What pasta shape is used in the crab and lobster mac and cheese?

Cavitappi is the correct choice for the type of pasta used in crab and lobster mac and cheese, primarily due to its unique shape and texture. This pasta resembles a spiral or corkscrew, which allows it to hold onto the cheese sauce more effectively than many other pasta shapes. The hollow tubular structure of cavitappi also creates small pockets that capture bits of crab and lobster, enhancing the overall flavor and experience of the dish.

Unlike fettuccine, which is flat and wide, cavitappi provides a better consistency in a creamy cheese sauce, ensuring that each bite is a flavorful combination of pasta and seafood. While penne is another popular pasta shape that can hold sauces, it lacks the spiral design that enhances adhesion to the sauce. Macaroni, while traditionally used in many mac and cheese recipes, may not provide the same gourmet experience that cavitappi does, particularly in a dish featuring premium ingredients like crab and lobster.