What your favourite pasta shape says about you: Expert explains how plumping for penne or favouring fusilli can actually reveal a lot about your personality

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From the classic combination of spaghetti and tomato sauce to creamier, spicier and tastier concoctions, pasta is one of the most versatile and delicious carbohydrates.

Although delectable dishes are mainly associated with Italy, most cultures have their own version, so it’s no surprise that some are more devoted to a particular type.

So what exactly does your favorite pasta shape say about your values, behaviors, and personality traits?

While your preferred type of pasta may seem like a somewhat irrelevant thought, it can actually reveal much more about you than initially anticipated, according to Phil Macleod, hypnotherapist, psychologist and founder of Thought Reader.

Mr Macleod told the Daily Mail: ‘Even small choices can say something about you. As a hypnotherapist, I spend a lot of time observing why people do what they do, and even something so simple can say a lot about you psychologically.’

From signs that you’re adventurous and hard-working to evidence that you’re holding on to your childhood friendship groups, the pasta shape you choose at your weekly food shop can say a lot about your core values.

By conducting an in-depth analysis of 12 popular pasta shapes, Mr Macleod has uncovered the deeper meaning of your pasta preferences.

Read on to find out what your favorite type of pasta says about you and which varieties you should consider trying if you’re looking to improve certain qualities.

Spaghetti

According to Mr Macleod, this versatile and budget-friendly pasta option is for those who favor familiarity and an easy cooking routine.

From a bowl of spaghetti bolognese to more elaborate pasta dishes, spaghetti is frequently favored by many Brits hoping to cook a quick and easy dinner.

If spaghetti is your preference, Mr Macleod suggests you tend to like ‘simple and familiar things’.

He added that spaghetti fans are ‘trustworthy, easygoing and don’t overcomplicate life.’ ‘He is seen as traditionalist, humble and down-to-earth’.

Orecchiette

Originating from the Italian word meaning ‘ear’, orecchiette has a firm texture and can be combined with delicious sauces to create a delicious dish.

With its unique design, this pasta option is perhaps for those who feel more creative.

According to Mr Macleod, orecchiette lovers ‘pay attention to detail’.

He further explained: ‘They love the finer things in life and are careful individuals. They are a bit of a perfectionist and like things to be that way. They have strict views, like to protect their territory and don’t like things going wrong.’

garganelli

This distinctive egg-based pasta comes from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, and although it is somewhat similar to penne, it is unique in that it is made from fresh egg pasta dough, wrapped around a small stick and pressed onto a ridged board.

So it doesn’t seem surprising that those who like this form of pasta are often more individualistic and ‘adventurous’.

Mr Macleod noted: ‘They like to do things their own way without needing attention. ‘They are self-confident and do not seek approval from others.’

Manti

This delicious traditional stuffed pasta comes with a variety of fillings, from ricotta cheese to spinach, meat and lots of vegetables.

Known for their fast cooking, these pastas are generally the favorite of those looking for pasta-based meals.

According to Mr Macleod, those who generally prefer dumplings ‘have a deeper side’.

‘They may seem simple or boring to some, but there are many underlying layers here. They are housewives who appreciate the simple things in life and value the things that are close to them.’

rigatoni

This large, hollow-shaped pasta has its roots in Rome and Sicily and has a wide structure that is ideal for heavy or thick sauces.

For those who love this type of pasta, there are signs that you enjoy trying and are ‘confident’, according to Mr Macleod.

However, those who prefer rigatoni ‘still seem quite practical’.

He added: ‘They like to push the boat out now and then, just a little bit, not too much.’

lasagna

A classic Italian dish consisting of a pile of plain pasta, sauce (ragato and/or béchamel), cheese and a variety of fillings, lasagna is designed for ‘the perfect host who enjoys meals in the comfort of home’.

According to Mr Macleod, those who opt for a hearty lasagne for dinner ‘have had the same friendship group for years and live life in their own bubble’.

‘They are a bit averse to change and like things that feel safe and familiar to them. “These people have strong roots and values, and they stick to what they know and love,” he added.

Farfalle

Farfalle, also known as ‘butterfly’ or ‘spring’ pasta, is a 16th-century Northern Italian pasta characterized by its curvy, ruffled shape, perfect for creamy sauces.

This dough, which has a slightly chewy center, was often created by housewives using leftover pasta dough.

According to Mr Macleod, if this is your preferred form of pasta, you are likely ‘young at heart’ and seen by others as ‘playful and positive’.

He further explained: ‘They add a bit of levity to situations and people are naturally drawn to them. Their minds always look for the positive in things and people love to gather around them.’

Cavatelli

This fun-shaped pasta is made from semolina or other flour dough and is often baked with garlic, broccoli or rapini, or even just a simple tomato sauce.

If that’s the pasta shape for you, Mr Macleod reckons you’re ‘creative and artistic, with the ability to make things’.

She noted: ‘They are happiest when they are in the mood to knit, cook or create works of art. They are real people and humble, creative thinkers and problem solvers.’

gnocchi

These delicious Italian meatballs are usually made from potatoes, flour, eggs, and salt and have a soft, chewy texture.

They are typically paired with a variety of sauces, such as sage oil, pesto, or tomato ragu.

According to Mr Macleod, if your eyes light up when you see gnocchi on a restaurant menu, you’re probably ‘convenience-oriented’.

He explained: ‘They like to feel comfortable, safe and cared for. I guess they think they’re pushing the boundaries when it comes to gnocchi. They think they’re being a little adventurous, but it actually sounds pretty familiar.

‘A trip to their favorite restaurant is a big night out; they set out on their own path because it is true.’

sagne

A traditional rustic pasta made with durum wheat flour and water, this type of pasta is favored by vegans and dairy-free eaters.

Mr Macleod suggests that those who generally choose this pasta ‘tend to be open-minded and curious’.

He added: ‘They are willing to try things that others might not try. According to them, they are happy with change and embrace everything as it comes their way. ‘They love the thrill of the chase.’

fettuccine

Meaning ‘little ribbons’ in Italian, this popular egg-based pasta originates from Roman and Tuscan cuisine and offers a firm texture suitable for rich creamy sauces or hearty ragus.

If that delicious pasta appeals to your taste, you generally prefer ‘balance and control’ in your personal life, according to Mr Macleod.

‘They prefer calmness over chaos and they like things to be that way. Their minds are constantly searching for stability and order in the world. “I’m not a fan of change or new ideas,” he said.

bucatini

Popular in Rome and strongly reminiscent of spaghetti, this chewy durum wheat pasta often comes with thick, hearty sauces and has a hole running through the middle.

If that’s pasta for you, Mr Macleod believes there may be more to you than meets the eye.

‘You may look like an average person on the outside, but deep down you will reveal a deep and sensitive person,’ he added.

‘They are overthinkers. ‘When people take the time to get to know you, there is real depth and sensitivity underneath.’