Pasta Almanac

The difference

Trofie vs Gemelli

Both are short twists, but trofie is hand rolled into a thin spindle pointed at both ends, the Ligurian shape for pesto, while gemelli is a thicker factory twist that looks like two strands wound together. Trofie is rustic and irregular, gemelli uniform.

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

Gouache illustration of Gemelli

Gemelli

Family
Shaped shorts
Size
35 mm long
Surface
Smooth
Cook
8 to 12 min

Wants: Pesto Genovese, Tomato sauce, Chunky vegetable sauce

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