Agnolotti vs. Ravioli — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 2, 2023
Agnolotti are typically crescent-shaped stuffed pasta, while ravioli are square or rectangle with a more defined edge.
Difference Between Agnolotti and Ravioli
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Key Differences
Agnolotti is a form of pasta from the Piedmont region of Italy, generally crescent-shaped, filled with a mixture of meat, vegetables, or cheese. Ravioli, arguably more recognized globally, are small pasta envelopes that can be square, rectangular, or even circular, typically stuffed with a similar variety of fillings.
While agnolotti are pinched into a shape resembling a half-moon and traditionally served with a roast meat filling or vegetables, ravioli are sealed between two layers of pasta dough and often served with a cheese or spinach stuffing. Both types of pasta are integral to Italian cuisine and are served with a range of sauces, but agnolotti are particularly associated with a sage butter sauce.
The dough for agnolotti is often rolled slightly thinner, intended to emphasize the delicate nature of the pasta and its filling. Ravioli pasta can be a bit thicker to accommodate a wider variety of fillings, including richer and heavier ones, which require a sturdier pasta casing to hold the shape and prevent breakage during cooking.
Agnolotti's origins are linked to the culinary traditions of Piedmont, where they are a staple during the Christmas season. Ravioli's history is more widespread throughout Italy, with each region adopting its own version of the stuffing, ranging from meat to fish, or from cheese to vegetables.
Each pasta offers a distinct bite; agnolotti typically provide a more refined, delicate mouthfeel, while ravioli give a hearty experience. Nonetheless, both agnolotti and ravioli capture the essence of Italian regional cooking and continue to be celebrated dishes in Italian cuisine around the world.
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Comparison Chart
Shape
Typically crescent or half-moon shaped.
Square, rectangle, or circular.
Regional Origin
Piedmont, Italy.
Various regions of Italy.
Traditional Fillings
Roast meat and vegetables.
Cheese, spinach, or various fillings.
Serving Sauce
Often a sage butter sauce.
Various sauces, including tomato.
Cultural Association
Christmas season in Piedmont.
Enjoyed year-round in many regions.
Compare with Definitions
Agnolotti
Crescent-shaped
The agnolotti resembled tiny half-moons.
Ravioli
Can be served in broth
The ravioli floated in the soup.
Agnolotti
Served with sage and butter
Agnolotti melted in her mouth.
Ravioli
Square pasta pockets
She made ravioli for dinner.
Agnolotti
A type of pasta
Agnolotti are filled with roasted meats.
Ravioli
Sealed pasta
The edges of the ravioli were perfectly crimped.
Agnolotti
Piedmontese dish
He savored the agnolotti with butter sauce.
Ravioli
A type of pasta
Ravioli are often cheese-filled.
Agnolotti
Meat or vegetable filling
Agnolotti were stuffed with rabbit.
Ravioli
Ravioli (Italian pronunciation: [raviˈɔli]; singular: raviolo, pronounced [raviˈɔlo]) are a type of pasta comprising a filling enveloped in thin pasta dough. Usually served in broth or with a sauce, they originated as a traditional food in Italian cuisine.
Agnolotti
Agnolotti (pronounced [aɲɲoˈlɔtti]; Piedmontese: agnolòt [aɲʊˈlɔt]) is a type of pasta typical of the Piedmont region of Italy, made with small pieces of flattened pasta dough, folded over a filling of roasted meat or vegetables. Agnolotti is the plural form of the Italian word agnolotto.
Ravioli
Small pasta envelopes containing minced meat, fish, cheese, or vegetables, usually served with a sauce.
Agnolotti
Pasta squares stuffed with a variety of fillings, like small ravioli.
Ravioli
A small casing of pasta with any of various fillings, such as chopped meat or cheese.
Agnolotti
Pasta that is rolled into thin sheets, folded over meat, cheese, or other filling, and cut into small semicircles or squares.
Ravioli
A dish made with ravioli.
Agnolotti
A type of square or rectangular ravioli from Piedmont made from a small sheet of pasta folded up.
Ravioli
Plural of raviolo
Ravioli
Small square parcels of pasta filled with meat, cheese, spinach etc.
Ravioli
A dish made with ravioli.
Ravioli
(informal) by analogy, similar dishes/pastas from non-Italian cuisines.
Ravioli
Small circular or square cases of dough with savory fillings
Ravioli
Often has a ricotta filling
He added spinach to the ravioli mix.
Common Curiosities
What’s the main shape difference between agnolotti and ravioli?
Agnolotti are usually crescent-shaped, while ravioli are typically square or rectangular.
Are agnolotti always made with a meat filling?
No, agnolotti can also be filled with cheese or vegetables.
Can agnolotti and ravioli have the same fillings?
Yes, both can have similar fillings, but traditional recipes differ.
What sauce is traditionally served with agnolotti?
A sage butter sauce is traditional with agnolotti.
Is ravioli served only with tomato sauce?
No, ravioli can be served with various sauces, not just tomato.
Where did agnolotti originate?
Agnolotti originated in the Piedmont region of Italy.
Can ravioli be made with pre-made pasta dough?
Yes, ravioli can be made with store-bought pasta dough.
Are agnolotti and ravioli doughs made the same way?
They are similar but can vary in thickness and ingredients.
Can agnolotti be fried like some ravioli?
Yes, agnolotti can also be fried, though it's less traditional.
Can ravioli be served in broth?
Yes, ravioli can be served in a broth, which is a common practice.
Is homemade agnolotti common in Italian households?
Yes, particularly in the Piedmont region.
Are ravioli eaten year-round or seasonally?
Ravioli are enjoyed year-round in various regions.
Is ravioli more popular internationally than agnolotti?
Yes, ravioli tend to be more widely recognized globally.
Do agnolotti and ravioli require different cooking times?
Cooking times can vary based on dough thickness and filling.
What is a common mistake when making agnolotti at home?
Overfilling agnolotti can cause them to burst when cooked.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
