Schnucks
Schnucks Cavatappi Pasta
What it is
Cavatappi pasta is a type of short, corkscrew-shaped pasta. Its name comes from the Italian word for 'corkscrew.' The hollow center and ridged exterior of cavatappi are excellent for holding onto sauces. This pasta is made from durum wheat semolina, a common ingredient for dried pasta. It cooks relatively quickly and maintains its shape well during cooking.
How people cook with it
Cavatappi is a versatile pasta shape that works well in many dishes. It is particularly good for baked pasta dishes and hearty salads.
- Baked pasta dishes
- Pasta salads
- With chunky sauces
- In soups
To cook cavatappi, 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 should be tender but still have a slight bite. Drain the pasta well. It can then be tossed with your favorite sauce, added to a salad, or incorporated into a baked casserole. The shape holds sauce effectively, ensuring flavor in every bite.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike smoother pasta shapes, cavatappi's spiral design and ridges provide more surface area. This allows it to capture and hold thicker, chunkier sauces better than shapes like spaghetti or penne. The hollow center also traps sauce, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
Who it is for
Home cooks looking for a fun and functional pasta shape for family meals will appreciate cavatappi.
How to keep the rest
Store any leftover uncooked cavatappi in its original packaging or an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry. Ensure it is sealed tightly to prevent moisture absorption and keep it fresh for future use. Properly stored, it can last for a long time.