Pasta Glossary

What shapes pair with what sauces? Here's how to use your noodles.

• Angel Hair. Cooking time 3-5 minutes. Sauces: Garlic and olive oil, light tomato, seafood, butter, cream. Best for: Tossing with sauce.

• Elbows. Cooking time: 6 to 8 minutes. Sauces: Cheese, butter. Best for: Salads, soups, baked dishes.

• Farfalle, bow ties. Cooking time 10 to 12 minutes. Sauces: Olive oil, butter, cheese. Best for: Salads, tossing with sauce.

• Fettuccine. Cooking time: 10 to 12 minutes. Sauces: Meat, cream, cheese. Best for: Tossing with sauce.

• Orcchiette. Cooking time: 10 to 12 minutes. Sauces: Meat, cream, seafood. Best for: Tossing with sauce.

• Penne. Cooking time: 10 to 12 minutes. Sauces: Chunky tomato, meat, or vegetable; cream. Best for: Tossing with sauce.

• Rigatoni. Cooking time: 11 to 13 minutes. Sauces: Chunky meat or vegetable, cream, cheese. Best for: Baked dishes, tossing with sauce.

• Rotini, Fusilli. Cooking time: 8 to 10 minutes. Sauces: Tomato, pesto, shellfish. Best for: Salads, baked dishes.

• Shells. Cooking time: 10 to 12 minutes. Sauces: Tomato, meat, vegetable, cream, cheese. Best for: Salads, baked dishes.

• Spaghetti. Cooking time: 9 to 11 minutes. Sauces: Pesto, tomato, meat, seafood. Best for: Tossing with sauce.

From REAL SIMPLE, May 2007