Pasta Almanac

The difference

Fusilli vs Trofie

Fusilli is a springy corkscrew helix, trofie is a short hand rolled spindle that tapers at the ends. Fusilli is the factory spiral that grips any sauce, trofie is the Ligurian one made for pesto, potatoes, and green beans.

Gouache illustration of Fusilli

Fusilli

Family
Shaped shorts
Size
35 to 40 mm long
Surface
Smooth
Cook
8 to 11 min

Wants: Pesto Genovese, Neapolitan ragu, Vodka sauce

Gouache illustration of Trofie

Trofie

Family
Hand-formed regional
Size
20 to 30 mm long
Surface
Textured
Cook
9 to 11 min

Wants: Pesto Genovese, Tomato sauce, Chunky vegetable sauce

Compare more shapes, or look up Fusilli and Trofie in full.