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

Occasion Low In Something 30 Minutes Or Less Low Carb

Make That Chicken Dance Salsa Pasta

A spicy and flavorful twist on classic pasta! Inspired by Arrabiata, this recipe uses pantry staples and your favorite salsa to create a quick and easy weeknight meal. Loaded with garlic, vibrant tomatoes, and tender chicken, this dish is bursting with flavor. Perfect for those nights when you're short on time but craving something delicious and satisfying. Get ready to dance with delight!

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Soups Stews 30 Minutes Or Less Soups Stews Low Calorie

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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Kid Friendly Side Dishes Dietary Pasta Rice And Grains

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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Preparation Preparation 30 Minutes Or Less Inexpensive

2 Step Pasta Sensation

Ready in just 25 minutes! This incredibly quick and easy pasta recipe is bursting with flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you're short on time but craving something delicious.

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Easy Course Easy Time To Make

A Super Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

This family-favorite slow cooker Chicken Cacciatore recipe is a pantry-friendly delight! Hunter-style cooking creates a rich, slow-simmered tomato sauce bursting with onions and herbs. Forget bland spaghetti sauce – this is so much more! Tender chicken thighs (or breasts – adjust cooking time if using breasts) simmer in a flavorful sauce, perfect served over spaghetti, with roasted potatoes, or as a standalone entree. Kid-approved and picky-eater friendly, this recipe is perfect for a leisurely family dinner or a quick weeknight meal. Impress your family with this elevated, yet easy, cacciatore! #slowcooker #chickencacciatore #familyrecipe #easyrecipe #weeknightdinner #comfortfood #italianfood

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Main Ingredient Taste Mood Main Ingredient Dinner Party

Alexandra's Feta Pasta

A creamy, dreamy feta pasta bake that's ready in under an hour! This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner and makes delicious leftovers. Impress your family with this simple yet elegant dish featuring spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese.

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Dietary Meat One Dish Meal Dietary

All In One Pot Saucy Pasta

This incredibly easy one-pot pasta recipe is a quick and satisfying weeknight meal! Inspired by a Kraft recipe, this saucy pasta dish comes together in under an hour and requires minimal cleanup. Enjoy tender pasta, flavorful ground beef, and savory mushrooms in a rich tomato sauce – all cooked in a single pot! Perfect for busy weeknights.

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Low Calorie Number Of Servings 60 Minutes Or Less Oven

Amazing Roasted Shrimp With Garlic

Experience a taste of Bobby Flay-inspired culinary magic with this incredible roasted garlic shrimp recipe! Perfectly roasted shrimp with a rich, garlicky, and slightly spicy sauce. Serve with crusty Italian bread for dipping or tossed over pasta with a squeeze of lemon for an unforgettable meal. This recipe is quick, easy, and delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under an hour!

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North American Equipment Stove Top Romantic

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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Asparagus Fruit Preparation Vegetables

Asparagus Cream Cheese Fettuccini

Ready in under 15 minutes, this dreamy asparagus fettuccine is a weeknight dinner winner! Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with fresh asparagus flavor, this simple 5-ingredient recipe is surprisingly elegant. We use Dijon mustard (like Maille Ancienne) for a sophisticated kick. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!

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Chicken Main Dish Low Sodium Holiday Event

Baked Chicken Breasts With Garlic And Oregano

Impress your family with this flavorful and easy weeknight dinner! Juicy baked chicken breasts, infused with garlic and oregano, are perfectly complemented by steamed broccoli and garlicky pasta. This recipe is ready in under an hour and is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Search terms: baked chicken, garlic chicken, oregano chicken, weeknight dinner, easy chicken recipe, family dinner.

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Healthy Equipment Casseroles Healthy

Baked Pasta With Mushroom Chicken Cream Sauce

Indulge in this creamy, dreamy baked pasta casserole! Tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and perfectly cooked pasta are enveloped in a rich, homemade cream sauce, then baked to golden perfection. This comforting classic, adapted from a Woman's Day magazine recipe, is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for a taste of pure culinary bliss!

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Cuisine Onions Savory Time To Make

Baked Pumpkin Ricotta Pasta

Indulge in this autumnal delight! This creamy Baked Pumpkin Ricotta Pasta recipe, inspired by a classic from the July 2002 Australian Family Circle, is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish perfect for a cozy night in. Roasted pumpkin's sweetness pairs beautifully with creamy ricotta and a crunchy garlic breadcrumb topping. Easy to make and guaranteed to impress!

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Comfort Food Comfort Food Course Pasta Rice And Grains

Baked Three Cheeses And Buttered Spirals

Indulge in this creamy, dreamy Baked Three Cheese & Buttered Spiral Pasta! This comforting classic, inspired by an old Super Food Ideas magazine recipe, features tender pasta spirals tossed in melted butter, sauteed onions, and a heavenly blend of cream cheese, blue cheese, and cheddar. A quick bake melts the cheeses to perfection, creating a rich and satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual get-together. Get ready to be amazed!

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Pasta Easy Pasta Rice And Grains Dinner Party

Balsamic Tomato Basil Pasta

Impress your guests with this elegant yet easy Balsamic Tomato Basil Pasta recipe! Inspired by a wealthy family's summer party staple, this dish comes together in a flash, perfect for busy weeknights or sophisticated gatherings. The sweet balsamic vinegar perfectly complements the juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Course 60 Minutes Or Less North American Poultry

Cold Blasting Chicken Noodle Soup

Fight off colds and flu with this flavorful and aromatic chicken noodle soup! Our family's secret recipe, packed with garlic, ginger, onion, chili, and cilantro, is designed to soothe your soul and boost your immunity. Whether you use leftover roast chicken or start from scratch, this recipe is easy to customize to your taste and pantry staples. Even without lemon pepper, the bold spices create a comforting and delicious bowl of goodness. Get ready to experience a warming hug in every spoonful!

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Pasta Meat One Dish Meal Ground Beef

Goulash

Whip up this easy and quick 30-minute Goulash for a delicious weeknight meal! Perfect for busy schedules, this recipe delivers hearty flavors with minimal prep time. Satisfy your cravings with tender pasta, savory ground beef, and rich tomato sauce.

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Low Cholesterol Low Cholesterol Time To Make 4 Hours Or Less

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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