Best Tagliatelle Brands
Top Picks for Pasta Lovers
Tagliatelle, a cherished variety of pasta with roots in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, has won the hearts of culinary enthusiasts around the globe. This ribbon-like pasta is prized for its ability to complement rich, hearty sauces, making it a versatile staple in many kitchens.
Discovering the best tagliatelle brands involves a blend of tradition and quality, ensuring a delicious dining experience every time. With numerous brands offering varying textures and flavors, selecting the right one can elevate any pasta dish to a restaurant-quality meal.
1) DeLallo Egg Tagliatelle
DeLallo Egg Tagliatelle offers a taste of Northern Italy with its high-quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods. Produced using superior durum wheat semolina and farm-fresh eggs, the pasta boasts a rich flavor and glorious golden hue.
The flat, ribbon-like appearance of DeLallo Egg Tagliatelle is notable for its sturdiness. These noodles are not just visually appealing but are designed to hold sauces exceptionally well. The rough texture, achieved through bronze dies, ensures better adherence of various sauces.
Conveniently dried in portion-sized nests, DeLallo Egg Tagliatelle simplifies meal preparation. Available for purchase both online and in major supermarkets, this artisan pasta provides an authentic Italian culinary experience. The brand maintains its reputation by consistently delivering high-quality pasta products.
2) Rustichella d'Abruzzo Tagliatelle
Rustichella d'Abruzzo Tagliatelle stands out for its commitment to traditional pasta-making techniques. Originating from Pescara, Italy, this brand has been producing high-quality pasta since 1924.
The tagliatelle is made from premium durum wheat semolina and water. This results in a hearty and robust texture that can hold up well against a variety of sauces.
Moreover, Rustichella d'Abruzzo employs a slow-drying process at low temperatures. This preserves the nutritional value and enhances the flavor of the pasta, making it a favorite among connoisseurs.
Packaged in rustic, brown paper, the product evokes a sense of Old World charm and authenticity. The packaging design not only preserves the pasta but also adds to the aesthetic appeal.
The tagliatelle pairs exceptionally well with rich, meaty sauces like Bolognese, as well as lighter, olive oil-based sauces. Its versatility makes it a staple in both traditional and modern Italian cuisine.
Overall, Rustichella d'Abruzzo Tagliatelle offers a genuine Italian pasta experience, backed by nearly a century of expertise and craftsmanship.
3) Garofalo Tagliatelle
Garofalo, a respected Italian pasta brand, originates from Gragnano in the Campania region. Known for its high-quality pasta, Garofalo Tagliatelle stands out for its rich taste and excellent texture. This tagliatelle is made from 100% durum wheat semolina, which contributes to its firm, al dente bite when cooked.
The process of making Garofalo Tagliatelle includes using bronze dies. This traditional method gives the pasta a rough surface, allowing it to hold onto sauces more effectively. The tagliatelle strands are silky and have an authentic, artisanal feel, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Garofalo prides itself on maintaining strict quality standards. The pasta is dried at low temperatures, which preserves its flavor and nutritional value. Furthermore, Garofalo Tagliatelle is often praised for its ability to complement a variety of sauces, from simple butter and sage to more complex meat-based ragùs.
In the United States, Garofalo Tagliatelle is available in many high-end grocery stores and online. The brand has earned a reputation not only for its superior taste and texture but also for its commitment to authentic Italian pasta-making traditions. This makes Garofalo a go-to choice for those seeking an authentic Italian pasta experience.
4) Martelli Handmade Tagliatelle
Martelli Handmade Tagliatelle stands out for its traditional crafting methods and high-quality ingredients.
The pasta is made from durum wheat semolina, ensuring a rich texture and robust flavor.
Martelli’s dedication to quality means that each batch is crafted in small quantities, allowing for meticulous attention to detail.
The tagliatelle is cut by hand, providing a rustic, authentic appearance.
This artisanal approach contributes to a unique, satisfying bite that differs from mass-produced alternatives.
Packaging in distinctive, bright yellow bags further adds to the brand’s appeal.
Martelli's tagliatelle cooks evenly, maintaining its integrity whether paired with a simple sauce or a complex bolognese.
Its porous surface is ideal for absorbing sauces, enhancing the overall dining experience.
5) La Campofilone Tagliatelle
La Campofilone is renowned for its egg-based pasta, which boasts a distinctive and unforgettable taste. This brand has its roots in the small village of Campofilone, located in the Le Marche region of Italy. The pasta evokes the memory of traditional Italian Sunday lunches, highlighting its authenticity and dedication to quality.
The tagliatelle from La Campofilone is crafted using eggs and flour, resulting in a rich and flavorful pasta. This egg-based pasta pairs exceptionally well with hearty sauces, such as red meat sauces, perfect for special occasions. The craftsmanship involved in making this pasta is evident in every bite.
La Campofilone tagliatelle is known for its thin, golden yellow sheets. These sheets are rolled out to a precise thickness before being cut into ribbon-like strands. The meticulous process ensures that each strand of tagliatelle holds up well when cooked, providing an excellent texture.
For those looking to purchase genuine Italian tagliatelle, La Campofilone offers a reliable option. The pasta can often be found in specialty food stores and online retailers that specialize in authentic Italian groceries. This accessibility makes it easier for pasta enthusiasts to enjoy the traditional flavors of Italy at home.
6) Filotea Egg Tagliatelle
Filotea Egg Tagliatelle stands out for its dedication to authenticity and artisanal craftsmanship. Known for its rich flavor and silky texture, this pasta is crafted using traditional Italian techniques.
The company uses fresh turkey eggs, enhancing the taste and texture. The pasta is slow-dried at low temperatures, which helps to preserve its unique qualities.
Several product variations exist, including plain tagliatelle and a spinach-infused version called Tagliatelle Paglia e Fieno. This diversity allows for a range of culinary applications from rich, creamy sauces to light, vegetable-based recipes.
Consumers appreciate the high quality, often noting that it parallels or even surpasses the pasta served in Italian restaurants. The careful selection of ingredients and meticulous production process contribute to this acclaim.
7) Barilla Collezione Tagliatelle
Barilla Collezione Tagliatelle is a celebrated pasta choice, known for its excellent quality and traditional preparation.
Crafted from carefully selected durum wheat semolina, this pasta maintains an authentic Italian texture.
Each strand of Barilla Collezione Tagliatelle is cut with bronze dies, giving it a rough texture ideal for clinging to rich sauces.
Boiling this pasta to "al dente" perfection requires just about 7 minutes. For those who prefer a softer bite, an additional minute of boiling achieves a more tender texture.
Barilla, a prominent name in pasta-making since 1877, continues to uphold its reputation with this premium product.
The brand's dedication to tradition, combined with modern manufacturing techniques, ensures a consistent and high-quality culinary experience.
Barilla Collezione Tagliatelle pairs wonderfully with various sauces, from creamy Alfredo to hearty Bolognese, making it versatile for diverse recipes.
Its perfect texture and premium ingredients make it a reliable choice for both everyday meals and special occasions.
8) Cipriani Tagliatelle from Venice
Cipriani Tagliatelle exemplifies the artistry of traditional Italian pasta-making. Known for its high quality, this pasta is crafted in Venice, Italy, by skilled artisans who adhere to time-honored techniques.
Each batch of Cipriani Tagliatelle is produced with precision, using the finest ingredients. The pasta is renowned for its delicate texture and subtle roughness, which helps sauce adhere perfectly.
The width of Cipriani Tagliatelle is around 0.4 inches, making it ideal for various dishes. Its quick cooking time of about three minutes ensures convenience without compromising quality.
Cipriani, a name synonymous with luxury and refinement, brings an exceptional culinary experience to homes around the world through its meticulously crafted tagliatelle. The pasta is designed to provide an authentic taste of Venice.
9) Antignano Bronze-Extruded Tagliatelle
Antignano Bronze-Extruded Tagliatelle is crafted using traditional methods that deliver exceptional quality. The pasta is made by extruding dough through bronze dies, creating a rough texture that allows sauces to cling effectively.
This tagliatelle is produced in Antignano, Italy, renowned for its artisanal pasta-making heritage. The use of high-quality semolina flour ensures a firm and flavorful product, perfect for a variety of pasta dishes.
Cooking time varies but typically falls within the range of 8-10 minutes. The result is a versatile tagliatelle with a rich taste and an excellent bite, ideally paired with hearty sauces or simple dressings. This makes Antignano a preferred choice among pasta enthusiasts seeking authenticity.
10) TerraMarre Tagliatelle
TerraMarre Tagliatelle stands out as a premium option for pasta enthusiasts. Made from 100% durum wheat semolina, this tagliatelle offers a delightful texture that holds sauces exceptionally well.
The pasta's earthy flavors make it versatile, suitable for both simple and complex dishes. Its wider-than-linguine shape makes it ideal for creamy sauces and hearty ingredients.
TerraMarre prides itself on artisanal production methods, ensuring each strand maintains the perfect balance of firmness and chewiness. Free shipping on orders over $55 adds convenience for online shoppers.
Its exceptional quality has garnered a loyal customer base, receiving positive feedback from numerous consumers. The product is also shelf-stable with a best-by date, ensuring freshness.
History of Tagliatelle
Tagliatelle is an iconic pasta shape with a rich cultural heritage originating from Italy. This long, flat ribbon-like pasta has evolved significantly in both its preparation and cultural significance over centuries.
Origins in Italy
Tagliatelle's roots can be traced to the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy, particularly to cities like Bologna. The name "tagliatelle" is derived from the Italian verb "tagliare," meaning "to cut," reflecting the traditional method of preparing this pasta by cutting rolled dough into long strips.
Historically, tagliatelle was made using simple, locally-sourced ingredients, including soft wheat flour and fresh eggs. It is believed that hand-rolling the dough on a wooden surface, using a wooden rolling pin, imparts a distinctive texture to the pasta, enhancing its ability to hold sauces. This technique remains a cherished aspect of Emilia-Romagna's culinary tradition.
Evolution Over Time
As culinary practices evolved, so did the methods of making tagliatelle. While traditional hand-rolling remains popular, many now also use pasta machines for convenience. The pasta's width is of particular importance; a solid gold replica of a piece of tagliatelle, showcasing the correct width of 8 mm cooked, is preserved in the Bologna chamber of commerce.
Tagliatelle has also grown in global popularity, being embraced by chefs and home cooks worldwide. Various versions of the pasta have emerged, using different types of flour such as semolina from durum wheat, which influences its texture and flavor. Despite these innovations, the essence of tagliatelle, characterized by its shape and sauce-clinging texture, remains celebrated in culinary traditions far beyond its Italian origins.
Key Ingredients and Production Process
Tagliatelle is made from a few simple ingredients that are crucial for achieving its signature taste and texture.
Ingredients:
Durum Wheat Semolina: This high-protein wheat is essential for making firm and elastic pasta.
Eggs: Traditionally used to enrich the dough and lend it a smooth texture.
Water: Helps to bind the ingredients together.
Salt: Enhances the flavor.
Production Process:
Mixing: The ingredients are mixed until they form a uniform dough.
Kneading: The dough is kneaded to enhance its elasticity.
Rolling and Cutting: Rolled into thin sheets and cut into strips.
Drying: Dried slowly at low temperatures to develop flavor and texture.
Bronze-Drawing: Some manufacturers use bronze dies to shape the pasta, giving it a rough texture that holds sauces well.
Low-Temperature Drying: Preserves the natural flavors and nutritional value of the durum wheat and eggs.
Examples:
Benedetto Cavalieri: Known for its delicate production process that includes prolonged kneading and low-temperature drying.
Barilla: Utilizes modern technology while adhering to traditional methods to maintain high-quality standards.
These meticulous steps ensure that tagliatelle remains a beloved staple in Italian cuisine, known for its rich flavor and satisfying texture.
Tips for Cooking the Perfect Tagliatelle
Achieving perfect tagliatelle involves mastering the boiling and draining process, and skillfully pairing the pasta with suitable sauces.
Boiling and Draining Techniques
Use a large pot filled with generously salted water. The salt enhances the pasta's flavor. For dried tagliatelle, follow package instructions; typically, it's cooked for 7-9 minutes. Fresh tagliatelle cooks faster, in about 3-4 minutes, so watch closely to avoid overcooking.
Check for an al dente texture by tasting a strand. Al dente means the pasta should be firm to the bite. Once the pasta reaches this stage, promptly drain it. Don't rinse the pasta, as this removes the starchy layer that helps sauces cling better.
Pairing with Sauces
Pair tagliatelle with sauces that coat it evenly. Traditional choices include Bolognese and Alfredo. The broader surface area of tagliatelle holds heavier sauces well, providing a balanced mouthful of pasta and sauce.
Cream-based sauces and thicker ragu are ideal. To enhance flavors, toss the cooked pasta directly in the pan with the sauce, allowing it to absorb and meld with the tagliatelle. Additions like freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil can finish the dish perfectly.
