Pasta

Triticum durum Grain, Carbohydrate

Pasta Grain, Carbohydrate

At a Glance

  • Category Grain, Carbohydrate

The Forktionary Angle

"The universal language of comfort food, connecting cultures through countless delicious forms."

Definition

A staple food of Italian cuisine, typically made from unleavened dough of durum wheat flour, water, or eggs, formed into various shapes.

Al Dente Texture Firm to the bite, not mushy.
Global Production Over 17 million tons annually.
Shelf Life (Uncooked) 2-3 years (dry, airtight).

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Pasta are:

Bland (carrier) Starchy Mild

Chef’s Secret

Always reserve a cup of pasta water. Its starchiness is key to emulsifying sauces, helping them cling beautifully to the pasta.

Best Substitutes

Zucchini Noodles

low carb
Ratio 1:1

Rice Noodles

gluten-free
Ratio 1:1

Quinoa

different texture
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for 100% durum wheat semolina for best quality. Check cooking times for desired texture.

Recipes Using Pasta

Comfort Food Time To Make Spicy Cuisine

Angry Chicken

Spice up your life with this fiery yet flavorful Angry Chicken recipe! Inspired by a friend's hilarious recipe name, this dish delivers a surprising kick of Cajun spice that's surprisingly balanced and delicious. Don't be intimidated—the heat is manageable, leaving you with a creamy, cheesy sauce that perfectly complements juicy grilled chicken and earthy mushrooms. Serve over pasta or rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Get ready for some flavor!

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Vegetables Occasion Onions Beef

Beef Bean And Tomato Soup

Warm up on a chilly Sunday afternoon with this hearty and comforting Beef, Bean, and Tomato Soup! Quick and easy to make (ready in under 30 minutes!), this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The rich beef broth, tender beans, and juicy tomatoes create a flavour explosion that will leave you wanting more. Serve with crusty bread or fluffy homemade biscuits for the ultimate cozy meal. Get the recipe now and experience pure comfort food bliss!

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Healthy Healthy Main Ingredient Course

1 2 Cup Soup

This isn't your grandma's soup recipe! It's a flexible, adaptable method for creating a light and satisfying bowl of goodness using whatever fresh ingredients you have on hand. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a light lunch, this recipe emphasizes fresh flavors and simple techniques. Customize it with your favorite vegetables, proteins, and grains for endless delicious possibilities! Learn the art of improvisational cooking and discover a new favorite soup.

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Pasta Rice And Grains For 1 Or 2 Lunch Main Dish

Leftover Lo Mein For Two

Transform leftover noodles and veggies into a delicious and satisfying Lo Mein in just 9 minutes! This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal. Say goodbye to food waste and hello to flavorful, budget-friendly fun!

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Cheese Course Cuisine Preparation

15 Minute Parmesan Pasta

Ready in just 15 minutes, this cheesy Parmesan pasta recipe is a weeknight lifesaver! Use your favorite pasta shape for a quick and satisfying meal that's perfect as a main course or a delicious side dish. This simple recipe, inspired by Kraft, is easily customizable to your taste.

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Polish Soups Stews Occasion Taste Mood

Beef Chickpea Paprikash

This hearty Beef Chickpea Paprikash recipe is a delicious fusion of Polish and Hungarian flavors! Inspired by a family recipe, this comforting dish features tender beef, creamy chickpeas, and the rich, smoky depth of Hungarian paprika. Perfect for a chilly evening, this isn't your grandma's paprikash – it's a vibrant upgrade with a touch of sweetness and spice. Serve it over your favorite starch for a truly satisfying meal.

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Occasion Course Pasta Rice And Grains Salads

24 Hour Fruit Salad

This vibrant and refreshing 24-hour fruit salad is a crowd-pleaser perfect for potlucks, picnics, and summer gatherings! Made with a creamy, dreamy base and bursting with fresh fruit, this recipe is surprisingly easy and makes a HUGE batch. Prepare it the day before and let the flavors meld for an unforgettable taste experience.

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Main Dish Inexpensive Easy Ground Beef

Bare Cupboard Casserole

This incredibly easy casserole is a lifesaver for busy weeknights! Created from pantry staples, it's adaptable to whatever you have on hand. Featuring hearty ground beef, pasta, and zesty taco seasoning, this dish is ready in under an hour. Customize it with your favorite pasta shape and tomatoes – even a little ketchup can help! Perfect for those nights when you're short on time but big on flavor.

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Eggs Dairy Lunch Eggs Main Ingredient

Bacon Egg Spaghetti

This Bacon Egg Spaghetti recipe is a beloved family tradition, passed down through generations. A quick and easy 30-minute meal, it features crispy bacon, fluffy scrambled eggs, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, all tossed together in browned butter for a rich and satisfying flavor. Kids will love it (even with ketchup!), and adults will appreciate the simple elegance of this German-inspired dish. A guaranteed weeknight winner!

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Elbow Macaroni 3 Steps Or Less European Pasta Rice And Grains

Alplermagrone Swiss Gruyere Cheese Pasta

Indulge in a creamy, dreamy Alplermagron, a Swiss classic! This recipe skips the potatoes for a lighter take on this rich pasta dish, featuring nutty Gruyere cheese and savory onions infused with vermouth or grappa. Discover the delightful combination of textures and flavors – perfectly cooked pasta coated in a luscious cheese sauce. A comforting and sophisticated meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Easily adaptable to lower fat by using fat-free half-and-half and omitting bacon (though we don't recommend it!).

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Main Ingredient Inexpensive Preparation Pasta

Tomato And Balsamic Pasta

Ready in 15 minutes! This quick and easy Tomato Balsamic Pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Bursting with fresh basil and sweet balsamic, it's a delicious and satisfying meal that's sure to become a family favorite. Impress your tastebuds without spending hours in the kitchen!

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Low In Something Low Sodium European Course

Pasta Alla Norma Fresh Pasta With Eggplant Aubergine

Transport your taste buds to Sicily with this authentic Pasta alla Norma recipe! Inspired by the famed opera and Vincenzo Bellini's culinary preferences, this dish features fresh pasta tossed in a vibrant sauce of roasted eggplant, ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy ricotta. A symphony of flavors and textures awaits – this is a truly unforgettable pasta experience.

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60 Minutes Or Less Picnic Shrimp Seasonal

Aegean Pasta Salad

This vibrant Aegean Pasta Salad is the perfect make-ahead dish for your next summer gathering! Inspired by a Good Food Magazine classic (August 1986), this hearty pasta salad bursts with fresh Mediterranean flavors – perfectly cooked pasta tossed with juicy tomatoes, succulent shrimp, salty olives, crunchy pine nuts, and a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette. A complete meal in itself, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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Poultry Cuisine Eggs Dairy Dietary

Artichoke Olive Chicken Bake

A rustic, juicy chicken bake bursting with the flavors of artichoke hearts and olives! This comforting casserole, inspired by classic country recipes, skips the creamy sauce for a lighter, brighter taste. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.

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Occasion Brunch Elbow Macaroni Time To Make

Am's Boston Baked Macaroni Cheese

Indulge in this sinfully delicious Boston-style baked macaroni and cheese! Inspired by a memorable Boston restaurant, this recipe elevates classic mac & cheese far beyond the boxed variety. Creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible, it's the perfect comfort food for a special occasion or a cozy night in. Get ready to experience baked mac and cheese like never before!

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Main Dish Preparation Main Ingredient Shellfish

Adriatica Prawns Skiathos

A taste of the Greek islands! This vibrant prawn recipe, originally from the late Adriatica restaurant, is bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors. We've tweaked it slightly, reducing the feta for a lighter yet equally delicious dish. Enjoy succulent prawns cooked in a rich tomato, wine, and garlic sauce, served over perfectly al dente pasta. A simple yet elegant meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Dietary Crab Fish Mahi Mahi

Alfredo Maui Maui With Crab

Escape to culinary paradise with this luscious Alfredo Maui Maui featuring succulent crab! This surprisingly easy recipe boasts a rich, creamy sauce (made healthier with nonfat half-and-half!), bright basil notes, and a hint of garlic. Served with a vibrant medley of roasted broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots, this dish is as beautiful as it is delicious. Don't be intimidated by the steps – this recipe is easier than it looks! Real crab is a must – no imitations allowed! Prepare to impress your taste buds!

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Main Dish Main Dish Course Preparation

Baked Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Craving comfort food with a kick? This Baked Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe is a cheesy, spicy, and satisfying masterpiece! A delicious twist on classic buffalo chicken, this recipe combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a creamy buffalo sauce, all baked to golden perfection. Inspired by How Sweet It Is, this family-favorite recipe is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Serve with a side of steamed veggies for a complete meal.

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