De Cecco
De Cecco Squared Spaghetti
What it is
This is a unique pasta shape from De Cecco, a well-regarded Italian pasta maker. It is made from durum wheat semolina and water, extruded through bronze dies. The squared shape is a distinctive feature that sets it apart from traditional round spaghetti. This process gives the pasta a rougher surface, which helps sauces adhere better. The pasta is dried slowly at low temperatures, a method that preserves the quality of the wheat and contributes to its firm texture when cooked.
How people cook with it
Squared spaghetti is a versatile pasta that can be used in a variety of dishes. Its unique shape makes it an interesting alternative to standard spaghetti.
- With hearty meat sauces
- In baked pasta dishes
- Tossed with pesto
- As a base for seafood pasta
To cook squared spaghetti, 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, reserving some of the cooking water. Toss the drained pasta immediately with your chosen sauce. The rough texture of the squared spaghetti will help the sauce cling to each strand, ensuring a flavorful bite with every forkful. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike traditional round spaghetti, squared spaghetti has a more pronounced texture due to its shape and the bronze die extrusion. This difference means it holds onto sauces with greater tenacity, offering a more robust mouthfeel and ensuring more flavor in every bite. The squared edges also provide a slightly different eating experience.
Who it is for
Home cooks looking for a pasta with a unique texture and excellent sauce-holding capabilities will appreciate this shape.
How to keep the rest
Store any unused dried squared spaghetti in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry. Keep it in its original packaging or an airtight container to protect it from moisture and pests. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent the pasta from absorbing odors from other foods.