Grocery
Corkscrew Pasta
What it is
This is a type of dried pasta. It is made from durum wheat semolina. The pasta is shaped like a corkscrew, with a hollow center and ridges along the outside. This shape is designed to hold sauces well. It is a versatile ingredient for many dishes. It cooks relatively quickly and is a pantry staple for many households.
How people cook with it
This pasta shape is excellent for holding chunky sauces. It also works well in pasta salads.
- With hearty meat sauces
- In cold pasta salads
- Baked into casseroles
- With creamy cheese sauces
To cook this pasta, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook according to package directions until al dente, which means it is tender but still has a slight bite. Drain the pasta well. You can then toss it with your favorite sauce, add it to a soup, or chill it for a pasta salad. The ridges and hollow center help capture and distribute sauces evenly.
How it differs from similar foods
The corkscrew shape, known as cavatappi, is distinct from smoother pasta shapes like spaghetti or penne. Its helical form and ridges provide more surface area for sauces to cling to. This makes it particularly good at trapping ingredients and flavors compared to straighter or smoother pasta.
Who it is for
Home cooks who enjoy creating flavorful pasta dishes will find this shape useful.
How to keep the rest
Store any unused portion in an airtight container or the original packaging in a cool, dry place. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing moisture or odors from the pantry. Properly stored, it can last for a long time.