Conchiglie, Conchiglioni, Conchigliette

This shell-like pasta shape from Campania has a ribbed surface and thus collects a lots of sauce. Because of its structure, however, it also takes about 14-16 minutes to cook. A larger version of the same shape, called conchiglioni, is often stuffed, usually with spinach and ricotta, and served with a tomato sauce. Conchigliette is a small version of conchiglie used in soups and made with extra gluten for children. See Alfabeto.