cavatelli
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of cavatelli
First recorded in 1940–45; from Italian: literally, “little hollows,” diminutive of cavato, past participle of cavare “to hollow out,” from Latin cavāre, derivative of cavus “hollow, hollowed” + -elli plural suffix; see origin at cave ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A typical everyday pasta dish here is cavatelli with mussels.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 26, 2025
Many order the meatballs, chicken liver pâté and the fresh cavatelli pasta with hazelnut pesto and pecorino to pair with an Italian wine.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 24, 2024
"Try making some hand-formed noodles like cavatelli pressed over these artisanal cavarola boards," Ryan and Thomas say.
From Salon ● Apr. 25, 2023
A purist would admire the hand-rolled, ridged ricotta cavatelli, but might want a word with Mr. Portale about the sauce.
From New York Times ● Feb. 4, 2020
The proof is in his pasta, specifically cavatelli tossed with broccolini, “sausage” whipped up from tempeh made on-site and “Parmesan” created by hooking tofu up with miso, tamari and rice wine vinegar.
From Washington Post
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