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August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Everyday Life • Food & Drink

Linguini

Linguini is an English variant spelling of *linguine*, a type of Italian pasta made as long, narrow strips with an oval or flattened cross-section.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

Linguini is an anglicized spelling of linguine, a long Italian pasta with a flattened, oval shape. It is wider than spaghetti but narrower than fettuccine, and pairs well with light sauces like pesto or seafood.

What it is

Linguini (or linguine) means 'little tongues' in Italian, from Latin *lingua*. It is a long pasta made from durum wheat semolina and water, with a width of about 4 mm. Its shape is oval or flattened, distinguishing it from round spaghetti and wider fettuccine.

How it is used

Linguine is traditionally associated with Ligurian cooking and is often paired with pesto. It also works well with seafood, tomato-based sauces, and oil-based sauces. The flattened shape helps it hold lighter sauces without being too heavy.

How to cook it

Dry linguine is boiled in a large pot of salted water for about 8–10 minutes, or until al dente. Stir gently to prevent sticking. Drain and toss with sauce immediately. Gluten-free versions are available but traditional pasta contains wheat.

In short

  • Linguini means 'little tongues' in Italian.
  • It is a long, flattened pasta wider than spaghetti but narrower than fettuccine.
  • Commonly served with pesto, seafood, or light tomato sauces.
  • Cook dry linguine in salted boiling water for 8–10 minutes until al dente.
Canadian angle

Linguini is a common pasta shape in Canadian grocery stores and restaurants, often sold under the more standard spelling linguine.

Quick questions

What is linguini?
Linguini is an anglicized spelling of linguine, a long Italian pasta similar to spaghetti but flatter and wider. The name means 'little tongues.'
What is the difference between linguini and fettuccine?
Linguini is narrower and has a more oval or less-flat shape, while fettuccine is wider and flatter.
What sauce goes with linguini?
Common pairings include pesto, seafood sauces, tomato-based sauces, and light oil-based sauces.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linguine
    Supports: Definition, spelling variant, shape, width, common sauces, and cook time.
  2. Vocabulary.com — https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/linguini
    Supports: Spelling variant and etymology from Italian and Latin.
  3. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linguini
    Supports: Definition as narrow flat pasta.
  4. Simple English Wikipedia — https://www.simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linguine
    Supports: Linguine as an Italian pasta, English variant spelling, shape, and name meaning.
  5. DeLallo — https://www.delallo.com/blog/what-is-linguine
    Supports: Shape, origin, ingredients, cooking method, and common sauce pairings.
  6. Share the Pasta — https://sharethepasta.org/pasta-shapes/linguine/
    Supports: Shape, origin in Liguria, and traditional sauce pairings.