Pasta shells come in a variety of sizes, from small to extra large. The extra large pasta shells are typically called “conchiglie” or “conchiglioni” in Italian. They are shaped like seashells and are about 3-4 inches long when cooked.
Introduction to Pasta Shells
Pasta shells are a type of stuffed pasta that come in different sizes. The small shells are called “conchigliette” or “chiocciole” and are about 1 inch long. Medium shells are called “conchiglie” and are around 2 inches long. The extra large shells are called “conchiglioni” or “grandi conchiglioni” and can reach up to 4 inches in length when cooked.
Pasta shells are popular in Italian cuisine and work well with both meat and vegetable fillings. Some common fillings for stuffed shells include ricotta cheese, meat sauce, spinach, seafood, and mushrooms. The ridges and hollow shape allow the pasta to hold sauces and fillings deliciously.
Names for Extra Large Pasta Shells
Here are some of the common names used for extra large pasta shells:
- Conchiglioni – This is the most common Italian name for the extra large shells.
- Conchiglione – The singular form of conchiglioni.
- Grandi conchiglioni – Means “large shells” in Italian.
- Giganti – Literally means “giants” in Italian.
- Maxi conchiglie – Another term for “extra large shells” in Italian.
- Jumbo shells – A commonly used English name for the extra large pasta shells.
- Super jumbo shells – An English variation implying very large shells.
- Colossal shells – Another English name for the biggest shells.
The terms “conchiglioni” and “jumbo shells” are the most widely recognized names for the extra large pasta shells. The names imply the grand size and seashell shape of these stuffed pasta treats.
Size and Dimensions
Extra large pasta shells range from about 3-4 inches in length when cooked. Their shape is curved and rounded like a seashell.
Here are the typical dimensions for extra large shells:
- Raw width: Around 2.5-3 inches
- Cooked width: Around 3-4 inches
- Raw height: Around 1.5-2 inches
- Cooked height: Around 2-2.5 inches
Of course, dimensions can vary slightly depending on the pasta brand. But most extra large shells will expand to about triple their raw size after cooking.
Popular Brands
Some popular brands that produce extra large pasta shells include:
- Barilla – Their “Super Colossal Shells” are famous for their mammoth 4-inch size.
- De Cecco – Their “Giganti” shells live up to the name at 4 inches.
- Mueller’s – Their “Colossal Shells” are also a go-to option for mega shells.
- Creamette – They offer both “Jumbo Shells” and “Colossal Shells” for all shell sizes.
- Ronzoni – Their “Super Colossal Shells” are a top seller.
- Bionaturae – Organic “Jumbo Shells” that are 3 inches long.
Most major pasta brands have an extra large shell variety ranging from 3-4 inches in length. Barilla, Ronzoni, and Mueller’s are especially known for their colossal shell sizes.
Common Uses
Some popular ways to use extra large pasta shells include:
- Stuffed shells – Filling the shells with ricotta, mozzarella, meat, spinach, or other fillings.
- Pasta bakes – Layering shells with sauce, cheese, and vegetables for delicious baked pasta dishes.
- Pasta salads – Mixing shells with fresh veggies, meats, and Italian dressing for pasta salads.
- Soup – Adding shells to soups like minestrone for extra pasta body and texture.
The extra large shells are perfect for showing off creamy, cheesy fillings. Their oversized shape also gives more surface area for sauces to cling to. Both hot and cold pasta dishes benefit from the substantial crunch of these shells.
Conclusion
Extra large pasta shells provide a delicious oversized option for stuffed pastas, bakes, salads, and more. The most common names for the extra large shells are “conchiglioni” or “jumbo shells”, implying their grand size of around 3-4 inches when cooked. Brands like Barilla, Mueller’s, and Ronzoni all offer colossal options perfect for any shell-loving chef. So next time a recipe calls for extra large shells, look for “conchiglioni” or “jumbo shells” on the pasta packaging to find shells with some serious size!