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Home » Pasta Types » Short Pasta » Corzetti or Croxetti

Published: Apr 22, 2018 · Modified: Apr 29, 2021 by Jacqui

Corzetti or Croxetti Pasta from Liguria.


Corzetti or croxetti is a unique kind of pasta from Liguria, in north-west Italy. This pasta originated in Liguria. However, they also eat it just across the border with Piedmont, in Alessandria province and in Emilia-Romagna, where it is called crosetti.  

Dried Corzetti or Croxetti pasta from Liguria.

2 types of Corzetti or Croxetti.

Actually, there are two types of corzetti or croxetti in Liguria. One type comes from the Val Polcevera, a valley that runs from the region’s capital Genova up into the mountains behind the city. Known as corzetti valpolceveraschi, this pasta is circles of pasta dough which are twisted into an ‘8’shape. The other type of corzetti is flat round pasta medallions embossed with an emblem or design. Printed corzetti are called corzétti stanpæ or corzetti del Levante. This type of corzetti originated in the Varese Ligure area in the province of Spezia.

Stamped or printed corzetti.

In Italian, corzetti del Levante are described as ‘printed’ or ‘stamped’ because of the design imprinted on the pasta. This decoration is done with a wooden mold or stamp with 2 designs carved into it (one for each side of the pasta medallion). Some believe that the reason for the designs was to help the sauce cling better to the pasta.

Corzetti or Croxetti pasta stamps
Corzetti or Croxetti pasta stamps (photo by kind permission of Florentine Touch, Tuscany)

Even today, there are some artisan shops in the historical center of Genoa where there are craftsmen still making these molds. In addition to the handicraft production, there is also an industrial production of corzetti pasta which is normally carried out using ravioli machines with bronze dies.

florentine touch corzetti or cruxetti stamps
Corzetti or cruxetti stamps from Florentine Touch, Tuscany

A little corzetti or croxetti history.

Historically, this pasta dates back to the Middle Ages. Some food historians believe the name derives from the crozetto, a 14th century Genoan coin. Both the crozetto and corzetti pasta medallions traditionally had a cross on one side. So, both names most probably come from the Latin word ‘crux’ meaning cross.

During the Renaissance, noble families had their cooks stamp the pasta circles with a mold that depicted their coat of arms. This mold was handed down from generation to generation and was a gift that a father-in-law made to his daughter-in-law at the time of her wedding.

Dried Corzetti or Croxetti pasta from Liguria

Corzetti as wedding favours!

Nowadays, the noble coat of arms have been replaced by other designs. Handmade corzetti or croxetti usually have a different design on each side of the pasta medallion. One side has a simple design and the other a more intricate one. The designs can be a cross, a regional coat of arms or the pasta maker’s trademark.

More modern designs such as palm trees or a sailboat or fruit are also popular. In addition, it is traditional to give this pasta as wedding favours or to mark a special occasion. When this happens, the family will order the mold or stamp with the design of their choice and then make the pasta at home! These designs often include the initials of the newly-weds.

Corzetti or Croxetti pasta with tocco di carne genovese sauce
Corzetti or Croxetti pasta with tocco di carne genovese sauce

I have long wanted to try this pasta and even ordered some corzetti stamps online. Unfortunately, my stamps got lost when we did some renovation work in our house and I haven’t been able to find them. Recently, a friend gave me 2 packets of dried corzetti. I served the first one in a Ligurian recipe called ‘al tocco di carne', meaning meat sauce.

Tocco is the local dialect word for sauce. This very tasty recipe involves slow cooking a piece of beef in a tomato, wine, and stock sauce with porcini mushrooms. It's traditional to eat the sauce with the corzetti and the beef separately as a main course! It was delicious! As was the pasta.

Corzetti or Croxetti pasta stamp
Corzetti or Croxetti pasta stamp from Florentine Touch, Tuscany

Traditional corzetti or croxetti recipes.

Another typical and traditional Ligurian recipe for corzetti or croxetti is with pesto genovese, potatoes, and green beans. In Liguria, they also eat this pasta with a walnut or pine nut sauce, a mushroom sauce called tocco dei funzi, or a light cream sauce. In addition, corzetti are also often served very simply with olive oil, pine nuts, and fresh marjoram. I am planning to order some more corzetti stamps because I am dying to make this pasta myself.

corzetti pasta Liguria with pesto, potatoes and green beans
Corzetti pasta Liguria with pesto, potatoes and green beans

If you’d like to watch corzetti being made, check out the video below from Pasta Grannies. Also, both corzetti or croxetti pasta and the wooden pasta stamps are for sale online, even outside of Italy. I am planning to buy mine from a family run company of woodcarvers in Tuscany called Florentine touch. They make beautiful corzetti stamps and ship overseas too! In fact, I'm even thinking of ordering a stamp with The Pasta Project engraved in it!

So, why not give this pasta a try or buy a stamp and make it yourself?

Recipes with corzetti pasta on The Pasta Project

  1. Corzetti al tocco di carne
  2. Corzetti with pesto genovese, potatoes and beans
  3. Homemade corzetti with majoram and pine nuts.
Corzetti or Croxetti pasta with genovese sauce 'tocco di carne'
Croxetti pasta with genovese sauce 'tocco di carne'

Italian Pasta Types - Corzetti/Croxetti Pasta

More Corzetti or Croxetti

  • Homemade corzetti pasta with marjoram and pine nuts
    Homemade Corzetti Pasta with Marjoram & Pine Nuts
  • corzetti pasta Liguria with pesto, potatoes and green beans
    Pesto Pasta Liguria with Potatoes and Green Beans
  • Corzetti pasta with Genovese meat sauce
    Corzetti Pasta with Genovese meat sauce (al tocco di carne)

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  1. Frank Appello says

    December 20, 2023 at 10:59 pm

    My wife and I have been enjoying this pasta since our trip last year. We purchased 12 bags and took them home with us. We are almost out of it. We are trying to buy it but can’t find a source. We live in Staten Island N.Y. 10308. Can you advise us on where we can purchase it?

    Reply
    • Jacqui says

      December 21, 2023 at 5:59 pm

      Hi Frank, thanks for your question. Dried corzetti isn't that easy to find outside of Italy. I saw that Eataly had it in their online shop but it's currently out of stock.You may find it online in other Italian specialty shops. Alternatively, you could trying making it at home. You will need a corzetti stamp but that's quite easy to buy online! Merry Christmas from Verona.

      Reply
      • Cindy says

        August 10, 2024 at 7:15 pm

        I get my dried Corzetti in a specialty import shop in Lancaster Pa. https://www.mandrosimportedfoods.net

        Reply
  2. Sandie Reed says

    November 21, 2022 at 5:37 pm

    I really wanted to get one of the Florence carved stamps. However, despite being contacted
    several times on separate platforms, there has been no response. I am also trying to find out whether items sent to the UK sustain a extra charge as a non-EU country.

    Reply
    • Jacqui says

      November 26, 2022 at 5:35 pm

      Hi Sandie, I'm sorry to hear you're having problems contacting Florentine Touch. As far as I know they have no website, just an Etsy account where they respond to queries. Is that where you tried to contact them? https://www.etsy.com/it/shop/FlorentineTouch?ref=shop_sugg

      Reply
  3. Debora says

    June 21, 2019 at 6:30 pm

    Im making some this weekend! Thank you for the post
    There is a great little restaurant here in Portland, Maine that serves these on occasion. The Chef/Owner is from Liguria and has taught classes here on how to make them. If you are ever up this way check him out at Solo Italiano - Marco

    Reply
  4. Chef Mireille says

    August 28, 2018 at 7:31 pm

    these look so pretty - I love learning all about the different regional styles or pasta you show us

    Reply
  5. Stephanie Simmons says

    August 26, 2018 at 3:32 am

    I've never seen pasta like this! It kind of reminds me of communion wafers, haha! The molds used to make it look lovely! Thanks for sharing the history of this cool pasta 🙂

    Reply
    • Jacqui says

      August 28, 2018 at 3:17 pm

      I'm happy you found this post interesting Stephanie! It's true this pasta looks like communion wafers! I hadn't thought of that!

      Reply
  6. Stacy Streuli says

    August 25, 2018 at 11:32 am

    I love this - I've been to Liguria 3 times but never had these! We adore the Trofi pasta with Ligurian/Genovese pesto though 🙂 will be on the lookout for these on our next visit!

    Reply
    • Jacqui says

      August 28, 2018 at 3:19 pm

      I'm sure you'll find this pasta next time you are in Liguria Stacy! You should also look out for a corzetti stamp to be able to make it at home too!

      Reply
  7. Adriana Lopez Martin says

    August 24, 2018 at 6:18 pm

    Such an art to make corzetti and so beautiful. Have never seen this pasta in the United States I wish I coudl try it. All yoru options look spectacular.

    Reply
    • Jacqui says

      August 28, 2018 at 3:20 pm

      Thanks so much Adriana! I don't know if this pasta is sold in US but maybe it can be bought online. You can definitely buy a corzetti stamp online, to make your own!

      Reply
    • Jan Johnson says

      July 04, 2019 at 11:13 pm

      You can order it on line. That is how I found mine

      Reply
  8. Linda says

    August 24, 2018 at 6:15 am

    Wow! This is so cool! I want to try this pasta, or even better...stamp it with my own logo.

    Reply
    • Jacqui says

      August 28, 2018 at 3:20 pm

      Your own logo would be very cool Linda! I have been thinking of doing the same!

      Reply
  9. Vanessa says

    August 23, 2018 at 5:32 am

    beautiful! I've never seen this kind of pasta before. A lot of creative dishes can be made from Corzetti pasta.

    Reply
    • Jacqui says

      August 28, 2018 at 3:21 pm

      Thank you Vanessa. I'm happy you like this pasta. Yes it can be used in a lot of delicious dishes!

      Reply
  10. Tara says

    August 22, 2018 at 11:17 pm

    That's really interesting to hear the history of that type of pasta. I just got married recently and now I want to order a stamp with our initials : ) The meat sauce looks perfect for once the weather gets colder! Thanks for sharing this recipe.

    Reply
    • Jacqui says

      August 28, 2018 at 3:23 pm

      A stamp with your initials would be so romantic Tara! The meat sauce recipe is really good and can be served with other pasta of course!

      Reply
  11. Gloria says

    August 22, 2018 at 8:58 pm

    I am such a pasta lover. I have NEVER seen this before. What a presentation this would make for dinner guests. I will have to visit some stores to see if I can find this.

    Reply
  12. dikla farnces says

    August 22, 2018 at 8:28 pm

    This is so cool and pretty! The Potato Green beans really got my attention!
    I knew that pasta goes beyond angel hair spaghetti but no idea how much more there is to it!
    Very cool

    Reply
  13. Michelle says

    August 22, 2018 at 5:05 pm

    I have literally never heard of this and now I want to make it asap!

    Reply
  14. Kelly Anthony says

    August 22, 2018 at 3:48 pm

    I have never seen or heard of this type of pasta. I love learning new things especially when it comes to new food. Thanks for sharing all the good info.

    Reply
  15. Amanda says

    August 22, 2018 at 12:42 am

    Oh, wow. I've never even heard of this kind of pasta. As a huge pasta lover, I clearly need to fix that. Looks delicious!

    Reply
  16. Stine Mari says

    August 21, 2018 at 10:06 pm

    Wow this really adds a special flare to pasta dishes! I have never seen anything like it before, that's so interesting!

    Reply
  17. Suzanne says

    August 20, 2018 at 3:36 am

    I really enjoyed your piece on corzetti stanpae. I am headed to the Cinque Terra and will be sure to try some there! Loved the Pasta Grannies video, too!
    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Jacqui says

      August 20, 2018 at 11:57 pm

      Thanks so much Suzanne! I'm thrilled you like this post. There are so many interesting and delicious types of pasta here in Italy and I love discovering them and sharing the history and recipes with others. I'm sure you'll enjoy the Cinque Terra! I hope you get to try some corzetti there and perhaps even buy a corzetti stamp to make your own at home! All the best from Verona!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Pesto Corzetti alla Genovese - Traditional Pasta Recipes - The Schizo Chef says:
    November 13, 2019 at 1:21 pm

    […] by her post here, I created my version of Pesto Corzetti alla Genovese. Basil Pesto originated in Genoa, so any […]

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