Pasta Facts: Versatile, Fast & Budget Friendly

Updated on March 12, 2011

Pasta is a staple in many households throughout the world. Finding a supply of pasta in the pantry has saved many busy home-cooks from stress on hectic evening when they need to prepare a quick and healthful meal for their families!

Pasta is one of those foods that just about everyone enjoys. That's partially because it's so versatile. Pasta is favorite dish for many children and adults, as well as with individuals who prefer gourmet meals and those who enjoy simple suppers. You can prepare a simple, comforting meal of macaroni and cheese or spaghetti and meatballs with pasta, or pair pasta with a different type of sauce for a truly elegant meal occasion.

Pasta is served regularly in many households, and can also be found on the menu of all types of restaurants, ranging from family-friendly casual dining establishments to fine dining facilities known for the highest quality gourmet cuisine.

Nutritional Facts About Pasta

According to the National Pasta Association, a serving of pasta (which is half of a cup of cooked pasta, regardless of shape) has 99 calories. The same quantity has less than 5 grams of sodium and only half of a gram of fat. Pasta is a complex carbohydrate, which makes it a popular food choice for athletes. Additionally, like other enriched grain products, pasta is fortified with a number of essential vitamins and minerals, including folic acid,

Pasta Shapes and Sizes

Pasta comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, including:

Angel Hair
Bow Tie
Cavatappi
Egg Noodles
Elbow Macaroni
Faffalle
Fettuccine
Gnocchi
Penne
Ravioli
Rotini
Shells
Spaghetti
Spirals
Thin Spaghetti
Tortellini
Twists
Wagon Wheels
Vermicelli
Special occasions shapes (such as Christmas Trees and Pumpkins)
Many additional options

Where to Find Pasta Recipes

There are many free resources for free pasta recipes online. It's always a good idea to check the websites of food product manufacturers and industry associations when you are looking for new ways to prepare your favorite foods. They often have professional chefs working behind the scenes to create delicious new options for people to enjoy as a means of helping to boost sales of their product lines!

When you're looking for recipe ideas for pasta dishes, check the sites of companies that make and market pasta as well as different types of sauces commonly served with pasta. A few sites you may want to bookmark for great pasta recipe ideas include: