Grain Product | Vegetarian Low Fat

Pasta

Triticum aestivum Allergens: Wheat|Eggs
pasta

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Poaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Italian
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Durum Wheat

The Forktionary Angle

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

Definition

A staple food of Italian origin, typically made from unleavened dough of durum wheat flour, water, and sometimes eggs.

Sensory Profile

TasteMild, Starchy, Nutty
TextureChewy, Firm, Smooth, Soft
AromaMild, Wheat-like
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Al Dente Texture

Firm to the bite, not mushy.

Global Production

Over 17 million tons annually.

Shelf Life (Uncooked)

2-3 years (dry, airtight).

Nutrition Facts

Per 56g
Calories371
Total Fat1.5g
Saturated Fat0.3g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Protein13g
Total Carbohydrate74g
Dietary Fiber3.2g
Total Sugars2.7g
Calcium21mg
Iron1.2mg
Potassium223mg

Chef’s Secret

Always cook pasta in generously salted water (like the sea) to season it from within. Reserve some pasta water to emulsify sauces.

Substitutions

Best Match

Egg Noodles

1:1

Similar texture, often richer flavor due to egg

Zucchini Noodles

1:1

Low-carb, different texture, fresh taste

Rice Noodles

1:1

Gluten-free alternative, softer texture

Quinoa

1:1

Gluten-free grain, different form, provides carbs

Buying Guide

Look for pasta made from 100% durum wheat semolina for best texture. Check for enriched varieties.

Flavor Pairings

Tomato sauces cream sauces pesto vegetables meats seafood.

Recipes Using Pasta

One Dish Meal Pasta Rice And Grains Eggs Inexpensive

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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Pasta Occasion Preparation Holiday Event

World's Best Macaroni Cheese

Craving creamy, dreamy macaroni and cheese? This recipe, inspired by Beecher's Handmade Cheese in Seattle's Pike Place Market, delivers ultimate comfort food. We've perfected a version using readily available ingredients, resulting in a rich, cheesy masterpiece that's even better than the original! Get ready for perfectly baked, golden-brown edges and a luxuriously smooth interior. Serve with a crisp salad for a complete meal.

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Dinner Party Pasta Main Dish Time To Make

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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Beef Pasta Rice And Grains Easy Ground Beef

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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Easy Easy Pasta Preparation

Almond Butter And Ras El Hanout Pasta

This vibrant pasta dish is ready in under 15 minutes! Creamy almond butter blends beautifully with the warm, aromatic spices of ras el hanout, creating a surprisingly addictive lunch or light dinner. Feel free to substitute tahini for a different flavor profile. A perfect weeknight meal for busy schedules!

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Pasta Course Low Carb Meat

Am's 5 Star Chicken Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo

Wow! This 5-star chicken sun-dried tomato Alfredo recipe is sure to impress! A creamy, decadent dish featuring tender blackened chicken, bursting sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. Easy to follow instructions and reheats beautifully!

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Time To Make Inexpensive Pasta Rice And Grains Dietary

Anne's Colourful Pasta Salad

This vibrant pasta salad recipe, from my friend Anne, is a crowd-pleaser perfect for potlucks, brunches, or a quick weeknight meal! It's easy to make, customizable to your favorite veggies, and bursting with fresh flavor. The unique dressing sets it apart from other pasta salads you've tried. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Course Time To Make Course Preparation

Any Night Of The Week Chicken Pasta And Broccoli

This 30-minute one-pan chicken pasta and broccoli recipe is a weeknight dinner winner! Packed with flavor and using pantry staples, it's easily customizable to your spice preferences. Kids love it! Serve with crusty bread and a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Main Ingredient High Calcium 15 Minutes Or Less Inexpensive

Arugula And Walnut Pesto

Experience a delightful dance of flavors with this vibrant Arugula and Walnut Pesto! The robust, earthy walnuts perfectly counter the peppery bite of arugula, creating a surprisingly addictive sauce. This easy recipe is ready in minutes and elevates any pasta dish to gourmet status. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

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Stove Top Casseroles Beef Main Dish

Bacon Cheeseburger Stove Top Casserole

Craving a juicy bacon cheeseburger but want an easy, family-friendly meal? This one-pot wonder delivers all the cheesy, bacon-y goodness without the fuss! Our Bacon Cheeseburger Stove Top Casserole is a quick and satisfying recipe that's like a gourmet twist on hamburger helper. With simple ingredients and a 40-minute cook time, this recipe serves 8 (but you'll want leftovers!). Get ready for a cheesy, meaty explosion of flavor the whole family will devour!

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Poultry Holiday Event Main Dish Chicken

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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Spicy Main Dish Cheese Time To Make

Baked Pasta Dish

Indulge in this comforting and cheesy Baked Pasta Dish! Perfectly baked layers of pasta, creamy sauce, and your favorite veggies create a mouthwatering masterpiece. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready for a taste of pure comfort!

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60 Minutes Or Less Pasta Inexpensive Preparation

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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Dinner Party Brunch Occasion Preparation

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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Preparation Main Ingredient Low Calorie Vegetables

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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60 Minutes Or Less Dietary 60 Minutes Or Less Pasta Rice And Grains

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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Course Course Pasta Rice And Grains Cuisine

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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Course Pasta 15 Minutes Or Less Course

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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