What is chitarra?

Chitarra is a type of pasta from the Abruzzo region in Italy. It is a long, thin pasta that is typically square or rectangular in shape, resembling a guitar string, which is where the name "chitarra" comes from (chitarra means guitar in Italian).

The pasta is traditionally made by pressing the dough through a special tool called a "chitarra" or guitar, which has thin wires stretched across a wooden frame. The dough is rolled out and then pressed through the wires to create the signature shape of chitarra pasta.

Chitarra pasta is often served with hearty meat sauces, such as ragu or bolognese, as well as simple tomato-based sauces. It is also commonly paired with regional ingredients such as lamb, goat, or pecorino cheese.

Chitarra pasta is popular in the Abruzzo region and has gained popularity in other parts of Italy and around the world for its unique shape and delicious taste. It can be found in specialty Italian markets and some grocery stores that carry a variety of pasta shapes.