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Campanelle Pasta

campanelle
Other Names:
Gigli
Riccioli
Region: Available throughout Italy.
Made with: Manufactured Campanelle is made with semolina wheat, water, and salt.
About:

Campanelle pasta is a type of pasta with a distinctive bell-shaped form. The individual campanelle shells are typically about 1-2 inches in diameter and have a ruffled or fluted edge, creating a unique texture that enhances the pasta’s ability to cling to sauces.

The name “campanelle” is derived from the Italian word for “little bells,” aptly reflecting the pasta’s resemblance to miniature church bells. The bell-shaped design of campanelle pasta serves a practical purpose, as it traps and holds sauces within the pasta’s hollowed center, maximizing flavor and creating a satisfying dining experience.

Campanelle pasta is traditionally made with semolina flour and water, and it is often bronze cut, which gives it a rough texture that further enhances its ability to absorb and retain sauces. The bronze die used in the cutting process also imparts a subtle rustic appearance and a slightly nutty flavor to the pasta.

Due to its unique shape and texture, campanelle pasta is particularly well-suited for creamy, saucy, and flavorful dishes. The bell-shaped cavities effectively capture and distribute the richness of sauces, while the rough surface enhances the pasta’s ability to cling to the ingredients, creating a cohesive and flavorful dining experience.

Here are some specific examples of sauces that pair exceptionally well with campanelle pasta:

  • Creamy Tomato Sauce: A smooth and rich tomato sauce, enriched with cream and Parmesan cheese, complements the pasta’s bell-shaped form, ensuring that each bite is coated in flavorful sauce.

  • Pesto: The vibrant flavors of basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese are perfectly captured within the pasta’s cavities, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

  • Sun-dried Tomato and Spinach Sauce: The sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and the savory notes of spinach provide a balanced flavor profile that complements the pasta’s rustic texture.

  • Creamy Vodka Sauce: A unique and flavorful sauce, that combines the tang of vodka with the richness of tomato and cream, and adds a touch of intrigue to the pasta’s classic charm.

  • Below you can see campanella flowers and see where this shape came from.

  • Camanella Flowers

    Campanella Flowers.
 Source:
Photo Credit: Bill Rubino
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