Croxetti with Smoked Salmon

Last April when my husband and I visited New York City for my birthday, we went to Eataly. I could have spent much more time there, but my “other half” has limited patience shopping. We checked out the whole place, which requires a map if you want to do it in an orderly fashion, and then ate an incredible lunch.

My husband convinced me to shop online at Eataly.com instead of dragging groceries back home in my suitcase. In retrospect I think it was a trick to keep me from really shopping, but nonetheless I did grab a few Italian goodies.

One was Croxetti, a beautiful embossed pasta that I’d never seen before. I have since learned that the spelling can vary, but these “pendants” are Ligurian in origin.

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Over the many years of Croxetti development, the “traditional” designs have varied. The following photo is an example of a wooden stamp used for embossing, taken from the blog A Path To Lunch.

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I highly recommend reading the blog post I highlighted above. The blog’s authors, Martha and Mike, describe and photograph a meeting with the craftsman Mr. Pietro Picetti, who custom designs croxetti stamps in his workshop in Varese Ligure, Liguria.

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For the croxetti, I chose a light cream sauce with smoked salmon, hoping it would be a delicate enough sauce to not destroy the integrity of these delicate pasta discs once cooked.

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No real recipe is required. The pasta is cooked according to the package directions.

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I sautéed a few minced garlic cloves in hot olive oil, just for a few seconds, then added cream to the pot. Pour enough in the pot to lightly coat the pasta, about 12 ounces of cream for the 1.1 pound of croxetti.

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Julienne thin sliced of smoked salmon or lox, and add them to the cream. Heat through.

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Gently add the drained pasta discs to the cream and let sit, stirring once or twice as necessary to allow the cream sauce to coat the croxetti and get absorbed.

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Serve warm and sprinkle with capers, if desired.

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If you would prefer a thicker sauce, consider adding a little Marscapone or ricotta to the cream.

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Other options for this simple recipe would be to use butter instead of olive oil, and one could include clam juice with the cream for a fishier yet less rich sauce. Also, lemon zest would be a nice touch.

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If you happened to have fresh dill, a few leaves would be pretty on the pasta, but I only had dried dill leaves.

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The croxetti actually didn’t end up being as delicate as I assumed they would be. Of course I treated them gently as well. They were really fun to eat!

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By Published On: February 1st, 201759 Comments on Croxetti with Smoked Salmon

About the Author: Chef Mimi

As a self-taught home cook, with many years in the culinary profession, I am passionate about all things food-related. Especially eating!

59 Comments

  1. Debra C. February 1, 2017 at 7:43 AM - Reply

    What a fun visit! I’d be right there with you and will check out that website! The pasta looks incredible, your recipe yummy!!

    • chef mimi February 1, 2017 at 8:40 AM - Reply

      Thank you so much! Definitely check out Eataly when you’re in NYC!

  2. Ester February 1, 2017 at 7:45 AM - Reply

    I will try, looks delicious!

  3. Gerlinde/ Sunnycovechef February 1, 2017 at 9:40 AM - Reply

    I had the same problem with “the other half” when I visited Eataly last year. I spent about 10 minutes just watching them make fresh pasta . I have never seen “Croxetti” pasta before, at least I don’t remember seeing it. Leave it to the Italians to make gorgeous looking pasta like that. Your recipe looks wonderful.

    • chef mimi February 1, 2017 at 9:43 AM - Reply

      Ugh. I know. And stupidly I resisted buying nettles pesto in a jar, and they don’t sell it online! Arrrgghhhhh. So next time I’m shopping. He also worries that my suitcase will be more than 50 pounds and he’ll have to pay a surcharge. Look in to croxetti, though. These were really fun, and pretty sturdy for such a thin pasta.

      • Gerlinde February 1, 2017 at 12:47 PM

        Thanks, I will check them out. Nettle pesto, that sounded fantastic.

      • chef mimi February 1, 2017 at 12:53 PM

        When we were in NYC for that trip, it seemed like there was nettles pesto on everything on menus. I usually balk at trendy food, but I decided to not be stubborn and buy some. Except now I can’t. I guess I should call the store and place an order…

  4. rachellemarie February 1, 2017 at 10:11 AM - Reply

    Looks fantastic! I love the “embossed” pasta discs – they’re almost too pretty to eat!

    • chef mimi February 1, 2017 at 10:53 AM - Reply

      I know what you mean. They’re works of art!

  5. Francesca February 1, 2017 at 11:56 AM - Reply

    Almost too beautiful to eat Mimi.

  6. kitchenriffs February 1, 2017 at 12:29 PM - Reply

    I think it’s time I visit NYC again! Anyway, although both Mrs KR and I hate shopping, food/kitchen stuff is an exception. We can spend hours at it. And do. :-) Love this pasta — so neat. Thanks!

    • chef mimi February 1, 2017 at 12:46 PM - Reply

      Same here. Even as a girl I’m not much of a shopper. But Eataly, Kalustyans, Le District, and Chinatown? Yes!!!

  7. Tasty Eats Ronit Penso February 1, 2017 at 1:37 PM - Reply

    Cream sauce with smoked salmon and capers – such a perfect pairing for this type of pasta. Love it!
    I try not to go to Eataly too often. Like you, I find it too hard to resist, so I need to monitor my visits… :)

    • chef mimi February 2, 2017 at 6:14 AM - Reply

      Oh that’s right – you’re in NYC! Have you been to Le District yet in Brookfield Place?

      • Tasty Eats Ronit Penso February 2, 2017 at 9:02 AM

        I did. I liked it, though much less than Eataly.

      • chef mimi February 2, 2017 at 11:43 AM

        It’s a little less interactive, but I just read that one of its restaurants did just get a Michelin star, so that’s neat!

      • Tasty Eats Ronit Penso February 2, 2017 at 6:49 PM

        By now I’m seeking more down to earth eateries, but it’s good to know! :)

      • chef mimi February 2, 2017 at 8:29 PM

        I understand. I love those as well. Fine dining is wonderful when it’s also down to earth – no foam and crazy stuff – i hate not knowing how to cut in to a dish! Also the ambiance. We went to Indochine, and it was so crazy noisy that even my daughter couldn’t hear. We all had sore throats the next day from yelling!

      • Tasty Eats Ronit Penso February 2, 2017 at 10:40 PM

        I’ve been to quite a few, and too often was disappointed, especially when considering the price. I’m not giving up on hi-end dining, but definitely not as enthusiastic as I used to be. Live and learn… :)

      • chef mimi February 3, 2017 at 12:23 PM

        Especially fine dining in NYC – so expensive.

  8. Fine Dining at Home (@fdathome) February 1, 2017 at 4:28 PM - Reply

    I can’t decide whether stamping out the pasta would be pleasure or a chore. Amazing find Mimi. I’ve never seen anything like it.

    • chef mimi February 1, 2017 at 4:31 PM - Reply

      If you’re Italian bred, probably not tedious at all!

  9. anotherfoodieblogger February 1, 2017 at 6:28 PM - Reply

    What a fun pasta! And of course, it didn’t weigh hardly anything at all to bring back. I bet I would go spend-crazy if I shopped at that place, lol.

    • chef mimi February 1, 2017 at 6:37 PM - Reply

      I was surprised at how few were broken after flying back to Oklahoma! They’re a really fun pasta.

  10. Lisa @ cheergerm February 2, 2017 at 5:32 AM - Reply

    What adorable little stamps, all hail to those of us who can spend hours food shopping!

  11. bitsandbreadcrumbs February 2, 2017 at 10:47 AM - Reply

    I remember Chicago John talking about Croxetti and making a stamp for his Zia. I’ve never seen these or tasted them, but this dish looks amazing!

    • chef mimi February 2, 2017 at 11:44 AM - Reply

      Thank you. I was mostly surprised at how thin the uncooked pendants were and yet how sturdy they were cooked. Highly glutinous flour I’m guessing!

  12. Our Growing Paynes February 2, 2017 at 11:34 AM - Reply

    Oh my, what a pretty dish. Fun pasta with an amazing sauce. Love it.

    • chef mimi February 2, 2017 at 6:02 PM - Reply

      Thank you. I think I could have had it with some olive oil and flaked salt!!!

  13. dianeskitchentable February 2, 2017 at 2:02 PM - Reply

    Hi Mimi, this really caught my eye and got my tastebuds jumping. Now one of the most exciting things in Boston right now is that they just opened an Eataly!!!! I haven’t had a chance to get in there yet but my husband met a friend for lunch and he said it was absolutely fantastic.

    So I can’t wait to get in there to eat and shop and try this recipe too.

    • chef mimi February 2, 2017 at 6:01 PM - Reply

      Oh brother. I just told someone that I thought there was a new Eataly in San Francisco. It must be Boston!!! It’s a really fun time – block out a whole day, plus plan on lunch and dinner! Nice to see you again Diane!

  14. Abbe@This is How I Cook February 2, 2017 at 2:56 PM - Reply

    Oh my. Lox and bagels without the bagel! I think I prefer this version. The croxetti are gorgeous. I went to Eataly in Chicago. What a place!

    • chef mimi February 2, 2017 at 6:00 PM - Reply

      I think I read there is going to be one in San Francisco? What a fun place!

  15. Karen February 2, 2017 at 3:25 PM - Reply

    What a fun store to visit…maybe someday. Your pasta sounds wonderful with the salmon sauce, it is something my husband would really enjoy.

    • chef mimi February 2, 2017 at 6:04 PM - Reply

      Honestly I could have just had the pasta with some olive oil and a little flaked salt! It was so fun to eat!

  16. Chica Andaluza February 2, 2017 at 4:05 PM - Reply

    How wonderful….love it when I’m introduced to something new! Had never heard of or seen croxetti before…now I will be on the lookout 😀

    • chef mimi February 2, 2017 at 5:59 PM - Reply

      I’m sure there are thousands of pasta names I’ve not yet come across – there are so many! But these are unique and so pretty.

  17. Sarah 'n Spice February 2, 2017 at 4:54 PM - Reply

    This dish is stunning! Love this pasta, I may need to order some myself :)

  18. Linda Duffin February 3, 2017 at 5:54 AM - Reply

    Coincidentally, I’ve just been reading about these pasta stamps and wishing I had one (separated at birth…). I’ve never seen the actual pasta here in the UK but perhaps with more people writing about it, it’ll make its way here eventually. I live in hope. Lx

    • chef mimi February 3, 2017 at 8:16 AM - Reply

      I do hope you find some. They’re just gorgeous.

  19. Jeff the Chef February 3, 2017 at 6:36 AM - Reply

    Brava, Mimi! This is exquisite. I’ve never encountered anything like this pasta, so thank you for that. But I’ve also never had smoked salmon with pasta. What an interesting sauce!

    • chef mimi February 3, 2017 at 7:05 AM - Reply

      Oh, thank you! You should find some – it’s exquisite yet fun!

  20. camparigirl February 4, 2017 at 12:07 PM - Reply

    I had never seen them before either.

  21. camparigirl February 4, 2017 at 12:08 PM - Reply

    And Eataly is about to open here too. Worth looking for them.

    • chef mimi February 5, 2017 at 8:21 AM - Reply

      In Los Angeles? Nice. There was just one built in Boston, too. Do look for them – there really so unique.

  22. Cocoa & Lavender February 4, 2017 at 6:44 PM - Reply

    The first time I had croxetti, I was in the Cinque Terre. They were in a pasta shop, and I got some. I wish I had gotten some stamps to make them at home. Next time, I guess!

    I love Eataly. I have spent hours in there and still felt rushed!

    • chef mimi February 4, 2017 at 9:32 PM - Reply

      How wonderful! So you actually found them where they were born – in Liguria. Cinque Terra is so beautiful. And yes, Eataly is quite a foodie experience!

  23. Loretta February 5, 2017 at 4:10 PM - Reply

    What a fun experience and right in NYC too. Will have to visit when we see our girls. The dish looks just lovely! I saw Cinque Terre in your last comment and have to say it was probably one of the best places to visit in Italy.

    • chef mimi February 5, 2017 at 4:35 PM - Reply

      Your daughters live in NYC? Great reason to visit! Yes, Cinque Terre is so beautiful. The only region where I didn’t like the wine, but the food is tremendous.

  24. myhomefoodthatsamore February 6, 2017 at 6:40 AM - Reply

    Lovely post ! They are also (and perhaps more widely) known as ‘corzetti’. I’ve never had them, would you believe ! Anyway, here is a link to an article about them that you might enjoy: http://adribarrcrocetti.com/main/2013/10/09/corzetti-stampati-and-a-giveaway/comment-page-1/

    • chef mimi February 6, 2017 at 7:52 AM - Reply

      Thank you! You definitely need to try them!

  25. Vinny Grette February 6, 2017 at 10:06 AM - Reply

    I was delighted with myself that I knew where Liguria was :). We visited the area recently and enjoyed “corzetti,” beautifully stamped and all. They had other unusual foods, too, like chick pea bread (farinata) and the BEST focaccia I’ve ever had, straight out of the oven and smothered in a soft goat feta. Travel is just so much fun, and now we can do it from home by reading blogs, ordering on-line, and trying things for ourselves :). Very lucky!!!

    • chef mimi February 6, 2017 at 4:38 PM - Reply

      It is a beautiful part of Italy! Hope you had pesto there! Southeastern France has a chick pea bread called socca but it’s more like a pancake. I made sure to order socca before leaving Nice because I’d never tried it before. Really good. Oh and the fabulous seafood along that coastline. Did you go to the Cinque Terre area?

  26. hotlyspiced February 6, 2017 at 6:03 PM - Reply

    Thank you for introducing me to this pasta. It’s so pretty! And what a lovely history behind it. Your salmon pasta dish looks amazing xx

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