Shoprite · 56 g
Shoprite Radiatore Pasta
What it is
Radiatore is a type of short, decorative pasta. Its name means 'radiator' in Italian, referring to its unique shape. The ruffled edges and deep crevices are designed to catch and hold sauces effectively. This pasta is made from durum wheat semolina, a common ingredient for dried pasta that provides a firm texture when cooked. It is a versatile pasta shape that can be used in a variety of dishes.
How people cook with it
This pasta shape is excellent for holding chunky sauces and ingredients. It works well in both hot dishes and cold pasta salads.
- With hearty meat sauces
- In creamy cheese dishes
- For cold pasta salads
- As a base for baked pasta
To cook radiatore, bring a large pot of generously 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, reserving some of the cooking water. Toss the drained radiatore with your chosen sauce immediately, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly. Serve hot.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike smoother pasta shapes such as penne or ziti, radiatore's complex, ruffled surface provides more texture and a greater surface area. This allows it to capture and cling to thicker, chunkier sauces more effectively, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Who it is for
Home cooks looking for a pasta shape that adds visual interest and holds sauce well will enjoy using radiatore.
How to keep the rest
After opening the package, store any remaining radiatore in an airtight container or resealable bag in a cool, dry pantry. This will help keep the pasta fresh and prevent it from absorbing moisture or odors from other food items.