Florentine pasta shapes: Tuscan tradition on your table

Tuscany boasts a rich culinary tradition, and the Florentine pasta shapes are an authentic testimony to this heritage. These formats, born from local creativity and culture, tell the stories of territories and communities.

The Pappardelle di San Lorenzo 

In Tuscan culinary tradition, pappardelle hold a place of honor, especially during the celebrations of San Lorenzo on August 10th. In addition to being the night of the shooting stars, San Lorenzo is also revered as the patron saint of bakers and pasta makers.

In the past, on the occasion of his feast day, the streets of the San Lorenzo district would be filled with various specialties, including pappardelle—a wide, porous pasta shape, ideal for holding rich sauces like those made with wild boar or hare.

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 (Friar's Sleeves) stand out for their curious name and unmistakable form.
The name comes from popular imagination: this short, wide pasta recalls the large sleeves of the robes worn by friars.

Their cylindrical shape makes them particularly versatile in the kitchen. They can be stuffed vertically and baked au gratin—like a creative version of lasagna—or served with rich, hearty sauces: from traditional Tuscan game ragù to fish and seafood condiments, which enhance 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 the selection of typical shapes available on our website—bronze-drawn and made with high-quality organic Italian durum wheat semolina.