Spaghetti alla Chitarra: The Square Soul of Abruzzese Fresh Pasta

A journey into the egg pasta tradition that defines the culinary heart of Abruzzo.
February 27, 2026 by
Spaghetti alla Chitarra: The Square Soul of Abruzzese Fresh Pasta
LAPA - finest italian food GmbH, Laura Teodorescu

From the picturesque region of Abruzzo emerges a pasta shape that embodies centuries of history and an unmistakable flavor: Spaghetti alla Chitarra. With their unique square cross-section and the intense consistency of fresh egg pasta, they represent a pillar of local gastronomy, ready to marry the richest traditional sauces.

"In Abruzzo, gli Spaghetti alla Chitarra non sono solo pasta, sono un canto di casa, di festa e di terra."

📍 Origin and History

Regione: Abruzzo

Periodo: Non specificato, ma la tradizione della pasta fresca all'uovo è secolare in Italia.

Spaghetti alla Chitarra are a traditional fresh egg pasta shape, typical of the Abruzzo region. Their name and shape are intrinsically linked to the unique tool used for their creation, 'la chitarra', which testifies to an ancient artisanal culinary practice. This pasta is deeply rooted in Abruzzese gastronomic customs and cultural identity.

🏛️ Tradition

The tradition of Spaghetti alla Chitarra is part of the broader and renowned landscape of Italian fresh egg pasta, which includes celebrated shapes like tagliatelle, garganelli, and passatelli. This shape is an expression of Abruzzese culinary ingenuity in creating unique textures and forms, designed to enhance rich local condiments. Its preparation, often handed down from generation to generation, is a domestic ritual that celebrates conviviality.

Gli Spaghetti alla Chitarra non sono solo un alimento, ma un vero e proprio simbolo della cucina casalinga e delle festività abruzzesi. Essi rappresentano un legame indissolubile con il territorio e le sue tradizioni, unendo le famiglie attorno a un piatto che evoca storia, appartenenza e l'autenticità del 'fatto in casa'.

⚙️ Production

The traditional production method of Spaghetti alla Chitarra involves the use of an artisanal tool called 'chitarra'. This is a wooden frame over which thin steel wires are stretched in parallel, resembling the strings of a guitar. The sheet of fresh egg pasta is laid over these wires, and by pressing it with a rolling pin, the wires cut the pasta, creating the unmistakable square-section spaghetti. This technique gives the pasta a characteristic rough texture that allows it to perfectly hold the sauce.

Unique Characteristics:

  • Sezione trasversale quadrata, non rotonda
  • Preparati esclusivamente con pasta fresca all'uovo
  • Texture ruvida e porosa data dal taglio con la 'chitarra'
  • Formato tipico e tradizionale della regione Abruzzo

💡 Did You Know...

  • The name 'chitarra' derives directly from the traditional tool used to cut the pasta, whose shape and metallic strings recall the musical instrument.
  • The square cross-section of the spaghetti, a peculiar characteristic, is functional: it allows the pasta to capture and retain a greater amount of sauce compared to round shapes, enhancing every bite.
  • The preparation of fresh egg pasta was historically a domestic activity linked to special occasions and holidays, a sign of care and abundance in Italian families.

🍽️ Recommended Pairings

  • Lamb ragù (a classic pairing deeply rooted in Abruzzese tradition)
  • Amatriciana sauce (a robust combination that enhances the pasta's texture)
  • Sauce with meatballs (a timeless classic that pairs well with egg pasta)

🛍️ Discover SPAGHETTI ALLA CHITARRA PASTA FRESCA ALL'UOVO 1KG PZ 6 A CRT STR

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