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Pasta and Noodles

Pasta from Italy and noodles from Asia are made from flour dough. They come in many shapes, from spaghetti to penne. Whole-wheat versions have more fibre.

๐Ÿ’ก Fun fact

Pasta is traditionally cooked 'al dente', slightly firm.

All about Pasta and Noodles

Pasta from Italy and noodles from Asia are both made from dough, usually of flour and water, sometimes with eggs. They are shaped in many ways, from spaghetti and penne to ribbons and tubes, and each shape holds sauce differently.

Pasta and noodles can be fresh or dried. Dried pasta lasts for a long time in the cupboard. Whole-wheat versions contain more fibre than white pasta, making them a healthier choice for everyday meals.

๐ŸŽฎ Try it yourself!

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Real-life uses of Pasta and Noodles

  • Making spaghetti with tomato sauce
  • Cooking noodle soup on a cold day
  • Preparing a simple pasta salad for lunch

Frequently asked questions about Pasta and Noodles

Why is pasta cooked in salted water?

Salt seasons the pasta as it cooks, so the flavour is better throughout.

What is al dente?

Italian for "to the tooth", meaning pasta is cooked until it is still slightly firm in the centre.

Where did noodles originate?

Noodles have been made in China for thousands of years, and noodle-making spread across Asia.