There really is no shortage of pasta shapes in Italian cuisine, and if you are a huge pasta aficionado or you’re simply looking for something delightfully new, you should give Scialatielli a go.
Scialatielli, hailing from Italy’s Campania region, is a wide, flat pasta that is a definite must-try. It’s similar to linguine and fettuccine, but just more irregular and shorter in length. It also has a handmade appearance and a slightly chewy texture, and its wide and flat shape makes it easy for it to soak up and hold on to flavorful sauces.
Add a new dimension to your pasta specialities and grab a pack of Scialatielli the next time you head to the supermarket. Let’s expand your pasta horizons and get to know more about Scialatielli.
Scialatielli: Origin and Meaning
| Pasta Shape: | Scialatielli |
| Pasta Type: | Ribbon Pasta |
| Length: | 8-10 cm |
| Width: | 1-2 cm |
| Origin: | Campania region |
| Meaning: | “Feast” or “Cliffs” |
| Synonyms: | |
| Similar Shapes: | fettuccine and linguine |
Where did Scialatielli originate?
This traditional Italian pasta hails from the Campania region of Southern Italy, specifically in the coastal area of Amalfi. It’s made of simple ingredients including water, flour, and salt. It’s believed that Scialatielli was originally made by hand with the use of a wooden rolling pin, and the simple recipe was passed from generation to generation. The term Scialatielli which comes from the Neapolitan dialect, has been used to describe this pasta shape for centuries. From the peaceful town of Campania region with a rich culinary heritage, Scialatielli is now enjoyed all over the world, especially in restaurants taking pride in traditional Italian cuisine.
What does Scialatielli mean?
The term Scialatielli has a few interpretations. One is the word “scialare” which means “indulge” or “feast”. It suggests how this traditional pasta is meant to be savored. Another is the term “scigliere” which means cliffs. The meaning could come from the beautiful coastal landscape of the Campania region, where the pasta came to life. Regardless of the interpretation, Scialatielli has become an iconic pasta on the Amalfi Coast and beyond.
What Is the Difference Between Scialatielli and linguine
Scialatielli and linguine have similarities due to their flat shape, but they have notable differences. Scialatielli is wider and flatter than linguine, and it’s also shorter. Linguine is thinner and longer. The pasta’s exact shape can indicate how it absorbs flavors and sauces. Since Scialatielli is flatter and wider, there’s a wider surface area the flavorful sauce can cling to. Linguine’s thinner shape means lighter sauce coating in comparison to Scialatielli. And while Scialatielli hails from the Campania region, linguine is a traditional Ligurian cuisine.
Traditional dishes that use Scialatielli
Scialatielli can be used for various classic pasta dishes, including Scialatielli ai frutti di mare, Scialatielli alla Nerano, and Scialatielli al limone. The pasta’s neutral taste makes it versatile, and it can be paired well with different flavors and ingredients. Overall, it’s perfect with tomatoes, seafood, lemon, zucchini, basil, mozzarella, and other flavors and ingredients in authentic Italian cuisine.
Final Thoughts
If you want to explore all kinds of Italian pasta, Scialatielli is certainly worth a try. It might as well be one of your new favorites that can transport you to the beautiful, sunny shores of Southern Italy.