Croxetti pasta is a specialty Italian pasta made in the shape of a medallion and stamped with symbols, decorations, and coats of arms. The style originated in Liguria, which is located in Northwestern Italy, along the border with France. It is possible to make croxetti pasta at home, providing that cooks have suitable molds for it, and it is also available through import shops. It is also possible to order special molds for occasions like weddings.

The tradition appears to have originated in the Middle Ages, when families wanted to show their status wherever possible. Since a coat of arms constitutes a formally-awarded seal and it carries implications of status, wealthy families started stamping their coats of arms into disc shaped pasta to impress guests and visitors. By tradition, a pattern or ornament adorned the back of the pasta as well. Frequently, this ornament was the Christian cross, leading to the name “croxetti,” which is related to the Latin cruci for “cross”.

Modern croxetti pasta may be stamped with the maker's mark or a regional coat of arms, and the back may be adorned with a fanciful pattern like a sailboat or a tree. Typically, the mark for the pasta is embedded into a disc shaped mold, so that the pasta can be stamped and cut at the same time. For home pasta cooks, hand held molds are available, or people could individually hand stamp the pasta, using a circular pasta cutter to cut the pasta out.

The shape holds sauces well, although it tends to get buried under heavy or chunky sauces. Pesto and light cream sauces are both good pairing for croxetti pasta. Especially at events where the hosts want guests to be able to see the seals, a light sauce may be more suitable. It may also be eaten plain or with light dressings such as fresh herbs, butter, or olive oil. In addition, croxetti pasta can be colored or flavored with additions like sundried tomatoes, spinach, or marjoram.

The Ligurian pasta can fetch a high price in some stores, since it is not produced in large amounts. The scarcity, however, is one of the things which makes croxetti pasta a fun addition to the table, as well as a topic of conversation. People who are having difficulty obtaining the pasta may want to consider ordering it directly from Italy, through a company that specializes in the import of uniquely Italian foods.