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From the classic pairing of spaghetti and tomato sauce to creamier, spicier and cheesier concoctions, pasta is one of the most versatile and delicious carbohydrates.
Yet while the delightful food is mainly associated with Italy, most cultures have their own version, so it seems unsurprising that some may be more devoted to a particular type.
But what exactly does your favourite pasta shape say about your values, behaviours and personality traits?
According to Phil Macleod, hypnotherapist, psychologist and founder of Thought Reader, while your go-to pasta type may seem like a slightly irrelevant thought, it can actually reveal far more about you than initially presumed.
Mr Macleod told The Daily Mail: ‘Even small choices can say something about you. As a hypnotherapist, I spend a lot of time observing why people do what they do, and even something as simple as this can say a lot about you psychologically.’
From signs you are adventurous and hard-working to evidence that you are holding onto your childhood friendship groups, the pasta shape you opt for during your weekly food shop can speak volumes about your fundamental values.
Conducting an in-depth analysis of 12 popular pasta shapes, Mr Macleod has established the deeper meaning of your pasta preferences.
Read on to discover what your favourite type of pasta says about you and perhaps which variations you should consider giving a try if you are hoping to enhance particular qualities.
Spaghetti
According to Mr Macleod, this versatile and budget-friendly pasta option is one for those that favour familiarity and an easy cooking routine.
From a bowl of spaghetti bolognese to more elaborate pasta dishes, spaghetti is often favoured by many Brits hoping to cook a quick and easy dinner.
If spaghetti is your go-to option, Mr Macleod suggests you have a tendency to like ‘things simple and familiar’.
He added that spaghetti fans are ‘reliable, easy-going, and don’t overcomplicate life. Seen as a traditionalist, humble and down to earth’.
Orecchiette
Originating from the Italian word for ‘ear’, orecchiette holds a rough texture and can be combined with delicious sauces to create a tasty meal.
With a unique design, this pasta choice is perhaps one for those feeling more creative.
According to Mr Macleod, orecchiette lovers ‘pay attention to detail’.
He further explained: ‘They like the finer things in life and are observant individuals. They are a bit of a perfectionist and like things to be just so. They have firm views and like to protect their space and don’t like things amiss.’
Garganelli
This distinctive egg-based pasta originates from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy and, while somewhat resembles penne, is unique as it is made from fresh egg pasta dough, rolled around a small stick, and pressed over a ridged board.
As such, it seems somewhat unsurprising that lovers of this pasta shape are typically more individual and ‘adventurous’.
Mr Macleod noted: ‘They like doing things their own way without needing attention. They are confident and don’t seek validation from others.’
Ravioli
This delicious traditional stuffed pasta comes with a variety of fillings – ranging from ricotta cheese to spinach, meat and numerous vegetables.
Renowned for their speedy cooking time, they are often a favourite for those looking for a pasta-based dish.
According to Mr Macleod, those who typically opt for raviloli ‘have a deeper side to them’.
‘They might seem straightforward or boring to some, but there are many layers here going on underneath. They are homebodies who appreciate the simple things in life and cherish what’s close to them.’
Rigatoni
This large hollow-shaped pasta holds roots in Rome and Sicily and has a wide structure ideal for heavy or thick sauces.
For those who love this pasta type, there are signs that you enjoy experimenting and are ‘confident’ in yourselves, according to Mr Macleod.
However, those that favour rigatoni are ‘still seen as quite practical’.
He added: ‘They just like to push the boat out every now and again, just a little and not too much.’
Lasagna
A classic Italian baked dish consisting of stacked layers of flat pasta, sauce (ragù and/or béchamel), cheese, and various fillings, lasagna is designed for ‘ultimate home bodies who love home comfort meals’.
According to Mr Macleod, those who tend to opt for a hearty lasagna as their dinner have ‘had the same friendship group for years and live life in their own bubble’.
‘A bit adverse to change and they love what feels safe and familiar to them. These people have strong roots and values and stick with what the know and love,’ he added.
Farfalle
Fondly known as ‘butterfly’ or ‘bow’ pasta, farfalle is a 16th-century, Northern Italian pasta characterised by its pinched, ruffled shape that is perfect for creamy sauces.
With a slightly chewy centre, it was often created by housewives using leftover pasta dough.
If this is your go-to pasta shape, you are likely ‘young at heart’ and seen by others as ‘playful and positive’, according to Mr Macleod.
He further explained, ‘ They bring a bit of joy to situations and people are naturally drawn to them. Their mind always looks for the positive in things, and people love to gather around them’.
Cavatelli
This fun-shaped pasta is made from semolina or other flour dough and frequently cooked with garlic and broccoli or rapini, or even with just a simple tomato sauce.
If this is the pasta shape for you, Mr Macleod estimates you are ‘creative and artistic with a flair for making things’.
He noted: ‘They are happiest when they are in creation mode from knitting, cooking or art construction. They are genuine people and humble, creative thinking and problem solvers.’
Gnocchi
These delicious Italian dumplings are typically made from potato, flour, egg and salt and come with a soft, chewy texture.
Typically, they are paired with a variety of sauces such as sage butter, pesto or tomato ragu.
If your eyes light up when you see gnocchi on a restaurant menu, you are likely ‘comfort-driven’, according to Mr Macleod.
He explained: ‘They like feeling relaxed, safe, and looked after. I think they think they are pushing the boundaries with gnocchi. They think they’re being a bit adventurous with but deep down it’s quite familiar.
‘A trip to their favourite restaurant is a big night out, they are set in their ways because it’s right.’
Sagne
A traditional rustic pasta made with durum wheat flour and water, this pasta variety is favoured by vegans and dairy-free eaters.
For those who typically opt for this pasta, Mr Macleod suggests they are ‘open-minded and tend to be curious’.
He added: ‘They are willing to try things others might not. in their mind, they are comfortable with change and embrace things as they come along. They love the thrill of the chase.’
Fettuccine
Translating to ‘little ribbons’ in Italian, this popular egg-based pasta originates in Roman and Tuscan cuisine and offers a sturdy texture that is suitable for rich creamy sauces or hearty ragus.
According to Mr Macleod, if this delicious pasta delights your taste buds, you typically opt for ‘balance and control’ in your personal life.
‘They prefer calm over chaos and like things just so. Their mind is constantly looking for steadiness and order in the world. Not fans of change or new ideas,’ he noted.
Bucatini
Popular in Rome and strongly reminiscent of spaghetti, this chewy durum wheat pasta often comes with thick, hearty sauces and holds a hole running through its centre.
If this is the pasta for you, Mr Macleod believes that there may be more to you than what initially meets the eye.
‘You may appear like the average person on the outside, but deep down you will unearth a deep and sensitive person,’ he added.
‘They are over-thinkers. There is real depth and sensitivity underneath, once people take the time to get to know you.’
