Pastas

Pasta comes fresh or dried, the latter found in boxes on supermarket shelves, the former once found only in specialty markets but now readily available in most groceries. The term pasta refers to the noodle itself as well as to dishes made from it. Ways to prepare it involve either boiling (spaghetti, linguine, rotini, etc.) or baking (lasagna, manicotti, marcaroni & cheese). Pasta is never served absolutely plain. At minimum, it is presented aglio e olio (with garlic and olive oil) or maybe just glistening with butter. Beyond that, its possibilities with meat, seafood, and vegetables are unlimited.