Paccheri pasta, originating from the Campania region of Southern Italy, have a rich history and a unique ability to pair with a variety of sauces and ingredients, making it a versatile choice for any meal. Here's a collection of 10 best recipes with paccheri pasta, each chosen for its creativity, flavor depth, and the way it honors this beloved pasta shape.
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Traditional recipes with paccheri pasta, as well as innovative pasta dishes. Whether it's a comforting, slow-cooked ragù or a lighter, seafood-based sauce that complements its al dente texture, there's something for every taste and occasion.
Whether you're looking to impress guests at your next dinner party or simply want to enjoy a delicious, comforting meal at home, these recipes will transport you to the heart of Italy with every bite. Buon Appetito!
If you're looking for more Italian pasta recipes, check out also this collection of 10 Seafood Ravioli and 20 Vegetarian Pasta Recipes.
Jump to:
- What are Paccheri (and how are they different from Rigatoni)
- Paccheri Pasta with Mint Zucchini Sauce and Shrimps
- Paccheri Calamarata with Squids
- Creamy Salmon Paccheri Pasta
- Paccheri Pasta with Sausage and Cheese
- Paccheri Pasta with Neapolitan Ragù
- Paccheri with Octopus alla Genovese
- Paccheri alla Vittorio
- Stuffed baked Paccheri
- Paccheri alla Sorrentina
- Paccheri with Seafood Sauce
- FAQs & Tips
What are Paccheri (and how are they different from Rigatoni)
Paccheri pasta stands out among the myriad of pasta shapes due to its distinctive large tubes (either smooth or striped) which are about 2-3 times larger than the more common Rigatoni pasta.
This tube-shaped pasta, including its slightly smaller counterpart mezzi paccheri, is traditionally made from durum wheat semolina. They have a firm and delightful texture that's perfect for holding up against thick sauces. Originating from the Campania region, specifically the area around Gragnano, known as the 'Pasta di Gragnano'.
This type of pasta suits best robust and hearty sauces, making it a favored pasta dish choice.
Paccheri Pasta with Mint Zucchini Sauce and Shrimps
This dish combines the large tubes of paccheri pasta with a refreshing and creamy mint zucchini sauce, topped with succulent shrimps for a delightful seafood twist. It's a perfect summer dish that brings a burst of flavor to your palate.
Paccheri Calamarata with Squids
"Calamarata," similar to paccheri but slightly rounder in shape, with a rich tomato sauce and squid. It's topped with fresh parsley, offering a classic taste of the sea with each bite. The tube-shaped pasta perfectly holds the sauce, ensuring a flavorful experience.
Creamy Salmon Paccheri Pasta
This recipe features paccheri pasta in a luxurious creamy sauce enriched with chunks of succulent salmon. The large tubes of paccheri are ideal for holding onto the creamy sauce, making each forkful a harmonious blend of pasta and fish.
Paccheri Pasta with Sausage and Cheese
Paccheri pasta with a hearty sauce made from crumbled Italian sausage, Parmigiano, and melted mozzarella cheese, creating a comforting dish that's perfect for a cozy dinner. The large tubes of paccheri ensure that every bite is filled with the savory flavors of the sauce.
Paccheri Pasta with Neapolitan Ragù
In this classic Italian pasta recipe, paccheri pasta is served with a slow-cooked Neapolitan ragù, where the meat is tender and the sauce is richly flavored. The robust size of paccheri makes it an excellent choice for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Paccheri with Octopus alla Genovese
This dish pairs paccheri pasta with a tender octopus in a Genovese sauce, offering a unique twist on traditional Italian flavors. The combination of the soft octopus and the dense sauce complements the pasta's large tubes perfectly.
Paccheri alla Vittorio
Paccheri alla Vittorio is pure comfort food. A sophisticated dish where paccheri is tossed with fresh, high-quality ingredients in a light yet flavorful pasta sauce. It's a testament to the versatility of paccheri pasta in fine dining.
Stuffed baked Paccheri
This dish features paccheri pasta stuffed with a rich filling and baked to perfection with a parmesan cheese crust. Inspired by the culinary traditions of Pesaro, it showcases the pasta's ability to be both a vessel for delicious fillings and a standout ingredient.
Paccheri alla Sorrentina
A heartwarming dish, Paccheri alla Sorrentina (inspired by the classic Gnocchi alla Sorrentina) combines the pasta with a vibrant tomato sauce and melted mozzarella, baked to achieve a crispy top layer. It's a comforting dish that embodies the spirit of Sorrento's cuisine.
Paccheri with Seafood Sauce
In this recipe, paccheri pasta has a rich seafood sauce with cherry tomatoes, brimming with the flavors of the ocean. The large tube pasta are perfect for capturing the sauce, ensuring a delicious taste of seafood with every bite.
FAQs & Tips
While both paccheri and cannelloni are large, tube-shaped pastas, the main difference lies in their size and use. Paccheri is shorter and wider, typically used in pasta dishes with sauces. Cannelloni, on the other hand, is longer and often used for stuffing and baking in casseroles.
Paccheri pasta can be found in Italian specialty stores, well-stocked grocery stores, and online. It's worth seeking out artisanal brands that use traditional methods for the best quality.
Paccheri pasta should be cooked in a large pot of water, boiling and salted. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until it reaches an "al dente" texture. Due to its size, it's important to stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking together. Remember to keep a cup of pasta water to stir in the sauce.
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