cavatelli

[ kav-uh-tel-ee ]

noun

, (used with a singular or plural verb)

1. a shell-like pasta with ridged surfaces.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cavatelli¹

First recorded in 1940–45; from Italian: literally, “little hollows,” diminutive of cavato, past participle of cavare “to hollow out,” from Latin cavāre, derivative of cavus “hollow, hollowed” + -elli plural suffix; cave ( def )

Example Sentences

For example, if we do a dish of ‘Toasted Masa Cavatelli with Chestnut Mushrooms, Roasted Poblano Cream and Cotija Cheese”, that dish presents like a very Italian dish, but is all Mexican flavors.

From Salon

Many order the meatballs, chicken liver pâté and the fresh cavatelli pasta with hazelnut pesto and pecorino to pair with an Italian wine.

From Seattle Times

“It’s not an actual business,” Elucid said over plates of branzino and cavatelli in Queens.

From New York Times

Given this prejudice, I will not call this dish of cavatelli, corn, tomatoes and red onions a pasta salad, even though it’s a snap to throw together, highly portable and equally good hot, room temperature or straight from the fridge.

From Seattle Times

"Try making some hand-formed noodles like cavatelli pressed over these artisanal cavarola boards," Ryan and Thomas say.

From Salon