Florentine pasta shapes: Tuscan tradition on your table

Tuscany boasts a rich culinary tradition, and Florentine pasta shapes are an authentic testament to it. Born from local ingenuity and culture, these shapes tell stories of land and community.

The Pappardelle di San Lorenzo 

In Tuscan gastronomy, pappardelle hold a place of honor, especially during the celebrations of San Lorenzo on August 10. Beyond being the day of the shooting stars, San Lorenzo is also venerated as the patron saint of bakers and pasta makers.

In the past, to celebrate San Lorenzo, the streets of the neighborhood were decorated with bread and long strips of pasta — the pappardelle — symbols of the pasta makers’ craft. At the end of the festivities, everything used for the decorations was gathered and donated to the poor, turning the celebration into a tangible act of sharing and solidarity.

Dischi Volanti: The Pasta Shape Inspired by a True Story 

Among the many Tuscan pasta shapes, one of the most curious is undoubtedly the Dischi Volanti (Flying Saucers).
Born in the 1950s, these little masterpieces of semolina owe their name to their round, slightly concave shape, reminiscent of a flying saucer.
Inspired by the famous UFO sighting of 1954, their structure was designed to capture every type of sauce, from meat ragù to vegetable creams.

At Pastificio Fabbri, we have been producing them since 1955, and since then, this shape has won over the public with its originality and versatility. Read the story of the Dischi Volanti. 

The Maniche di Frate: The Pasta Shape That Tells a Tuscan Story 

Among Tuscan pasta shapes, the Maniche di Frate stand out for their curious name and unmistakable form. The name comes from popular imagination: this short, wide pasta recalls the ample sleeves of monks’ habits.

Their cylindrical structure makes them particularly suitable for many recipes. They can be stuffed vertically and baked au gratin, just like a creative version of lasagna, or served with rich and hearty sauces: from the traditional Tuscan game ragùs to and shellfish condiments, which highlight their porosity and texture. 

Discover the Pasta 

Tuscan pasta shapes tell stories of territory, tradition, and creativity. From great classics like the Pappardelle di San Lorenzo to the most curious and modern formats like the Dischi Volanti and the robust Maniche di Frate, each shape was created to enhance the flavors of Tuscan cuisine.

Discover our selection of typical shapes made with the highest-quality Italian organic durum wheat semolina, available on our online shop.