Despite not being well-known in other parts of Italy, spaccatelle or spaccatella is still one of the staples of sun-dried pastas in the region. It is fantastic to serve either with vegetable-based sauces or seafood dishes.
Spaccatelle, which was derived from the Italian word “spaccatura,” means “split” or “cleft.” It originated from Sicily, Italy, and is typically classified as a short pasta, although there is a longer version of it as well. Although every piece has a different size, it doesn’t stand in the way of making a delicious dish.
In this article, we’ll cover everything there is to know about spaccatelle pasta and provide delicious recipes you can try yourself. Let’s get started!
Spaccatelle: Origin and Meaning
Here’s a table with essential facts about Spaccatelle:
| Pasta Shape: | Spaccatelle |
| Pasta Type: | Short Pasta |
| Length: | Varies |
| Width: | Varies |
| Thickness: | Varies |
| Origin: | Sicily, Italy |
| Meaning: | Italian word for “cleft” or “split” |
| Synonyms: | Gramigna, gramignoni |
| Similar Shapes: | Rigatoni, Pacchieri, Ditalini |
Where Did Spaccatelle Originate?
Spaccetelle pasta originated from Sicily, where it was also once called margherita. Sicilians serve it with many typical pasta sauces, including the famous pasta “alla Norma.” This Sicilian classic has sauteed eggplants, tomato sauce, and a generous helping of ricotta salata. The name “alla Norma” is said to come from people’s exclamations of delight after sampling this tasty dish: “This pasta is a norma!” Norma means a masterpiece.
What Does Spaccatelle Mean?
Spaccatelle, a typical dried pasta dish from Sicily, gets its name from the Italian word for cleft, “speccatura.” The pasta is bent into a crescent shape, then pinched in its center to resemble a cleft. They were likely developed from gramigne, a much smaller variety of the same shape made from durum-wheat flour, type 00 flour, and eggs.
What Is the Difference Between Spaccatelle and Casarecce?
Spaccatelle and casarecce are both short pasta noodles with some similarities and distinct differences. Both pastas have split lines in the middle that leave a long gap, but to differentiate the two, one must look at its edges. Casarecce pastas have curled edges, while spaccatelle simply does not.
The shape of both pastas makes it perfect for them to be able to hold sauces, and create tasty dishes like a simple pesto or a pasta salad.
Traditional Dishes Suitable for Spaccatelle Pasta
Here are some traditional dishes you can make with Spaccatelle pasta:
Spaccatelle Pasta with Sicilian Sun-dried Tomato Pesto and Burrata
With garlic, pecorino, olive oil, pine nuts, almonds, and, most importantly, partnered with creamy burrata that you will undoubtedly adore, this characteristic Sicilian dish has some very intense flavor that will surely make you want to get another plate!
Spaccatelle Pasta with Tuna, Artichokes, Olives and Capers
Make spaccatelle with tuna, artichokes, olives, and capers for a quick weekday meal that seems fancy or a simple dish to impress visitors. This recipe’s combination of flavors and textures will leave you full without a doubt.
Final Thoughts
Spaccatelle pasta, despite not being known in most parts of Italy, is a great pasta to include in your typical Sicilian dishes. With a wide variety of ingredients and intense flavors that you could make with this pasta, you could create recipes that will surely leave everyone wanting more.