Have you ever wondered what the difference is between tagliolini and spaghetti? This article explores the primary distinctions between the two pasta varieties. But first, let’s take a closer look at each.
Summary: Tagliolini is thicker than spaghetti and also contains egg which can affect the total calories in a serving.
What is Tagliolini?
Tagliolini is a type of long ribbon pasta with a width of 1-3 mm. It is very similar to tagliatelle. This pasta originated from the regions of Molise and Piedmont in Italy. And it’s made of a dough that incorporates eggs.
Sometimes the strands of tagliolini are cylindrical instead of flat. This pasta variety is typically served with truffles and butter or a sauce made from roast meat drippings. Tagliolini works best with light, thin sauces because of how thin the strands are.
What Is Spaghetti?
Spaghetti is one of the most renowned pasta varieties. It is a strand type of pasta with a cylindrical shape and significant density.
Spaghetti is incredibly versatile and pairs perfectly with a vast range of sauces. However, it works best with creamy and more oily sauce than others. This pasta is known for pairing well with tomato sauce and meatballs. And it’s considered one of Italy’s staple pastas.
Tagliolini Vs. Spaghetti: What’s the Difference?
- Thickness: Tagliolini is thicker than spaghetti. The strips of tagliolini are usually cut at about 1-3 mm wide.
- Origin: Tagliolini originates from the Liguria region of Italy. While spaghetti comes from Veneto, a region in Northern Italy.
- Shape: Although spaghetti is a cylindrical pasta, tagliolini is sometimes cylindrical and sometimes flat.
- Dough Ingredients: Both are made from durum wheat flour, but tagliolini also contains egg, which spaghetti does not. This is because tagliolini is made from egg dough, while spaghetti is made from regular pasta dough.
- Culinary Uses: Spaghetti goes well with light and chunky sauces like pesto, tomato sauce, alfredo sauce, ragu, and marinara. While tagliolini is best paired with a cream sauce and seafood. It’s also known to be served with truffles and butter. A simple tomato sauce is also a great partner for tagliolini.
Conclusion
Tagliolini and spaghetti may have some things in common, but they have quite a few differences. This article lists those differences and more. When you can identify tagliolini vs. spaghetti, you’re a step closer to elevating your knowledge of Italian cuisine.