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Pasta of Italy

Italy is renowned for its incredible diversity of pasta, and estimates vary slightly depending on the source:

• Over 350 different types of pasta are commonly cited by multiple sources. [saltandwind.com], [divietoris…orante.com]
• Some references note over 300 types as a conservative estimate. [italia.it], [chefsresource.com]

Here are the main categories of Italian pasta, based on widely recognized classifications used in Italian culinary tradition. These categories reflect how pasta is grouped by shape, preparation method, and intended use:

🇮🇹 Main Categories of Italian Pasta1. Long Pasta (Pasta Lunga)Thin, ribbon-like, or strand-shaped pastas typically served with lighter sauces.
Examples: Spaghetti, Linguine, Fettuccine, Capellini. [en.wikipedia.org]

2. Short Pasta (Pasta Corta)Cut or extruded into short shapes, often designed to hold thicker or chunkier sauces.
Examples: Penne, Rigatoni, Fusilli, Farfalle. [saltandwind.com]

3. Tube-shaped PastaA subcategory of short pasta featuring hollow centers to trap sauce.
Examples: Bucatini, Ziti, Paccheri, Cannelloni. [chefsresource.com]

4. Filled Pasta (Pasta Ripiena)Dough encasing fillings such as cheese, meat, or vegetables.
Examples: Ravioli, Tortellini, Agnolotti. [chefsresource.com]

5. Soup Pasta (Pastina)Tiny shapes designed for broths and soups.
Examples: Orzo, Ditalini. [chefsresource.com]

6. Sheet PastaWide, flat sheets used for layering or rolling.
Example: Lasagna. [liveeatlearn.com]

7. Dumpling-like PastaSoft dough-based or potato-based pasta, often shaped by hand.
Examples: Gnocchi, Gnocchetti. [en.wikipedia.org]

8. Stretched or Hand-Shaped Pasta (Strascinati / Pasta Fatta a Mano)Formed by hand through dragging, stretching, or shaping, varying widely by region.
Examples: Orecchiette, Busiate, Pici, Lorighittas. [en.wikipedia.org], [marcopoloblog.com

Italy does not have a fixed, official number of pastina varieties because pastina is a category, not a single shape. It refers broadly to all very tiny pasta shapes used in soups, broths, and simple comfort dishes.
However, credible Italian sources give us a clear picture.


1. Pastina includes “many small shapes” (no single set number).According to Wikipedia, pastina is a general term for many small pasta shapes, not one defined shape. [en.wikipedia.org]
2. Italian culinary sources confirm “numerous types” of pastina.A detailed Italian explanation notes that in Italy, pastina refers to all tiny pasta shapes, and that numerous types exist, including star-shaped, cylindrical, shell-shaped, butterfly-shaped, and square-shaped forms. [cookingitalians.com]
3. Modern pasta guides identify over 30 distinct pastina shapes.A comprehensive guide on pastina varieties states that pastina includes more than 30 miniature pasta shapes, listing examples such as stelline, acini di pepe, orzo, ditalini, anellini, and alphabet pasta. [pastaloverz.com]

Italy has more than 30 varieties of pastina, though the exact number isn't fixed because pastina is an umbrella category covering many tiny pasta shapes, with new shapes and regional variations continuing to appear.

​Articles

Here’s the current situation regarding the 107% tariff on Italian pasta:
What’s Happening

• The U.S. Department of Commerce has proposed anti-dumping duties of about 91.74% on pasta from 13 major Italian brands, after an investigation concluded they were selling pasta in the U.S. at prices below “normal value” (a practice called dumping).
• This new duty would be added to the existing 15% tariff on EU imports, bringing the total tariff to roughly 107%. [nbcnews.com]

Why It’s Happening

• The investigation began in August 2024 following complaints from U.S. pasta manufacturers.
• Two Italian companies, La Molisana and Garofalo, allegedly failed to provide requested documentation, leading Commerce to apply a uniform rate across all 13 companies. [ibtimes.com]
• Anti-dumping tariffs on Italian pasta have existed since the 1990s, but this is by far the steepest increase. [foodandwine.com]

Who Is Affected

• Brands include Barilla (Italy-made products), Rummo, La Molisana, Garofalo, Agritalia, Aldino, Antiche Tradizioni Di Gragnano, and others.
• Barilla’s U.S.-made pasta will not be affected, but specialty items like tortellini and oven-ready lasagna (made in Italy) will. [yahoo.com]

Impact

• Prices could double: A box that costs $3.99 may jump to $7.99.
• Some Italian producers are considering pulling products from U.S. shelves entirely because margins cannot absorb the tariff.
• U.S. imports of Italian pasta total about $700–$800 million annually, representing roughly 12% of the U.S. pasta market. [ibtimes.com]
• Restaurants and consumers may see limited availability and higher costs. Domestic pasta makers could gain market share, but there isn’t enough U.S. production to fully replace imports. [cbsnews.com]

Diplomatic Fallout

• Italy and the EU have strongly objected. EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič called the tariffs “unacceptable” and hinted at taking the dispute to the World Trade Organization if not resolved. [nbcnewyork.com]

Timeline

• The Commerce Department’s final decision is expected by early January 2026. Until then, the 107% tariff remains preliminary, but Italian companies are already preparing for worst-case scenarios. [cbsnews.com]​

Here’s a quick summary of the potential impact on U.S. consumers and restaurants:

• Retail Prices Will Spike: Imported Italian pasta could cost up to double (e.g., $3.99 → $7.99 per box).
• Reduced Availability: Specialty Italian pasta (e.g., artisanal, organic, unique shapes) may disappear from shelves as producers consider pulling out of the U.S. market.
• Restaurant Menu Costs Rise: Italian restaurants and high-end eateries relying on authentic pasta will face higher ingredient costs, likely passing these on to customers.
• Limited Substitution Options: Domestic pasta makers may gain share, but cannot fully replace the variety and quality of Italian imports.
• Consumer Behavior Shift: Shoppers may switch to U.S.-made pasta or alternative cuisines, impacting demand for authentic Italian dishes.
• Supply Chain Disruption: Importers and distributors will need to restructure sourcing, potentially leading to shortages and delays.

​​Pasta 
​
​Barilla and De Cecco are likely the best known (rich history since the 1800s.)
​Brands like Rummo and Felicetti offer unique regional flavors. Garofalo and La Molisana blend sustainability with tradition. Brands like Pastificio Gentile and Benedetto Cavalieri showcase artisanal craftsmanship.

​22 Italian Pasta Brands ​Available in the US 

Pasta ​Barilla is the largest pasta company in the world with an estimated $4 billion in annual revenue. Barilla has grown by acquiring companies in France, Turkey and Greece; it also has two pasta plants in the U.S. The business was founded in 1877 in Parma, Italy.

1) Barilla
The company was founded by Pietro Barilla in 1877 as a bakery in Parma, Italy. The company keeps being run by his descendants: the three brothers Guido, Luca and Paolo Barilla.

The Barilla group produces many types of pasta and is the biggest pasta producer of the world (40-45% of the Italian market and 25% of the US market). Barilla produces many types of pasta in several sizes. Moreover it is the biggest seller of baked goods in Italy, (also because of the acquisition of the Swedish company Wasa) and is the world’s foremost manufacturer of flat bread (over 60.000 tons per year). The company markets its pasta in the United States and the wheat it uses is mainly local.

Barilla group all around the world
​The Barilla group has several facilities around the world: in Italy, Greece, France, Germany, Norway, Russia, Sweden, Turkey, Mexico and the States (in Ames, Iowa and Avon, New York). The company also has mills in Italy, Greece, Sweden, Turkey and in the United States. The headquarters are in Parma, but it has offices in several other countries, such as Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the States, Mexico, Brazil, Australia and Japan.

2) De Cecco
Number two of the list is De Cecco, which was founded in 1886 by the brothers De Cecco in the small town of Fara San Martino, in Abruzzi (central Italy). Nicola De Cecco initially used to produce wheat in his stone mill before he founded the factory.
In 1908 the company adopted as its logo a girl carrying some stacks of wheat. After World War II the factory was rebuilt after its destruction due to the German bombardment. In 1950 a new factory was built to meet the growing demand in the post-war period. In the 80’s, in Fara San Martino a new production site was built, which doubled the production. In 1986 the company started a diversification of the supply, creating its brand of olive oil. Nowadays De Cecco sells sauces, cereals and tomato-based products.
Since 2013 De Cecco is the third pasta producer in the world.

3) Divella
Since 1890 Divella produces high-quality durum-wheat. Its story started when Francesco Divella obtained his first mill to make wheat in Rutigliano, a small town near Bari. Through the years the hard work of several generations paid off and the company kept expanding in the international markets. Nowadays the fourth generation leads the company, and Divella keeps stressing the importance of tradition in the production of high-quality pasta.
The company produces a wide variety of pasta; it currently exports its products in about 30 countries and offers a service of production of labels. Since 1890, when the first Divella mill was built, the company carries out quality controls and accurate selection of the raw material. Great attention is paid to the safety and health of the consumer, to social responsibilities and to the environment as well.

4) Garofalo
The history of Garofalo is the history of Gragnano. Garofalo products are the result of the old art of manufacturing pasta, and the highest quality standards are maintained through regular controls both of the raw material and of the final product, also with the help of cutting-edge technologies.
This pasta stands out for its quality and flavor, and even for the peculiar packaging, which is transparent. Transparency is an important value for the company, who doesn’t hide the use of the most modern machinery. The packaging is transparent on the sides too, making small imperfections and pieces of broken pasta visible, unlike most other brands. The idea behind this is wanting to be still like those artisans who made pasta before us and would have loved to have machinery to make their work easier and their products even better.

5) Rummo
Last but not least is Rummo, a small pasta factory in Benevento (central Italy), one of the few who still use the old, slow-processing method for making pasta. The result of this choice are products of excellent quality, that stand out for the flavor and properties. Nowadays, after 170 years, the old factory in via Dei Mulini has become a piece of the history of Benevento, relic of an ancient tradition. Thanks to this tradition and to six generations of experience, today Rummo Lenta Lavorazione®  is one of the finest pasta brands in Italy.

Authentic Designations

Click to buy on Amazon

De Cecco 

​History

Social Responsibility 

GASTRONOMIA PICCININI – ITALY
Located in the hills of the
​Tuscan-Emilian Appennines

​OUR ORIGINS
​Gastronomia Piccinini is located on the hills of Reggio Emilia near the Carnione park and has been working in the sector for about 10 years with origins that date back to a century-long history of a pasta makers’ family.
The history of our fresh pasta dates back to about one hundred years ago from the tasty and unique recipes born from the traditions of grandma Amedea in her small restaurant located in via Radici, Muraglione di Roteglia, near Reggio Emilia.

​Our Mission

​Pasta Piccinini blends Italian tradition with American innovation. Rooted in the Tuscan-Emilian culinary legacy, our pasta embodies cherished recipes passed down through generations. Acquiring Gourmet Fresh Pasta in 2017 marked our entry into California’s gastronomic history since 1971.
Committed to tradition and innovation, we offer a unique fusion—where Old World recipes meet modern American creativity. Celebrating the culinary tapestry of both nations, Pasta Piccinini crafts pasta harmonizing the best of Italian heritage and American ingenuity.

​The history of the Italian brand Buitoni ends. Here’s why

​After almost two centuries, the history of Buitoni is over. We are talking about one of the oldest and most prestigious Italian food brands, born in 1827 in Sansepolcro (Arezzo, Tuscany) by the will of Giulia and Giovanbattista Buitoni. After 13 years Nestlè, the owner of the brand, has not reconfirmed the concession to the Newlat Food group (owned by entrepreneur Angelo Mastrolia) which in 2008 had acquired the historic factory in Arezzo where pasta and bakery products have been produced over the years. The factory remains in the hands of Newlat, that will produce only with other brands in its portfolio such as Delverde, Polenghi, and Giglio.

“Newlat Food had obtained from Nestlé the license for the use of the Buitoni brand for 10 years, extended by another 3 years for dry pasta and bakery products (Fette Biscottate and Crostino), paying about 1.7 million per year in royalties for a total of 22 million.

Newlat Food has chosen to invest the royalties – 1.7 million euros a year – in its own brands, Granfetta and Crostino Dorato for bakery products and Delverde brand for pasta. Nestlé has committed not to compete with Newlat in the pasta business for the German market for 18 months,” says Angelo Mastrolia.

Top Pasta Machines from Italy (2026)

1. Marcato Atlas 150 Classic Pasta Machine

• Widely regarded as the best manual pasta machine, made in Italy.
• Durable, stainless steel construction, adjustable thickness settings, and compatible with various attachments.
• Price: Around $90–$150 USD for the machine itself.
• More info [foodandwine.com]

2. Imperia Pasta Maker Machine

• Another classic, 100% made in Italy, known for its heavy-duty steel construction and ease of use.
• Includes options for attachments and gift sets with ravioli molds and cutters.
• Price: Around $80–$150 USD for the machine, depending on the set.
• More info [thespruceeats.com]

3. Other Notable Brands

• CucinaPro, Sailnovo, and Philips (for electric extruders, though not always Italian-made).
• Comparison and reviews [bestchoice.com]

Cost of Pasta Molds (Dies/Stamps)Home and Small-Scale Molds:

• Simple ravioli molds, stamps, and cutters (aluminum, brass, or wood) range from $5 to $100 USD depending on size and craftsmanship.
• Example: Marcato 24-round agnolotti ravioli mold (die-cast aluminum, made in Italy) is about $30–$50 USD.
• Custom or artisan stamps (e.g., for corzetti, gnocchi) can be $20–$100+.
• See examples and prices, Tagliapasta professional molds [etsy.com] [tagliapasta.com]

Industrial/Commercial Molds (Dies):

• For pasta extruders (macaroni, penne, etc.), custom brass dies can range from $800 to $2,000+ USD per mold, depending on complexity and manufacturer.
• Alibaba listing for commercial dies [alibaba.com]