As controversial as it may sound, there is actually little to no difference between the Cavatappi and Cellentani pasta shapes! Some claim there is a slight difference in their thickness, while others claim there is a difference in their ridge count. Today we’re here to get to the bottom of it.
Also read related comparison: Ziti vs. Penne: How Are They Different?
Difference Between Cavatappi and Cellentani Pasta
If you google Cavatappi and Cellentani pasta, you’ll see that they look pretty much the same: they are both shaped like spiraling tubes that resemble corkscrews.
This cylindrical corkscrew shape was first created by the Italian pasta giant Barilla in the 1960s. The company named the pasta Cellentani, after Adriano Celentano, a famous Italian pop singer known for his springy dance moves. That’s how Cellentani became the trademark name for this kind of pasta.
Other brands soon started producing their own versions but couldn’t market them as Cellentani since Barilla had trademarked the name. Instead, they called this pasta Cavatappi. Cavatappi means corkscrew in Italian and refers to the pasta’s springy shape.
So, really, there is no difference between Cavatappi and Cellentani, except for the fact that the latter is made by Barilla.
How to Use Cavatappi/Cellentani Pasta?
You can create delicious casseroles and cold pasta salads with Cavatappi pasta – or Cellentani, if you’re a fan of Barilla. Its tube-like shape and ridges are an excellent choice for many pasta recipes. It can hold your favorite sauces and pairs nicely with vegetables and meat.
4 Dishes You Can Make With Cavatappi Pasta
Next time you’re in the supermarket, you may want to pick up some Cavatappi pasta. Why? Well, we have four very delicious reasons for you: Beef ragù, mac and cheese, pasta salad, and casserole.
Cavatappi Beef Ragù
Preparation Time: Around 25 minutes
Cook your pasta al-dente, or until it’s cooked but still a little sturdy, and drain the excess water.
Combine carrots, ground beef, and marinara sauce in a skillet, add some butter and reduce to a simmer. Once your sauce is thick enough, add your pasta to the mix and cook until the pasta is tender. Serve with parsley and grated parmesan cheese.
This beef-ragù is super easy to make and can serve a large number of people.
You can make a vegan ragù that is packed with protein and flavor by opting for tempeh, or cooked soybeans.
Mac and Cheese
Preparation Time: Around 20 minutes
Mac and Cheese is a classic, a masterpiece, nay a chef-d’oeuvre! Enjoyed by everyone, this easy-to-put-together comfort food consists of two very important elements: pasta and cheese. Cavatappi is a great option because it’s sturdy and can hold a lot of sauce.
Once you cook your pasta, melt butter and combine it with flour and your seasonings of choice. Slowly add milk to this mixture and mix well. Add your favorite cheese and let it simmer over low heat until it melts.
You can easily make this recipe vegan by using milk, butter, and cheese substitutes.
See also: 9 Best Spices for Mac and Cheese (Extra Tasty)
Pasta Salad
Preparation Time: Around 15 minutes
If you need a quick but nutritious meal, pasta salads can do the trick. You serve it as your main course or pack it in jars for meal prepping.
Just fill up your bowl or mason jar with your favorite salad greens, some pasta, shredded chicken, and a vinaigrette, and you are pretty much good to go.
You can use a mayonnaise-based vinaigrette to make your salad a bit more creamy, but you can also opt for a simple olive oil-lemon sauce for some freshness. You can also substitute the shredded chicken with hard-boiled eggs or roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Casseroles
Preparation Time: Around 35 minutes
What’s better than boiled pasta? Boiled that’s boiled and then roasted! Casseroles are a great way to use leftover pasta and sneak in some extra veggies to your meal.
Pour your pasta into a large rectangle dish that you’ve buttered thoroughly. Add some cheese, veggies, and/or meat, and your favorite pasta sauce.
If you are not a huge fan of tomato sauce, you can swap it for pesto sauce or cream. Mix your ingredients well and spread the mix evenly into your dish. The crispiness of the double-cooked pasta will keep you coming back for more!
FAQ
Is Cavatappi Vegan?
The Cavatappi from leading pasta manufacturers like De Cecco, Creamette, and Ronzoni are all vegan since Cavatappi is generally made without eggs. However, the Barilla Cellentani is not vegan because the dough contains trace amounts of eggs.
Is Cavatappi Gluten-Free?
Since most pasta is made from wheat flour, Cavatappi usually has gluten. However, most brands offer gluten-free options for popular shapes like spaghetti, farfalle, and Cavatappi these days.
If you want a gluten-free Cavatappi alternative, you can opt for pasta made from chickpea flour.
