Conchiglie

A type of pasta shaped like a conch shell

Conchiglie

Conchiglie rigate, a variant with ridges

Conchiglie is a type of pasta that is shaped like a conch shell. The name "conchiglie" is derived from the Italian word for "shells." This pasta is popular in various Italian dishes and is known for its ability to hold sauces well due to its unique shape.

Varieties

Conchiglie comes in several varieties, each with distinct characteristics:

• Conchiglie rigate: This variant has ridges on its surface, which help to trap and hold onto sauces more effectively. The ridges also add texture to the pasta, making it a popular choice for hearty dishes.

• Conchigliette: These are smaller versions of conchiglie, often used in soups and salads. Their petite size makes them ideal for lighter dishes where a delicate pasta is desired.

• Conchiglioni: These are large shells that are often stuffed with cheese, meat, or vegetables and baked. The large size of conchiglioni makes them perfect for stuffed pasta dishes.

Culinary Uses

Conchiglie is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. It is commonly paired with tomato sauce, pesto, or cream sauce. The shape of the pasta allows it to hold chunky ingredients, making it suitable for pasta salads and casseroles.

In Italian cuisine, conchiglie is often used in baked pasta dishes, where it is combined with ricotta, spinach, and marinara sauce, then topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese before baking.

Cooking Tips

When cooking conchiglie, it is important to use a large pot of boiling water with a generous amount of salt. This helps to ensure that the pasta cooks evenly and absorbs the right amount of flavor. The pasta should be cooked until it is "al dente," meaning it is firm to the bite.

Related pages

• Pasta
• Italian cuisine
• Stuffed pasta