Pasta Comes In Many Different Shapes, Sizes, and Textures

When you send someone to the store to buy pasta, the person will have no idea what to purchase because there are so many names, shapes, sizes, and textures of pasta. There are about 600 specific kinds of pasta, and there are over 1,300 documented names. Therefore, you must be specific when you send someone to the store to buy pasta for you.

Types of Pasta

Pasta is the most popular carbohydrate in the culinary world and a staple in most Italian households. There is no way you will ever get bored with cooking and eating pasta because there are many different types, shapes, sizes, designs, and textures. Pasta comes in long and short shapes, round, twisted, shells, tubes, flat, miniature, large, and decorative shapes. Pasta is not limited to just being only white. It comes in red, green, yellow, and orange. You can dye your own pasta any color you like.

You should keep in mind that different shapes, sizes, and texture of pasta are used for different purposes. You should not choose a pasta because its shape is pretty because certain shapes hold different sauces and fillers better than others.

For example, thin pasta, such as angel hair works better with thin oil-based sauce, while thicker sauces work better with thicker, heavier types of pasta. Flat pasta goes exceptionally well with cream sauces, while tomato-based sauces cling better to pasta that is round.

Uses for Pasta

Pasta is so versatile that it can be served as a small first course for light lunches. It also can be served as a larger dish for dinner. Cooked pasta can be eaten by itself without anything else. To enhance it, just drizzle the pasta with olive oil and sprinkle the top with herbs. It can be mixed with tomato sauce, folded into casseroles, soups, and stews, tossed into salads, filled or stuffed.

Nutritional Value of Pasta

Pasta has many health benefits, and it contains various nutrients and minerals. Besides, one cup of cooked, plain pasta has between 155 and 190 calories. Of course, sauces and other toppings increase the number of calories. Pasta is composed of 62 percent water, 31 percent carbohydrates (26% starch), 6 percent protein, and only 1 percent fat. Refined pasta is higher in calories, carbohydrates, B vitamins, and iron, but it is lower in fiber and most other nutrients.

20 Pasta Fun Facts

1. October is National Pasta Month, but you can enjoy it any day of the year.
2. Pasta is a type of noodle.
3. The three most popular kinds of pasta are penne, spaghetti, and macaroni.
4. The three most popular pasta dishes are macaroni and cheese, spaghetti bolognese, and lasagne.
5. If pasta is cooked properly, it should stick to a wall when it is thrown.
6. Pasta can be baked. The Ancient Romans used to fry their pasta.
7. Uncooked dry pasta can be kept for up to a year.
8. Cooked pasta can be frozen and re-eaten within three months.
9. Pasta was traditionally eaten by hand and not with a fork.
10. Every Italian eats over sixty pounds of pasta a year.
11. Italy produces 1,432,990 tons of pasta a year.
12. Italy exports 1.7 million tons a year.
13. The average price for pasta in the United Kingdom is 89 cents, making it an affordable meal.
14. Pasta is very inexpensive to make at home, but it is expensive in restaurants.
15. Pasta can be given in small amounts to dogs and cats. It aids in their development and helps to keep their coats glossy and healthy.
16. Pasta was first eaten in China, not Italy as most people think.
17. Most Americans eat pasta in some form at least once a week.
18. Pasta is a comfort food for some people.
19. Kids love macaroni and cheese.
20. Today, pasta makers are found in many homes and restaurants.