Maccarroni al Ferretto con Ragù Bianco di Maiale
Abruzzo — Chieti e L'Aquila province
Abruzzo's hand-shaped pasta with a white pork ragù — the same ferretto (metal rod) technique used in Calabria appears in Abruzzo where the local name and preparation differ. Maccheroni al ferretto are shorter here (6–8cm) and dressed with a bianco (white, no tomato) pork shoulder ragù with white wine, rosemary, and sage. The absence of tomato in the ragù highlights the natural sweetness of the pork and allows the pasta's semolina character to be the primary flavour vehicle.