brand brings restaurant-quality pasta to home kitchens.
4. Martelli
Martelli is a small, family-run pasta factory located in Tuscany that produces only a few select pasta shapes, such as spaghetti, penne, and maccheroni. The pasta is made using traditional methods, including bronze die-cutting and slow drying. Martelli pasta is renowned for its rough texture, which helps sauces adhere perfectly. The brand’s emphasis on small-batch production ensures a high level of quality control. Martelli is ideal for those looking to create authentic Italian dishes with a focus on tradition and simplicity.
3. Colavita
Colavita is a well-respected Italian brand known for its commitment to producing high-quality pasta using 100% durum wheat. The pasta’s texture and flavor are enhanced by the brand’s use of bronze dies and slow drying techniques. Colavita’s wide range of shapes and sizes makes it a versatile option for any Italian dish, from hearty lasagnas to delicate seafood pastas. Its reliable quality and authentic taste have made it a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike.
2. Antica Maccheroneria
Antica Maccheroneria is an artisanal pasta brand from Naples that is celebrated for its dedication to traditional pasta-making techniques. The pasta is made using bronze dies, giving it a rough texture that enhances sauce adherence. The slow drying process used by Antica Maccheroneria preserves the pasta’s flavor and nutritional value. Its products are made with high-quality durum wheat, resulting in a firm, al dente bite. This brand is a favorite for dishes that require robust, flavorful pasta.
1. Benedetto Cavalieri
Benedetto Cavalieri is often considered the gold standard of Italian pasta. Produced in southern Italy since 1918, this family-owned company uses high-quality durum wheat to create pasta with a unique texture and flavor. The slow drying process and bronze die-cutting technique ensure that Benedetto Cavalieri pasta has an exceptional ability to hold sauces. Its firm texture and rich flavor make it perfect for classic Italian dishes like carbonara, cacio e pepe, and amatriciana. Benedetto Cavalieri’s commitment to quality and tradition sets it apart as the best pasta for authentic Italian cooking.
This article originally appeared on RetailShout.
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