Grocery
Rotelle Pasta
What it is
Rotelle is a type of pasta shaped like small wagon wheels. The name 'rotelle' is Italian for 'little wheels.' This distinctive shape features spokes and a hollow center, which helps capture sauces. It is made from durum wheat semolina and water, a common combination for dried pasta.
How people cook with it
This pasta shape is versatile and works well in many dishes. Its fun appearance makes it a favorite for family meals.
- In hearty soups
- With chunky vegetable sauces
- In pasta salads
- Baked with cheese
To cook rotelle, 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, meaning it is tender but still firm to the bite. Drain the pasta well. It can then be tossed with your favorite sauce, added to soups, or used in cold salads. The spokes of the wheel shape hold onto sauces effectively.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to other pasta shapes like spaghetti or penne, rotelle's wheel design offers a unique texture and sauce-holding capability. The spokes create more surface area for sauces to cling to, providing a different mouthfeel than smoother or tubular pastas.
Who it is for
Home cooks looking for a fun and functional pasta shape for everyday meals will enjoy using rotelle.
How to keep the rest
Store any unused rotelle in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. This will help keep the pasta fresh and prevent it from absorbing moisture or odors from the pantry. Properly stored, it can last for a long time.