Campanelle pasta is a delightful choice for those who love Italian food. It looks like the Italian bell-shaped flower and has a unique cone shape with a ruffled edge1. Made from top-quality durum wheat, it’s both versatile and eye-catching in Italian dishes1.
Since 1877, Barilla has been a top name in pasta, known for its quality and “Al Dente” taste1. Their Campanelle pasta shows their commitment to excellence, offering a special taste experience that will make you want more1.
Key Takeaways
- Campanelle pasta is a cone-shaped pasta with a ruffled, bell-like edge
- It is made from high-quality durum wheat and is non-GMO, peanut-free, and suitable for vegan or vegetarian diets
- Barilla, a leading Italian pasta brand, has been producing Campanelle pasta since 1877
- The pasta shape is described as delicate yet robust, with a hollow center that can hold sauces well
- Campanelle pasta is a versatile and visually appealing addition to Italian cuisine
What is Campanelle Pasta?
Campanelle pasta is a special type of pasta from the Tuscan region of Italy2. It’s also known as gigli or riccioli pasta. The name “campanelle” means “little bells” in Italian, fitting its bell-shaped look2. Some think its shape was inspired by the lily flower, a symbol of Florence for centuries2.
Origin and Meaning
Campanelle pasta comes from Tuscany, where making pasta is a long-standing tradition2. “Campanelle” comes from “campana,” the Italian word for “bell,” which matches its bell-like shape2.
Appearance and Shape
This pasta is made with a special die, giving it a unique flower-like shape2. It has a cone body with ruffled edges and a hollow center. This shape makes it different from other pastas like gigli and riccioli2.
The shape of campanelle pasta is not just pretty. It’s also useful. The hollow center and ruffled edges help it hold onto sauces well. This makes it perfect for hearty, chunky dishes2.
Ingredients and Nutritional Value
Campanelle pasta is usually made from semolina flour and water3. Semolina comes from durum wheat and gives the pasta a firm texture. It also helps the pasta hold sauces well3.
Other ingredients like niacin, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, and folic acid are added too. These make the pasta more nutritious3. Campanelle pasta is full of complex carbs, which means it has a good amount of calories and fiber3.
A single serving of Barilla Campanelle pasta has 200 calories3. It has 1g of fat, 1g of sugars, and no sodium. You’ll find 42g of carbs, which is 15% of your daily need, and 3g of fiber, which is 11%3.
It also has 7g of protein and 2mg of iron, giving you 10% of your daily iron3.
Some organic Campanelle pasta is made by a women-owned business4. It’s said to be more nutritious and easier to digest than regular whole wheat pasta4. This organic pasta uses organic whole grain wheat flour and durum semolina flour4. It’s made with artesian spring water and nothing else4.
This pasta is USDA certified organic and comes in eco-friendly packaging4. It’s also plastic-free and recyclable4.
Campanelle Pasta Varieties
Campanelle pasta is known for its unique shape and texture. It comes in both artisanal and mass-produced types2. Artisanal producers use traditional methods and top-quality ingredients for a better taste5. Mass-produced pasta is made on a larger scale and is cheaper but might not taste as good.
Artisanal vs. Mass-Produced
Artisanal campanelle pasta makers focus on quality, choosing the best durum wheat for their noodles5. These handmade noodles have a unique taste and a chewier texture5. Mass-produced pasta, however, is made quickly and cheaply, often without the same care for taste5.
For those who love great pasta, artisanal campanelle is usually the top pick5. But mass-produced pasta is great for everyday meals, especially with the right sauces5. Whether you choose artisanal or mass-produced campanelle depends on what you like and what you’re looking for in a meal52.
Regional Specialties with Campanelle Pasta
Tuscan Dishes
Campanelle pasta, also known as “gigli toscani” or “Tuscan lilies,” is a key part of Tuscan cuisine. Campanelle pasta has a unique shape that makes it stand out in traditional Tuscan dishes6.
A classic dish is pasta tordellata, which mixes the pasta with a rich meat ragu and creamy ricotta6. Another favorite dish pairs it with vegetable sauces, like Swiss chard and pancetta6.
The lily’s importance in Tuscan culture has made campanelle pasta very popular. Tuscan chefs and cooks love this pasta for its unique shape. They use it in many dishes that celebrate Tuscan flavors and traditions6.
| Nutritional Value of Campanelle Pasta | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Caloric Content | 628 kcal6 |
| Carbohydrates | 53g6 |
| Protein | 34g6 |
| Fat | 31g6 |
| Saturated Fat | 12g6 |
| Cholesterol | 77mg6 |
| Sodium | 1213mg6 |
| Potassium | 600mg6 |
| Fiber | 4g6 |
| Sugar | 4g6 |
| Vitamin A | 686IU6 |
| Vitamin C | 15mg6 |
| Calcium | 211mg6 |
| Iron | 2mg6 |
Cooking Tips for Campanelle Pasta
When cooking campanelle pasta, remember a few important tips. Its unique shape means it cooks a bit longer than other types7. To get it just right, boil it in salted water until it’s al dente7.
Campanelle pasta is great for baked dishes too. Its shape makes it excellent at holding onto sauces and fillings7. After cooking, toss it with sauce to make sure every strand is coated well7.
- Cook campanelle pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.
- Toss the cooked pasta gently with the desired sauce to coat evenly.
- Consider using campanelle pasta in baked pasta dishes, as its shape helps it hold onto sauces and fillings.
Follow these easy cooking tips for campanelle pasta to enjoy its unique taste and look. Campanelle pasta is a versatile and eye-catching choice that can make your meals stand out7.
Best Sauce Pairings
Campanelle pasta’s unique shape makes it great with many sauces. You can choose from rich, creamy sauces or bright, vegetable toppings. These pasta shapes add flavor and texture to your meals.
Creamy Sauces
Campanelle pasta is amazing with creamy sauces. Béchamel or alfredo sauces go well with its ruffled shape8. These sauces stick to the pasta, blending flavors and textures perfectly.
Vegetable-Based Sauces
Campanelle pasta is also great with vegetable sauces9. Its shape and edges highlight the colors and textures of sauces with tomatoes, greens, or roasted veggies. Every bite is full of fresh, tasty flavors.
For a tasty campanelle pasta dish, try a fresh tomato sauce. Use 2 pints of cherry tomatoes, 1/2 sweet onion, 5-6 cloves of garlic, 1/4 cup pine nuts, and herbs and seasonings10. The pasta’s shape brings out the best in this light, satisfying sauce.
Whether you like creamy or vegetable sauces, campanelle pasta is a great choice. Its unique shape lets your favorite sauces shine8910.
Baked Campanelle Pasta Recipes
Campanelle pasta is great for baked dishes and casseroles because of its unique ruffled edges. It’s sturdy and holds sauces well, making it perfect for many fillings and toppings11.
A tasty baked campanelle pasta recipe combines ground beef and tomato sauce with creamy ricotta and Italian cheese11. It’s quick to make, needing only 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook11.
For a cozy and tasty campanelle pasta casserole, try one with sautéed mushrooms, shallots, and thyme in a creamy sauce12. You can make it ahead and bake it just before serving, making it easy and loved by all12.
Baked campanelle pasta highlights the pasta’s special shape and sauce-holding ability. Whether you like a classic tomato bake or a creamy mushroom casserole, campanelle pasta makes any dish satisfying and looks great111312.
Campanelle pasta is versatile, perfect for many baked pasta recipes, from campanelle pasta casseroles to layered dishes. Try different sauces, cheeses, and mix-ins to make your own unique campanelle pasta bake111312.
Where to Buy Campanelle Pasta
Looking to add campanelle pasta to your meals? You have several options. This unique pasta is not as common, but many online stores and specialty Italian markets now carry it.
Online Sources
Online stores are a top choice for fans of campanelle pasta. Sites like Zerega’s14, Makfa, and small pasta makers offer a wide range of campanelle pasta. You can find both large-scale and handcrafted types14.
Nicoletto’s Pasta Co. Bronze Cut Campanelle is available online for $8.95 per 1 lb package. It’s in stock with 460 units14. This type of campanelle takes 10-12 minutes to cook14.
These online stores make it easy for people all over the U.S. to try campanelle pasta. Whether you’re looking for where to buy campanelle pasta or unique sources, you’ll find them online.
Campanelle Pasta vs. Other Pasta Shapes
Campanelle pasta is known for its unique bell-shaped, ruffled look. It’s different from long spaghetti or short penne. Its cone-like shape is great for holding sauces and fillings15. This makes it a favorite for baked pasta and special Italian dishes15.
Campanelle has special features that make it stand out15. It’s a delicate pasta rolled into a cone or flower shape15. Its hollow inside and frilly edges are perfect for sauces and small ingredients like cheese or veggies16.
Other pasta shapes are great in their own ways. Bucatini is perfect for soaking up sauce16. Farfalle works well with many sauces16. Fusilli and rotini have surfaces that hold onto sauces well16. Spaghetti is great for twirling with Bolognese or meatball dishes16.
| Pasta Shape | Characteristics | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Campanelle | Floral-shaped, with a hollow interior and ruffled edges | Baked dishes, pasta salads, holding sauces and small ingredients |
| Bucatini | Long, pipe-shaped with a hole in the center | Soups, sauces with juices |
| Farfalle | Bow-tie shaped | Versatile, works with various sauces |
| Fusilli | Short, twisted pasta with a chute-like surface | Sauces that need to grip the pasta |
| Rotini | Similar to fusilli, but with a tighter spiral and shorter length | Pasta dishes with broccoli, prosciutto, etc. |
| Spaghetti | Long, rounded noodles | Meatballs, Bolognese sauce |
| Stelline | Star-shaped | Soups |
| Ziti | Short, tubular pasta with a square cut | Pasta bakes |
| Orecchiette | Shaped like little ears | Versatile, adapts to various accompaniments |
| Rigatoni | Tubular pasta with ridged lines | Thick, chunky sauces |
Campanelle stands out with its unique design and sauce-holding ability15. Its looks and versatility make it a top choice for many Italian dishes15.
Campanelle Pasta in Italian Cuisine
Campanelle pasta has a long history in Italian cooking, especially in Tuscany17. It’s been a key ingredient in dishes like pasta tordellata, mixed with meat ragu and ricotta17. Its shape makes it great for holding onto sauces, making it popular in new recipes too17.
Now, campanelle pasta is used in many dishes, showing its versatility and charm in both old and new Italian cooking18. It’s found in creamy casseroles and bright vegetable salads, winning over Italian food lovers19.
Traditional and Modern Uses
In traditional Italian cooking, campanelle pasta is a star in pasta tordellata. It’s filled with meat ragu and ricotta, thanks to its sauce-holding shape17.
But campanelle isn’t just for old recipes18. It’s also great in modern dishes, like baked casseroles, where its shape adds texture and holds sauce19. Plus, it’s perfect for pasta salads, bringing out the best in fresh veggies19.
Campanelle pasta plays a big role in Italian food, both old and new18. From its roots in Tuscany to its modern uses, it keeps winning over pasta fans worldwide17.
Interesting Facts about Campanelle Pasta
Campanelle pasta has a unique history and look that makes it stand out. Its name means “little bells” in Italian, fitting its bell-shaped design2. This shape is like a simple bell or a cone with ruffles, inspired by the lily flower2.
Campanelle pasta is also known as “gigli toscani” and “riccioli” in different areas, showing its deep roots in Italian food2. Its special shape and sauce-holding ability make it a favorite among pasta lovers2.
- Campanelle pasta is best with thick sauces like dairy, vegetable, meat, fish, or tomato-based ones2.
- It’s also great in cold pasta salads and casseroles2.
- Its shape, like a small cone with ruffles, helps it hold onto sauces well2.
Campanelle pasta’s unique traits and regional connections have made it a beloved ingredient in Italian cooking2. It’s used in traditional Tuscan dishes and modern recipes, delighting food lovers worldwide2.
| Campanelle Pasta Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin and Meaning | The name “campanelle” comes from the Italian for “little bells,” matching its bell-shaped look2. |
| Appearance and Shape | Campanelle pasta looks like a small cone with ruffles, perfect for holding sauces2. |
| Regional Names | It’s also called “gigli toscani” and “riccioli,” showing its connection to Italian cuisine2. |
| Sauce Pairings | Best with thick sauces like dairy, vegetable, meat, fish, or tomato-based ones2. |
Campanelle pasta’s unique features highlight its role in Italian cooking traditions2. Its beautiful look and versatility in recipes make it a favorite globally2.
Conclusion
Campanelle pasta has become a key part of Italian cuisine, especially in Tuscany. Its unique shape, with its ruffles, makes it stand out. It’s perfect for many sauces and fillings20.
It’s great for both traditional Tuscan meals and new baked dishes. People who love pasta and Italian food enjoy it a lot. You can choose from different types like whole wheat, herb-flavored, or gluten-free20.
Campanelle pasta stays popular as cooking trends change. It offers a special pasta experience that honors Italy’s rich food traditions. From its beginnings to now, it will continue to win over pasta lovers21.
