The Top 10 Italian Pasta Brands You Need to Try
Do you want to know the best Italian Pasta brands? Immerse yourself in the history, tradition, and mastery of Italian pasta. Learn about the top Italian brands that use centuries-old techniques to craft exceptional pasta.
While you may be familiar with a few popular names, the world of Italian pasta offers so much more to explore. From time-honored family recipes to innovative artisanal creations, these top brands deliver exceptional quality and flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or simply looking to upgrade your weeknight dinners, discovering these premium Italian pasta brands will transform your culinary experience. Get ready to know our curated selection of the 10 best Italian pasta brands you need to try.
The History and Tradition of Italian Pasta
Ancient Origins
Pasta has been a cornerstone of Italian cuisine for centuries, with roots tracing back to ancient civilizations. While its exact origins are debated, evidence suggests that pasta-like dishes were consumed in Italy as early as the 4th century BCE. The Romans enjoyed a form of lasagna called lagana, made from sheets of dough layered with meat and cheese.
Medieval Evolution
During the Middle Ages, pasta began to take on its modern form. Arab traders introduced dried pasta to Sicily, revolutionizing its storage and transportation. This innovation allowed pasta to become a staple food across Italy. By the 14th century, pasta had become so popular that it was regulated by the Corporazione dei Pastai, a pasta makers’ guild in Savona.
Renaissance Refinement
The Renaissance period saw pasta evolve into an art form. New shapes and varieties emerged, each designed to pair perfectly with specific sauces and ingredients. This era also witnessed the invention of the pasta extruder, allowing for mass production and wider distribution of pasta throughout Italy and beyond.
Modern Mastery
Today, Italian pasta represents a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. While ancient techniques are still honored, modern technology has enhanced production methods, ensuring consistent quality. The passion for pasta remains strong in Italy, with each region boasting its own unique pasta shapes and recipes. This rich history and unwavering dedication to quality are what make Italian pasta brands stand out in the global market.
Identifying High-Quality Italian Pasta: A Guide
Recognizing high-quality Italian pasta is not difficult. How can you assess the quality of pasta? Here is a simple guide:
- Pour the pasta into a container with room-temperature water and check that after a couple of hours, the pasta has remained compact, without releasing too much starch into the water. If this occurs, the quality is excellent.
- Another reliable indicator is the protein content. It is sufficient to check the nutritional values for how many grams of protein there are per 100 grams of the product. If it ranges between 12.5% and 15%, it means that the semolina used is good.
- If the pasta is bronze-extruded, it will have better cooking durability; its roughness will also allow it to better retain the sauce.
- Low-temperature drying (often mentioned on labels) influences both the physical characteristics of the product (for example, the color, more similar to that of wheat) and its nutritional properties, and results in better cooking durability.
Exploring the Top 10 Italian Pasta Brands
When it comes to authentic Italian pasta, quality is paramount. The best Italian pasta brands combine centuries-old traditions with modern production techniques to create products that are a cut above the rest. Let’s delve into 10 standout brands that have earned their place at the top of the pasta pantheon.
Barilla
Barilla, founded in 1877, has become synonymous with Italian pasta worldwide. Known for its wide range of shapes and consistent quality, Barilla offers everything from classic spaghetti to unique specialty cuts. Their pasta is made from carefully selected durum wheat and slow-dried to preserve its flavor and texture. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a gourmet feast, Barilla provides a reliable foundation for your culinary creations.
Explore Amazon’s dedicated page for Barilla products.
De Cecco
De Cecco has been crafting premium pasta since 1886, adhering to strict quality standards. Their process includes using cold water from the Verde River and bronze dies for extrusion, resulting in a rougher texture that helps sauces cling better. De Cecco’s pasta is known for its excellent al dente bite and rich wheat flavor, making it a favorite among chefs and discerning home cooks alike.
Explore Amazon’s dedicated page for De Cecco products.
Garofalo
Hailing from Gragnano, the “City of Pasta,” Garofalo has been perfecting its craft since 1789. This brand benefits from the unique microclimate of the region, which is ideal for pasta drying. Garofalo’s products are certified IGP (Protected Geographical Indication), guaranteeing their authenticity and quality. Their pasta is characterized by its golden color, robust texture, and ability to hold its shape during cooking.
Explore Amazon’s dedicated page for Garofalo products.
Divella
Divella pasta originates from Rutigliano in the Puglia region of Italy, with its beginnings in 1890 when Francesco Divella opened his first mill. Renowned for its commitment to quality, Divella uses high-grade durum wheat semolina to produce pasta with a delightful texture and taste. Its wide variety of shapes caters to diverse culinary preferences, honoring traditional Italian craftsmanship.
Explore Amazon’s dedicated page for Divella products.
Voiello
Voiello pasta is a brand that carries a 140-year legacy, synonymous with passion, quality, and tradition rooted in the Campania region. This pasta embodies the heritage of past generations, conveying a timeless Italian classic. Choosing Voiello pasta means immersing oneself in a culinary culture rich in authenticity and flavor.
Explore Amazon’s dedicated page for Voiello products.
Rummo
Rummo pasta, originating from Benevento, Italy, boasts a rich history dating back to 1846. Founded by Antonio Rummo, this family-run company has perfected the art of pasta-making over generations. Known for its exceptional quality, Rummo uses a slow-kneading method, “Lenta Lavorazione,” ensuring a robust texture and superior flavor that hold up beautifully to cooking, embodying true Italian tradition.
Explore Amazon’s dedicated page for Rummo products.
La Molisana
La Molisana pasta hails from Campobasso in the Molise region of Italy, with roots going back to 1912. This brand, renowned for its dedication to quality, selects fine durum wheat to produce pasta with a rich, authentic flavor and firm texture. La Molisana’s traditional methods and innovative spirit ensure a versatile pasta that excels in various culinary creations.
Explore Amazon’s dedicated page for La Molisana products.
Morelli
Pasta Morelli, established in 1860 in Tuscany, Italy, stands out for its traditional approach and unique inclusion of wheat germ in its pasta, enhancing flavor and nutritional value. This family-run mill carefully selects premium durum wheat, crafting pasta with a rich taste and firm texture. Morelli’s dedication to quality and innovation preserves the authentic essence of Italian pasta-making.
Explore Amazon’s dedicated page for Morelli products.
Bragagnolo
Bragagnolo pasta originates from Italy, where it has been crafted with care and tradition. Known for its high-quality ingredients, Bragagnolo uses select durum wheat to produce pasta with exceptional texture and flavor. The brand focuses on preserving traditional methods while embracing innovation, ensuring that each pasta piece reflects Italy’s rich culinary heritage and commitment to excellence.
Explore Amazon’s dedicated page for Bragagnolo products.
Delverde
Delverde pasta hails from the pristine region of Abruzzo, Italy, where it was founded in 1967. Drawing inspiration from its lush surroundings, Delverde uses pure spring water from the Verde River and high-quality durum wheat to craft its pasta. Known for its firm texture and authentic taste, Delverde maintains traditional methods, delivering a genuine Italian culinary experience.
Explore Amazon’s dedicated page for Delverde products.
