Editing Pasta

[[File:(Pasta)_by_David_Adam_Kess_(pic.2).jpg|(Pasta) by David Adam Kess (pic.2)|thumb]] [[File:6-alimenti,_pasta,Taccuino_Sanitatis,_Casanatense_4182..jpg|6-alimenti, pasta,Taccuino Sanitatis, Casanatense 4182.|thumb|left]] [[File:Moser_Spaghetti_essender_Junge.jpg|Moser Spaghetti essender Junge|thumb|left]] [[File:Napoli_-_Negozio_di_prodotti_tipici_Campani.jpg|Napoli - Negozio di prodotti tipici Campani|thumb]] [[File:CSIRO_ScienceImage_11385_Pasta_made_from_durum_wheat.jpg|CSIRO ScienceImage 11385 Pasta made from durum wheat|thumb]] [[File:Pasta_2006_1.jpg|Pasta 2006 1|thumb]] '''Pasta''' is a type of [[noodle]] and is a staple [[food]] of traditional [[Italian cuisine]], with the first reference dating to 1154 in [[Sicily]]. It is also commonly used to refer to the variety of pasta dishes. Pasta is typically made from an unleavened dough of a [[durum wheat]] flour mixed with water or eggs, and formed into sheets or various shapes, then cooked by boiling or baking. Some pasta varieties are uniquely regional and not widely known; many types have different names based on region or language.

==Types of Pasta==
Pasta comes in a multitude of shapes and sizes. The main categorization is between dried ([[Pasta secca]]) and fresh ([[Pasta fresca]]). Dried pasta made without eggs can be stored for up to two years under ideal conditions, while fresh pasta will keep for a couple of days in the refrigerator. Pasta is generally cooked by boiling.

===Long Pasta===
* [[Spaghetti]] – long, thin, cylindrical pasta
* [[Fettuccine]] – thick, flat pasta
* [[Linguine]] – flat, narrow pasta
* [[Angel hair pasta|Capellini]] – very thin spaghetti

===Short Pasta===
* [[Penne]] – cylinder-shaped pieces
* [[Rigatoni]] – ridged, tube-shaped pasta
* [[Macaroni]] – curved tube
* [[Fusilli]] – spirals or twists

===Filled Pasta===
* [[Ravioli]] – square or round pillows filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables
* [[Tortellini]] – ring-shaped pasta filled with meat or cheese
* [[Cannelloni]] – large, cylindrical pasta for stuffing and baking

===Soup Pastas===
* [[Orzo]] – rice-shaped pasta
* [[Ditalini]] – small tube-shaped pasta
* [[Stelline]] – tiny star-shaped pasta

==Preparation==
Pasta dishes are generally simple to prepare. The pasta is first boiled in salted water until it reaches the desired level of [[al dente]], which means it is cooked but still firm to the bite. It is then drained and can be served with a variety of sauces, the most popular being [[tomato sauce]], [[pesto]], and [[Alfredo sauce]]. Pasta can also be baked, like in the case of [[lasagna]] and [[cannelloni]].

==Nutritional Information==
Pasta is a carbohydrate-rich food, providing a good source of energy. Whole wheat pasta contains significant amounts of dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health. Pasta can also be a good source of protein; however, it is often eaten with cheese, meat, or legumes to make a complete protein meal.

==Cultural Significance==
Pasta has played a central role in Italian culture and cuisine for centuries. It is a symbol of Italian identity and culinary expertise. The dish has been widely adopted around the world and has undergone various adaptations in different cultures.

==See Also==
* [[Italian cuisine]]
* [[Mediterranean diet]]
* [[Noodle]]
* [[Food preservation]]

[[Category:Italian cuisine]]
[[Category:Pasta]]
[[Category:Staple foods]]

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