The Ultimate Noodles Quiz

By: Jacqueline Samaroo
Estimated Completion Time
3 min
The Ultimate Noodles Quiz
Image: Patrizia Savarese / DigitalVision / Getty Images

About This Quiz

It's oodles of noodles! Get ready for a mouthwatering experience which is sure to leave your taste buds begging for more!

Noodles are an integral part of the cuisine of many cultures around the world. They can be found as the pasta varieties of Italy, the dumplings of Central Europe and the stringy rice noodles of Asia. 

While they are frequently made with wheat or rice, there are other types of noodles, such as those made from barley or potato. What remains constant, however, is the fact that noodles just seem to go well with almost anything, which probably explains their enduring popularity.

Many noodles are named for their shapes, and those shapes are often as practical as they are intriguing. They include cylinders, spirals and ribbons, as well as intricate twists and curls. There are even those which take their names from body parts - a few of which should immediately spring to mind. Can you name them if you see them? Jump into the quiz and see how you do!

We all love to eat them, but not everyone takes time to really get to know them. If you are a true noodle connoisseur, are you ready to test your noodle against this really neat noodle quiz? Get started, now!

Shell pasta
Wiki Commons by Popo le Chien
Can you identify this pasta which shares its name with a snail’s home?
Shells
Ravioli
Vermicelli
Manicotti
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Shell pasta (or conchiglie) is made in large, medium and small sizes. The small shells can be added to soups and stews to make them more filling, while the medium shells work well in casseroles as they capture some of the sauce inside them. The large shells are ideal for stuffing, baking and perhaps serving up as appetizers.

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Spaghetti
Wiki Commons by Benreis
Do you recognize the stringy pasta shown here?
Radiatori
Rotelle
Gnocchi
Spaghetti
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The strands of spaghetti are thin and at least 10 inches long. Spaghetti is a great choice for pasta which is to be tossed in or served with plenty of sauce. They are an integral part of the iconic spaghetti and meatballs dish, as well as the tasty spaghetti sandwich from Australia.

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Macaroni
Wiki Commons by Popo le Chien
Which pasta, whose name is in a Yankee Doodle song, is shown here?
Pappardelle
Misua
Macaroni
Misua
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Macaroni is one of the more common types of pasta. It can be made as straight tubes or as short curves called elbows. Macaroni can be used as an ingredient in salads and soups, as well as in casseroles and other baked dishes

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Penne pasta
Wiki Commons by Cristiano Betta
Can you identify this pasta which takes its name from a writing implement?
Elbows
Mohnnudeln
Fettuccini
Penne
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Penne pasta is typically short, stout tubes with their ends cut at an angle. They may be penne lisce, meaning they are smooth on the outside, or penne rigate which have ridges right around. Being hollow makes penne pasta a good choice for dishes served with plenty of sauce.

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Angel hair pasta
amygdala_imagery / E+ / Getty Images
What is the heavenly sounding name of this pasta?
Rigatoni
Gnocchi
Angel hair
Orzo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Angel hair pasta (known as “capelli d'angelo” in Italian) is made in very thin and delicate strands which cook rather quickly. It is often tossed with light sauces or it may be served in soups. Seafood also makes a good accompaniment for angel hair pasta.

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Cellophane noodles
Pixabay / Picdream
What are these transparent Chinese noodles called?
Fettuccini
Cellophane noodles
Manicotti
Acini di pepe
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although they are popularly referred to as cellophane noodles, these transparent noodles are also called glass noodles, thread noodles or slippery noodles. They are also known as bean threads, which refers to the fact that they are often made from mung beans. Cellophane noodles can also be made from potato and yam starch.

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Linguine
Wiki Commons by Sebastian Zurkuhl
Can you identify this pasta whose name means “little tongues”?
Orecchiette
Linguine
Rigatoni
Spätzle
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Linguine pasta has its roots in the northwestern regions of Italy. These long, not-quite-flat noodles are great for tossing in sauce and are frequently served with seafood dishes (traditionally clams) or pesto.

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Fettuccine
tovfla / E+ / Getty Images
Can you identify this ribbon-like pasta which goes with “Alfredo”?
Penne
Anelli
Fettuccine
Gnocchi
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This egg noodle is most often associated with Fettuccine Alfredo – a dish in which the fettuccine is tossed in a sauce of Parmesan cheese and butter. Fettuccine, however, is a common accompaniment to various meat-based sauces, such as ragus.

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Vermicelli
Oxana Denezhkina / Moment / Getty Images
Do you recognize this pasta whose name means “little worms"?
Vermicelli
Ziti
Gemelli
Shells
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Cooked vermicelli pasta looks just as its name suggests – like little worms. This is true whether it is traditional Italian vermicelli or similarly shaped rice noodles found in parts of Asia and Africa.

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Ravioli
JacobVanHouten / E+ / Getty Images
Can you name this pasta with the filling inside?
Angel hair
Acini di pepe
Orzo
Ravioli
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ravioli are pasta pockets made up of pasta dough folded over a tasty filling. They can be served on their own, perhaps with olive oil lightly drizzled over it. Ravioli can also be placed in soups or have a generous helping of sauce poured over them.

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Pappardelle
Wiki Commons by Popo le Chien
Do you know what this wider version of the fettuccine is called?
Orecchiette
Pappardelle
Angel hair
Angel hair
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Pappardelle is a long, flat pasta from the Tuscany region in Italy. It is made with the edges either straight or fluted (rippled). Pappardelle is often served tossed in meaty sauces.

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Udon
Wiki Commons by sekido
Can you correctly name these Japanese wheat noodles?
Udon
Cannelloni
Ziti
Farfalle
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

These fat, chewy noodles are a popular part of Southern Japanese cuisine. They are often sold fresh, which is when they have the best texture. Udon noodles are typically served in broths where they pair well with seafood and chopped scallion.

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Acini di pepe
Wiki Commons by Nyh
Do you recognize this tiny pasta with a name meaning “pepper berries”?
Acini di pepe
Elbows
Elbows
Elbows
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Acini di pepe are very small, rounded pasta which is sometimes called pastina (for “tiny dough”). It is traditionally added to soup served at a wedding since it is thought to improve fertility. Actually, acini di pepe can be used in a wide variety of other soups on any occasion and is also often served in cold salads.

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Ziti
bbraley / E+ / Getty Images
These stout cylinders go by what name?
Cellophane noodles
Macaroni
Ravioli
Ziti
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ziti resemble penne pasta but tend to be wider. Whereas the ends of penne are cut at an angle, ziti is usually cut straight across. Just like penne (and many other pasta varieties), ziti may have smooth sides (ziti lisce) or ridges (ziti rigate).

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Rotini
Pexels / rawpixel.com
Can you identify the pasta spirals shown here?
Rotini
Schupfnudeln
Shells
Elbows
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Rotini (meaning “spirals” or “twists”) is often used interchangeably with fusilli (meaning little spindles). Both types of pasta are shaped like a helix but rotini has its loops closer together. Rotini and fusilli are both good choices for adding bulk to salads or for use with sauce-filled dishes.

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Lasagna
Pixabay / MarkMartins
Can you name these flat pasta sheets which are often made into a casserole?
Tortellini
Shells
Shells
Lasagna
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Lasagna is traditionally used in layered dishes which include meats, sauce, cheeses and vegetables. In modern day cooking, the lasagna pasta gives its name to the well-known lasagna casserole dish.

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Elbow pasta
Douglas Sacha / Moment / Getty Images
Which pasta that takes its name from a body part is shown here?
Fettuccine
Orecchiette
Campanelle
Elbows
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The elbow is a variety of macaroni pasta – still hollow but made short and curved instead of straight and long. It is very well known and is often the preferred type of macaroni to use in classic macaroni and cheese dishes.

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Farfalle
Wiki Commons by Travis K. Witt
What other name does this bow tie or butterfly pasta go by?
Farfalle
Bakmi
Rotini
Riccioli
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although they are frequently called bow tie pasta, the Italian word “farfalle” actually means “butterfly.” Farfalle goes well in cold pasta salads and can also be served tossed in creamy or cheesy sauces.

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Spätzle
Pixabay / Hans
Do you recognize these German noodles whose name means “little sparrows”?
Rigatoni
Spätzle
Shells
Ricciolini
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Spätzle noodles are a part of the local cuisine in several regions throughout Europe, although its name varies by location. It is usually served as part of a sweet or savory dish, accompanied by plenty of sauce.

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Gnocchi
Pixabay / sisdahgoldenhair
What name is given to these soft and tasty dumplings?
Linguine
Bucatini
Gemelli
Gnocchi
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Small, soft gnocchi dumplings can be enjoyed on their own with just some butter and a sprinkling of cheese. They are also often served with pesto or covered in rich thick sauce.

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Tortellini
Wiki Commons by Angelo.Muratore
Which name is given to these navel-shaped pasta?
Udon
Tortellini
Anelli
Bakmi
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Tortellini are stuffed, bite-sized pasta which are described as both ring-shaped and navel-shaped (which is why they sometimes go by the name ombelico). If tortellini are made in a large size, then they become tortelloni and can hold plenty more delicious stuffing inside.

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Orzo
Rafael Ben-Ari / Photodisc / Getty Images
Can you name this barley pasta which looks like large rice grains?
Spaghetti
Orzo
Penne
Farfalle
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Orzo is a small but versatile type of pasta. It is often added to salads, soups and rice, as well as cooked on its own to mimic risotto and other rice dishes. There are also naturally and artificially colored versions of orzo.

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Schupfnudeln
Wiki Commons by Baden de
Do you know the name of this thick German noodle?
Anelli
Rotini
Cannelloni
Schupfnudeln
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Schupfnudeln are short, fat, rolled noodles similar to the Italian pasta known as gnocchi. They can be found as a part of the cuisine in areas of southern Germany and Austria. One popular way to serve Schupfnudeln is pan-fried with sauerkraut and bacon bits.

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Corzetti
Wiki Commons by Bing
Do you know what this variety of stamped pasta is called?
Lasagna
Rotelle
Mohnnudeln
Corzetti
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Corzetti are thin, circular pasta which are stamped with a decorative design. The design works like the ridges and ruffles found on other types of pasta, providing spaces for sauce to accumulate on the pasta. Wooden stamps can be bought for making corzetti at home.

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Mohnnudeln
Wiki Commons by Marco Almbauer
Can you name these thick, short Austrian noodles?
Mohnnudeln
Campanelle
Misua
Bucatini
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although “mohnnudeln” means “poppy seed noodles,” it is not the noodles themselves which contain poppy seeds – it is the dish they are traditionally served in. The noodles are actually made from potato dough.

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Bakmi
Wiki Commons by Gunawan Kartapranata
Can you identify the Chinese “meat noodle” in this photo?
Bakmi
Spaghetti
Corzetti
Macaroni
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Despite its name translating to “meat noodle,” bakmi is not made of meat. It is a seasoned, yellow wheat noodle which is often served topped with a both minced and barbecued pork. It can also be served stir-fried with meat, vegetables and egg.

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Rotelle
Wiki Commons by Popo le Chien
What name does this wagon wheel lookalike pasta go by?
Rotelle
Spaghetti
Tortellini
Tagliatelle
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Rotelle pasta gets its name from its wagon wheel shape. It is often confused with the fiori pasta, which is somewhat similar in appearance. Close inspection will show, however, that fiori is actually flower-shape (as its Italian name suggests).

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Misua
Wiki Commons by Jason Allan Ng
Do you recognize these very thin Chinese wheat noodles?
Cavatappi
Ravioli
Cellophane noodles
Misua
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Misua are very long and very thin wheat noodles which originated in southeast China. They are highly regarded in traditional Chinese cuisine and are often associated with both birthdays and longevity. Misua dishes frequently include some sort of seafood.

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Radiatori
Wiki Commons by Popo le Chien
What is the name of the ruffled pasta shown here?
Pappardelle
Radiatori
Schupfnudeln
Spätzle
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Radiatori is a short, stout and very ruffled pasta which is frequently used in casseroles and can help to add bulk to soups. Its deep ruffles mean that radiatori can stand up to use with heavy sauces.

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Gemelli
Wiki Commons by Stilfehler
Which “twinning” pasta is shown in this image?
Cannelloni
Farfalle
Angel hair
Gemelli
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Gemelli pasta gets its name from the Italian word for “twin.” It is made to look like two intertwined pieces of noodles but in fact, it is just one hollow tube formed into a spiral shape.

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Cavatappi
Anna Kurzaeva / Moment / Getty Images
What name does the corkscrew pasta shown here go by?
Penne
Rotini
Cavatappi
Orzo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Cavatappi in Italian translates to corkscrew in English, which is what this slender, spiraling pasta resembles. It is described as a macaroni and is a common choice for use in making macaroni and cheese.

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Orecchiette
Wiki Commons by Travis K. Witt
What name is given to these small ear-shaped pasta?
Bakmi
Campanelle
Orecchiette
Riccioli
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Orecchiette are small, dome-shaped pasta which get used in many different dishes but work particularly well with heavy sauces which also include vegetables and chunks of meat. Some versions of orecchiette are slightly larger and may have ridges on the inside.

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Bucatini
Wiki Commons by Popo le Chien
What is this hollow, spaghetti-like pasta called?
Rotelle
Spätzle
Mohnnudeln
Bucatini
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Since it is a long, thin pasta, bucatini is very much like spaghetti but with one main difference – it is hollow. Bucatini pasta makes a good addition to rich, creamy sauces and casseroles.

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Anelli
Wiki Commons by Dedda71
Can you name the tiny pasta rings shown here?
Anelli
Spaghetti
Cavatappi
Linguine
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

These thin pasta rings which are traditionally added to salads and soups are much more common than most people realize. They are the tasty rings in Campbell’s SpaghettiOs.

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Tagliatelle
Wiki Commons by Popo le Chien
Can you name this pasta which is traditionally served with Bolognese sauce?
Macaroni
Vermicelli
Tagliatelle
Tortellini
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Tagliatelle is a long, thin egg pasta which is very much like fettuccini but somewhat narrower. A bolognese sauce which includes ground meat is normally served over cooked tagliatelle in a dish called “tagliatelle al ragu.”

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Rigatoni
Pixabay / RitaE
Can you identify this pasta which is named for its ridges?
Vermicelli
Rigatoni
Tagliatelle
Orecchiette
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Rigatoni means “large ridges,” which describe the grooves on the outside of these short tubes. They look very much like a larger version of both penne (with ends cut straight) and ziti rigate (ziti with ridges). Rigatoni make a delicious addition to salads which also include chunky pieces of meat and vegetables.

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Ricciolini
Wiki Commons by Elcochan
Which small and curly pasta is shown in this picture?
Linguine
Capellini
Acini di pepe
Ricciolini
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Riccioli in Italian means “curls” while ricciolini means “little curls.” Riccioli pasta has a series of curls forming a spiral but the smaller ricciolini is a single twist. This variety of pasta is said to have originated in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy.

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Capellini
Wiki Commons by Amy
These thin “little hairs” of pasta are referred to by what name?
Capellini
Tagliatelle
Ziti
Udon
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Capellini is similar to spaghetti in that it is made in the shape of very narrow and very long solid cylinders. Even though the strands are quite thin, capellini pasta is the bigger version of angel hair pasta which is called “capelli d'angelo” in Italian.

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Campanelle
Wiki Commons by E. Michael Smith Chiefio
Which bell-shaped pasta is shown in this image?
Radiatori
Lasagna
Campanelle
Capellini
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Campanelle (little bells) have ruffles around their edges, helping them to hold copious amounts of thick sauce when used in cheesy, creamy or meaty dishes. For this reason, campanelle pasta is often cooked in casseroles.

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Cannelloni
Wiki Commons by Popo le Chien
These rolled cylinders go by what name?
Cannelloni
Cellophane noodles
Cannelloni
Lasagna
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Cannelloni pasta is most often served stuffed, baked and with copious amounts of sauce poured over the top. While they can be bought as pre-formed cylinders, cannelloni are traditionally made as flat sheets and which are then rolled around the filling.

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