Spaghetti alla Chitarra

A chitarra is a wooden frame strung with fine wires used to cut rolled pasta dough into long strands. This traditional tool originated in the Abruzzo region of Italy and gives spaghetti alla chitarra its distinct shape.

Unlike regular spaghetti, which is typically extruded and perfectly round, spaghetti alla chitarra is cut by wires giving it a distinct square cross-section. This specific cutting method helps the egg pasta from the Abruzzo region hold onto thicker meat sauces.

Spaghetti alla chitarra is a traditional egg pasta that originated in the Abruzzo region of Italy. The dish gets its name directly from the wooden, stringed tool historically used by local cooks to cut the dough.

Because the wire-cutting method creates a hearty egg pasta with a square cross-section, it pairs exceptionally well with rich, meat-based ragùs. In its native Abruzzo region, it is frequently served with a traditional tomato and lamb sauce.