The Pasta Guide

Craving the perfect pasta dish? Whether you’re a pasta expert or a beginner looking to discover the world of pasta, we’ve got everything you need. Explore the origins, types, expert tips, and everything you should know to elevate your pasta game.

The ABCs of Pasta

Start here to explore what pasta is, its origin, and how to enjoy it the right way.

Assortment of colorful pasta shapes on a wooden table, vibrant ingredients around, warm lighting, realistic.

What Is Pasta?

Pasta is a type of food made from dough, usually flour and water, and sometimes eggs. The dough is shaped into different forms, such as sheets, tubes, or strings, and then cooked by boiling or baking. Pasta is a key part of Italian cooking but is also enjoyed in many other countries, where it takes […]

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Assortment of various pasta shapes on a wooden table, fresh herbs, rustic kitchen background, warm lighting, inviting and cozy atmosphere.

Types of Pasta

Pasta is a favorite in many kitchens, bringing to mind cozy meals and inviting smells. With so many shapes filling grocery store shelves, it’s easy to get confused about which is which. What are the different kinds of pasta? At its core, pasta is a group of dough shapes made mostly from durum wheat semolina […]

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Where Did Pasta Come From?

Meaning and History of the Word ‘Pasta’ The word “pasta” is closely linked to Italy. In Italian, it means “paste,” which refers to the dough made with wheat flour and either water or eggs-this dough becomes the base for many popular pasta shapes. Today, pasta can also be made with different flours, such as rice […]

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A close-up of fresh pasta dough being rolled out, with flour dusted on a wooden table, raw eggs and wheat flour nearby, warm and inviting lighting, realistic.

Pasta Ingredients

What ingredients make up the simple yet satisfying bowl of pasta so many enjoy? At its core, pasta uses plain ingredients-usually wheat flour combined with water or eggs-mixed into a dough without any yeast. This dough gets shaped into strings, tubes, or other forms and is usually cooked by boiling or sometimes baking. While these […]

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A rustic wooden table with various types of pasta (spaghetti, penne, farfalle) and a bowl of flour, vintage Italian kitchen background, warm and inviting lighting, realistic.

Who Invented Pasta?

The question of who first invented pasta isn’t easy to answer. Although most people think of pasta as Italian, and Italy is known for its pasta dishes, the first appearance of foods similar to pasta happened in different places and a long time ago. People in different cultures mixed flour and water to make dough, […]

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A delicious plate of spaghetti with tomato sauce and parmesan cheese, steam rising, fresh herbs garnish, warm lighting, realistic.

Pasta Calories: How Many Are in Your Favorite Dish?

Pasta is a favorite food enjoyed around the world. Many people wonder, “How many calories are in pasta?” Pasta calories are just the amount of energy you get from eating a serving of pasta. Most of these calories come from carbohydrates, which give your body energy to fuel all your activities. Knowing how many calories […]

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Assorted pasta shapes on a wooden table, Italian countryside background, warm lighting, realistic.

What Is Pasta and Where Does Its Name Come From?

Pasta is a classic food closely linked with Italian cooking. It’s made from a simple dough of wheat flour (most often durum wheat) and water, with eggs sometimes added. The dough gets shaped into many forms and cooked, usually by boiling or baking. While most of us think of pasta as truly Italian, its roots […]

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Pasta Nutrition: What’s in Your Bowl?

Pasta nutrition is a common topic with mixed opinions. Some people think pasta is unhealthy because it’s a source of carbohydrates, while others see it as a valuable part of a healthy diet. But what really is in pasta when it comes to nutrition? Pasta, especially those made from durum wheat, supplies complex carbohydrates that […]

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Fun Facts About Pasta

Here are some fun facts to deepen your pasta knowledge:

1

Pasta’s Ancient Origins

While pasta is famously associated with Italy, it’s believed that the Chinese may have been the first to create noodles, and pasta as we know it evolved when it was brought to Italy by merchants in the 13th century.

2

Italy’s Pasta Shapes

Italy boasts over 300 different shapes of pasta, with each region having its own unique styles and names. From delicate angel hair to hearty orecchiette, the variety is endless.

3

Pasta and Cheese

In Italy, pasta is never served with cheese unless it’s appropriate. For example, spaghetti alle vongole (with clams) is never topped with cheese, as it’s believed to overpower the delicate flavor of the seafood.

🍝 Expert Tips & Hacks

Cook Pasta Al Dente: To get the perfect texture, cook your pasta just until it’s al dente—tender but with a slight bite. Follow the package instructions, but test a piece a minute or two before the time is up.
Salt Your Water: Adding salt to boiling water is essential for flavor. A general rule of thumb is to add about 1 tablespoon of salt per liter of water.
Save Some Pasta Water: Before draining, save a cup of pasta water. It’s starchy and can be used to adjust the consistency of your sauce for a silkier finish.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When making pasta with sauce, always make sure the pasta is well-coated. If necessary, add pasta water to the sauce to help it adhere better.
Pairing Pasta and Sauce: Each pasta shape is designed to pair well with certain sauces. For example, thick, chunky sauces go well with broad shapes like pappardelle, while lighter sauces complement thin pastas like linguine.
Finish Cooking in the Sauce: To fully integrate the pasta and sauce, finish cooking your pasta in the sauce for the last minute or two. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Top 100 Pasta Recipes Everyone Loves

Below are 3 tasty ideas — click to see the full list.

Best Pasta Spots in Major Cities

Find and book tables at top pasta spots — from local gems to internationally renowned pasta restaurants.

Argentina

Argentina

100+ restaurants

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Brazil

Brazil

97+ restaurants

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Colombia

Colombia

78+ restaurants

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El Salvador

El Salvador

100+ restaurants

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Guatemala

Guatemala

82+ restaurants

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Honduras

Honduras

100+ restaurants

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Mexico

Mexico

100+ restaurants

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Nicaragua

Nicaragua

71+ restaurants

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Peru

Peru

2+ restaurants

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Latest Posts

Check out our newest articles and tips
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Discovering Cilantro Pasta with No Cream Cilantro pasta without cream is a vibrant, herbaceous dish that captures the essence of fresh ingredients without relying on heavy dairy. It’s a popular choice among those looking for a lighter, fresher pasta experience while still enjoying rich flavors and vivid green hues. This dish stands out for its […]

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