Different Types of Pasta Intro to Foods

DO NOW: Pastabilities Activity: Look at the numbered pasta sheet Match the correct pasta with the correct name Use prior knowledge!

Pasta Shapes Pasta is available in many different forms and sizes The majority of the pasta shapes originated in Italy Many types of noodles were created in Asian countries There are 6 basic categories in which pasta shapes are found

6 Basic Categories 1) Shaped Pasta 2) Tubular Pasta 3) Strand Pasta 4) Ribbon Pasta 5) Soup Pasta 6) Stuffed Pasta

1. Shaped Pasta Shaped pastas are available in many different sizes and specific shapes. They include shapes that resemble shells, bow ties, spirals, snails, wheels and radiators. Most shaped pastas can be paired with a chunkier sauce because they are sturdy enough to hold up with the other ingredients.

Shaped Pasta Examples: bow tie, shells, rotini (corkscrew), orecchiette (ear-shaped), wagon wheel shaped pasta. Sauce: Thick tomato sauces, meat sauces, chunky sauces, and cheese sauces

2. Tubular Pasta Tubular pastas are any pastas that are in the shape of a tube. Some tubes are long and narrow while others are short and wide. They are found with smooth or grooved exteriors. Their ends are cut straight or at an angle. They are often served with a heavy sauce and can be stuffed with meat and cheese and baked. Ex: Baked ziti, Macaroni and Cheese, Manicotti

Tubular Pasta Examples: macaroni, penne, rigatoni, and ziti Sauce: Thick tomato sauces, meat sauces, chunky sauces, and thick cream sauces

3. Strand Pasta Noodles Pasta strands are long rods of pasta, which are generally round. The basic difference from one variety to the next is the thickness of the strands. The thicker strands work well with a heavier sauce while the thin varieties are better with a more delicate sauce.

Strand Pasta Noodles Examples: Angel hair, spaghetti Sauce: Light tomato sauces, butter based sauces, light oil based sauces, and light cream based sauces.

4. Ribbon Pasta Noodles Ribbon pastas consist of flat strands of pasta. They are available in different lengths, widths and thickness. Ribbon pasta can have straight or wavy edges. The dried ribbons are generally used with a thick, heavier sauce and the fresh ribbons are served with a more delicate sauce.

Ribbon Pasta Noodles Examples: Fettuccine, lasagna, linguine Sauce: For the wider pastas - meat sauces, thick tomato sauces, and thick cream sauces. For narrow pastas - Light tomato sauces, butter based sauces, light oil based sauces, and light cream based sauces.

5. Soup Pasta Soup pastas consist of pasta shapes that range in size from small to very tiny. The larger of the soup pastas are used in thicker based soups. The smaller pasta shapes are used in light or broth based soups.

Soup Pasta Examples: alphabets, orzo, round balls, thin strands, small tubes, rings, bow ties and stars. Sauce: Light sauces, mainly used in broth or soups with a light base.

6. Stuffed Pasta Stuffed pastas consist of fresh pasta sheets that are stuffed with a filling. Stuffed pastas are formed in different shapes, such as squares, circles, triangles and half moons. They are stuffed with a variety of fillings, which consist of a mixture of ingredients, such as meats, cheeses, herbs, mushrooms, and vegetables.

Stuffed Pasta Examples: Ravioli and tortellini Sauce: Light tomato sauce, light cream based sauce, and broth

Whole Grain Pasta vs. Regular Pasta Many pastas are available in a whole grain version at your supermarket and there are many health benefits: Higher fiber content which makes you feel fuller for a longer period of time and promotes digestive health Lower in calories than regular pasta Lots of protein in whole grain pasta which aids in cell repair, growth, and development Loaded with vitamins and minerals which contain antioxidants that reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

How to Cook Pasta Boil 4-6 quarts of water for every pound of pasta Add pasta to boiling water Stir occasionally Add salt Taste to determine doneness

COOKING TIME! Kitchen 1: whole grain spaghetti *Cook for about 11 minutes Kitchen 2: whole grain penne *Cook 10 min. Kitchen 3: bow tie *Cook 11 min. Kitchen 4: linguini *Cook 9 min. *Read directions on the back of the pasta box and be aware of cooking time!*