As someone whose list of what she enjoys includes carbohydrates, sauce, and cheese, pasta dishes are some of my best friends.
Luckily, I also have some you know, human friends too, so when I wanted to compile a ranking of the best pasta dishes, I knew who to go to. I sent five friends a list of ten pasta dishes:
macaroni and cheese
ravioli
spaghetti with sauce
stuffed pasta shells
tortellini
lasagna
gnocchi
baked ziti
fettuccini alfredo
penne all vodka
I figured this way, I would be able to get some variation amongst opinions and it would add some validity to this ranking-or, at least as valid as a ranked list of pasta dishes can get. I asked each one of my friends to then list the pasta dishes from 1-10, with 1 being their favorite dish and 10 being their favorite. Finally, I averaged the results (that was the most math I've done all semester, in case anyone is wondering) and ultimately compiled the following list:
1. Mac and Cheese
A pure and simple classic. Truly, a timeless beauty. I would have disowned my friends had the majority of my responses not marked mac and cheese as their number one choice of pasta.
2. Penne Alla Vodka
Another very respectable choice. There's something about penne alla vodka that makes you feel fancy. That's not just me, right?
3. Ravioli
Who can deny the joy one feels upon biting into a warm, soft piece of ravioli? From the moment your taste buds collide with the delicate inside and the sauce rushes forward, you know it's time to get busy.
4. Gnocci
The appeal of gnocchi lies in the fact that it's pretty much as though you're taking an Italian vacation, without leaving your home. You're basically a world traveler each time you decide to eat this dish.
5. Tortellini
Due to the versatility of this dish, it ranks directly in the middle. With so many filling options you can have for this pasta, there's something for everyone.
6. Lasagna
If this dish doesn't scream "comfort food" then I don't even know what does.
7. Fettuccine Alfredo
This meal is perfect for when you're feeling particularly indulgent. Rich creamy white sauce marks this as the more unique pasta when compared to the typical red-sauce covered dishes.
8. Spaghetti with Sauce
Disney's Lady and the Tramp set the stage for what would become my personal obsession with spaghetti. Beyond that, there's something about the long and twisty noodles that simply can't help but make you smile.
9. Baked Ziti
Baked ziti is the kind of food that everyone's mom made at least once. So maybe this dish transports you back to your childhood, and maybe not, but it's definitely pretty tasty all the same.
10. Stuffed Pasta Shells
Though this dish comes in last, this certainly does not mean least. With a filling of your choice stuffed into warm pasta shells, you pretty much get as much bang for your buck as you possibly could.
if these images haven't made you hungry by now, I am impressed. If like me, you're at the point where your stomach has begun to growl, it's time to take your pick and choose one of these delicious dishes.
