Pasta: Recipes, Delightful Sauces, History, and More – Samsung Food

Pasta comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors, making it versatile enough to be incorporated into many different cuisines. In this article, we will dive deep into the history of pasta, the different varieties it comes in, popular pasta recipes, and how it became a staple in households around the globe.

History of Pasta

The earliest mention of pasta in written history dates back to the 1st century AD, in the writings of the Roman poet Horace. It is believed that this type of pasta was originally made by hand using a mixture of water and flour.

But historians believe that its origins can be traced all the way back to ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Etruscans. However, it was the Italians who truly mastered the art of pasta-making. That’s why we always think of pasta as a typical Italian dish. Luckily for us, they made it a beloved staple in their cuisine.

Thanks to their expertise, we now have a wide array of pasta shapes, sizes, and flavors to enjoy in countless delicious dishes. It’s incredible to think how pasta has evolved and traveled through time to become a beloved part of meals around the world.

But, we think it makes sense to look at pasta recipes in the context of Italy and Italian culture first.

Pasta as part of the Italian culture

Pasta is probably one of the common dishes you think of when we talk about Italian food. And there’s good reason for that. From classic pasta recipes like carbonara or napolitana to fancier options like squid ink or seafood pasta, Italian culture has a long history with this ingredient. The first specialized Italian pasta stores started to appear in Southern Italy in the Middle Ages. Eventually, Italians were able to export this dish to all corners of the globe, and Salerno, Genoa, and Naples quickly became home to enormous factories.

Today, Italy proudly boasts an extensive selection of pasta recipes, as well as pasta itself. In fact, they have over 300 distinct sizes and shapes. Not just your ordinary penne and spaghetti!

Types of Pasta

Pasta comes in many shapes and sizes, each with its own unique texture and taste. Each shape is carefully thought out. They’re not just random! Pasta shapes are designed to hold onto sauce or complement specific ingredients, resulting in perfection for various dishes like spaghetti bolognese, lasagna, or mac and cheese.

Here are some of the types of pasta you need to know:

Spaghetti

These long, thin strands are probably the most well-known pasta shape. They are perfect for twirling around your fork and capturing all that delicious sauce.

Penne

Penne is short and tube-shaped, with angled ends. This versatile shape holds sauces exceptionally well, making it a popular choice for baked and hearty dishes.

Fusilli

These corkscrew-shaped pastas are not only visually appealing (and fun for kids, making it a popular choice for the little ones) but also great at holding sauces. The twists and turns of fusilli make it ideal for chunky or creamy sauces.

Farfalle

Farfalle is known for its cute shape that resemble tiny bows. It is perfect for sauces, such as olive oil, garlic, and herbs.

Macaroni

Macaroni is a small, tube-shaped that’s loved by kids and adults. Its hollow center and short length make it ideal for holding onto gooey cheese sauce. So perfect, in fact, that mac and cheese is an iconic pasta recipe which spans across the world.

Linguine

Linguine is similar to spaghetti but with a slightly wider and flatter shape. These long, flat shaped pastas are perfect for pairing with seafood-based sauces or light olive oil and garlic preparations.

Rigatoni

Rigatoni is a large, tubular shaped with ridges on the exterior. It’s a bit like giant penne. The ridges help trap sauces, making every bite incredibly flavorful.

Rigatoni is commonly used in baked or al forno dishes and pairs well with hearty meat sauces or chunky vegetable sauces.

Pasta sauce recipes

There are many sauces that go well with different kinds of pasta. In fact, you can find a pasta recipe to suit every type of palate. But it’s really the sauce that makes the pasta. Though you can customize as much as you want, there are a few classic pasta sauce recipes all home cooks should know.

Here are some of them:

Classic Marinara Sauce

Let’s begin with a classic pasta recipe favorite: marinara sauce. It’s easy, quick, and perfect for fussy eaters, pasta lovers, adults, and kids alike.

To whip up this delightful red sauce, all you need are tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a medley of herbs. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but its taste is pretty spectacular too. Marinara sauce pairs perfectly with spaghetti and other long pasta varieties. And if you’re looking to amp up the protein content, consider adding some cooked ground beef or meatballs to the mix. The key? Using fresh tomatoes and letting them simmer for a long time.

Here are some classic marinara recipes that you can try at home.

Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Alfredo sauce is the perfect option if you’re craving something thick and creamy. It isn’t the lowest calorie option, but it sure is delicious. The ingredients for an indulgent pasta alfredo recipe include butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese. It complements fettuccine or any other broad pasta like linguine perfectly. For a full meal, you could also add some grilled chicken, a crisp green salad, or steamed vegetables.

Here are some creamy alfredo sauce recipes that you can try at home.

Pesto Sauce

Fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil are combined to create the vibrantly green sauce known as pesto. You can put pesto sauce on your spaghetti and you can instantly taste the warm Mediterranean coast. To elevate it further, you might also include cherry tomatoes or grilled prawns.

Here’s a gorgeous pesto sauce recipe that you can try at home.

Bolognese Sauce

The bolognese sauce is a combination of ground meat (typically beef and pork), onions, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and seasonings make up this substantial sauce. Tagliatelle or other flat pasta go perfectly with Bolognese sauce. And so does spaghetti, obviously. It isn’t called spag bol for nothing!

Here’s a top rated spaghetti bolognese recipe we’re sure you’ll love.

Olive Oil and Garlic Sauce

For those who want a milder flavor, olive oil and garlic sauce is a tasty yet light option. You only need to sauté minced garlic in olive oil, add cooked pasta, and top with grated Parmesan cheese. It’s worth noting that this sauce combination is the very essence of Aglio e Olio, a classic Italian dish renowned for its simplicity and irresistible flavors.

This Aglio e Olio recipe is one you’l make again and again.

Health Benefits of Pasta

Contrary to popular belief, pasta can be a nutrient-dense component of a diet that is in balance. It is a complex carbohydrate made from semolina from durum wheat that gives you long-lasting energy. Not convinced? Read our blog on whether low carb diets are all they’re cracked up to be.

If you want more bang for your buck, know that pasta made from whole grains provides more fiber and other minerals than white pasta. You can prepare a balanced dinner that satisfies the flavor and nutritional needs by combining a wholewheat pasta recipe with fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Tips & Tricks for Cooking Pasta Recipes Correctly

Cooking pasta may seem simple, but there is an art to getting it perfect. Here are a few tips to ensure your pasta is cooked to perfection:

1. Use a large pot: In a large pot, cook the past in a lot of salted water. By doing this, you can guarantee that it can be cooked uniformly and that it won’t cling together.
2. Don’t overcook: It should be cooked until it is al dente, or cooked yet still somewhat firm. If it is overcooked, it will lose its texture and turn mushy.
3. Keep some pasta water: Before draining the pasta, reserve some of the water. You can use it to flavor and thicken your sauce.
4. Pair the right sauce with the right pasta: There are a variety of sizes and shapes that go well with various sauces. For instance, a creamy sauce is wonderful with fettuccine whereas a chunky sauce is ideal for penne.

FAQs about Pasta and Recipes