There are many popular pantry staples.

What you have in your pantry is very personalized because everyone has different tastes. But one thing that most people seem to have is pasta. It is versatile and easy to use.

There are many types of pasta, including spaghetti, macaroni, orzo, linguine, penne, shells, bowtie, and angel hair. No matter the shape or size, you can use them in many creations.

So, what is pasta?

It is starch and water, with enough protein to hold it together. Most traditional pasta is made with white flour.

Where did pasta originate?

While we think of pasta as a traditional Italian dish, it actually came from Asia. It is believed to have been brought to Italy from China by Marco Polo during the 13th century.

The visible differences in the pasta make it more versatile. What you want to accomplish with the pasta could be determined by the shape that you use. If you use curled and twisted pasta, these are good for holding sauces. The hollow pasta is good for stuffing. Pasta has been known to show up in soups, casseroles, salads, and even desserts.

For years, pasta was made using traditional white flour, but recently, pasta is also being made with whole wheat flour, making pasta a healthier choice for your overall health.

Whole wheat pasta is healthier because it is packed with nutrients such as complex carbohydrates, protein, fiber, iron, magnesium, and zinc. According to the Dietary Guidelines, you should be making ½ of your daily grain intake whole grains. Incorporating whole grain pasta into your diet will help you meet this goal and improve your health.

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