A type of short pasta, also known as fusilli or fusili. It looks like a spring or twisted shape, and is often used as a snack food. Although it's made from the same pasta dough as spaghetti, it has a slightly different cooking time. It takes about 12-14 minutes of boiling to reach the right consistency. The name means "spindle" in Italian. As the name suggests, it looks like a spindle of thread. In northern and central Italy, the letter 's' between two vowels is pronounced as /z/, so it's also called "fusilli," while in southern Italian pronunciation it's "fusili." However, in English-speaking countries, it's commonly known as rotini. This pasta has a pleasant chewy texture and pairs well with any sauce. Unlike long pasta that needs to be carefully twirled with a fork, fusilli can be easily eaten with a spoon or picked up with a fork while drinking or watching television, making it a popular choice for snacks along with penne and ravioli. As a short pasta with an attractive shape, it's also a common ingredient in pasta salads. Adding cheese makes it smoother and chewier in texture.