Pasta (e.g. spaghetti or tagliatelle)
Description
Pasta, such as spaghetti or tagliatelle, has a mild, slightly wheaty flavor and a smooth, light yellow or creamy color; when cooked, it retains a firm, "al dente" texture that holds sauces well. Products made from durum wheat semolina primarily provide carbohydrates with a steady release of energy, a moderate amount of protein, small amounts of fat, and depending on the type, B vitamins, iron, and fiber in the whole grain version, which promotes satiety and stabilizes glucose levels. In the kitchen, pasta is incredibly versatile — it pairs well with tomato sauces, pesto, creamy emulsions, vegetables, seafood, or meat, and is suitable for casseroles and cold salads. Store dry pasta in a dry, cool place in an airtight container; keep fresh pasta in the refrigerator for 2–3 days or freeze in portions for longer storage to maintain freshness and texture.