Spaghetti Spaghetti is a classic pasta that pairs well with simple ingredients such as Parmesan cheese and tomatoes. Try it with: * Parmigiano Reggiano: The authentic, original Parmesan, this cheese is hard and gritty, with a strong savory, fruity, and nutty flavor. * Pecorino Romano: A sharper alternative to Parmigiano Reggiano, this cheese is also hard, and it has a salty and smoky flavor. * Scallops * Fried egg * Kalamata olives * Fresh cherry tomatoes * Basil * Parsley * Oregano * Crumbled peanuts Fettuccine Fettuccine noodles are wide and flat, and they tend to pair well with creamy sauces, robust cheese, and hearty proteins such as chicken or beef. Try it with: * Sharp cheddar: A sharp cheddar is aged longer than a mild cheddar, so its flavor will be stronger and bolder; cheddar is firm but not hard, a great texture for grating and melting. * Smoked gouda: Gouda is a hard cheese with an edible brown rind and a creamy yellow interior; a smoked gouda will add some depth to the flavor. * Grilled chicken * Shrimp * Steak strips * Sauteed mushrooms * Zucchini * Eggplant * Yellow squash * Crumbled cashews Linguine Linguine is a ribbon pasta that is thicker than spaghetti. A classic pairing is linguine with clams. It also goes nicely with greens and lemon-based sauces. Try it with: * Baby spinach * Bean sprouts * Kale * Clams * Fried tofu * Sardines * Rosemary * Ginger * Slivered almonds Penne Penne is a short and hearty pasta that holds up well to thicker sauces and robust flavors. Try it with: * Feta cheese: Feta is a pickled curd cheese with a salty and tangy flavor; it can vary in texture from creamy to crumbly and dry. * Goat cheese: Goat cheese is soft and most, with a mild and tangy flavor. * Gorgonzola: Gorgonzola is pungent and strong, with a bit of a sour tang; similar to bleu cheese, it is streaked with bluish-green veins. * Italian sausage * Chives * Thyme * Toasted hazelnuts Ravioli Ravioli is a pasta made by stuffing little pockets of pasta with different fillings made from cheese, meat, and vegetables. It pairs well with a variety of sauces and toppings, depending on what is stuffed inside. Try it with: * Fontina: Fontina is a semi-firm cheese with a mild nutty flavor and a bit of sweetness. * Gruyere: This cheese is sweet with a hint of salt; the more aged it is, the stronger the slightly nutty flavor becomes. * Broccoli * Green peas * Mint * Capers * Walnuts