Trottole — Zelli Pasta

2026-03-21T13:01:11-07:00

Trottole — from the Italian word for spinning top — is a tight, twisted spiral wrapped around a hollow core. The combination of the outer spiral and the inner tube means it captures sauce from every angle simultaneously. A less common shape that rewards the curious cook. Works beautifully with both chunky meat sauces and lighter cream or cheese preparations.

Zelli is a family-owned pasta maker in Springdale, Arkansas, founded by Mitchell Owen and Angelina Bowen. Their bronze dies are custom-made in Italy — the rough, porous surface they leave on the pasta is what makes sauce cling rather than slide off. Organic North American durum semolina, slow dried at low temperatures to preserve flavor and nutrition. Two ingredients: flour and water.

Trottole — tight spiral wrapped around a hollow core