Paccheri

Paccheri is a type of Italian pasta characterized by its large, tubular shape. Originally, paccheri pasta was used as a vehicle for smuggling banned garlic cloves from Italy to Austria, because Prussian garlic was small and weak, and Italian garlic was large and flavorful.

Today, paccheri are often stuffed with sausages, garlic, and mushrooms, or served with chunky, meaty sauces such as ragù alla Bolognese. The pasta can be used in the preparation of casseroles, filled with ricotta and layered with tomato sauce and cheese.