RD Choice - Barilla® Pasta

Guest Writer – Garrett Peacy, Dietetic Intern, University of Minnesota School of Public Health

Nothing is “impastable”. Take advantage of this great deal on Barilla®, your Dietitian’s Choice this week June 2nd thru June 8th on 2 for $3.00 on select varieties.

Overview of Pasta

Pasta comes in many different forms and there is a type for every taste. Pasta likely originated somewhere in Asia. Although Marco Polo is often credited with bringing pasta to Europe, it is likely that by that time various types of pasta had already become popular in Italy.

Many people associate pasta with Italy due to how popular pasta is in Italian cuisine. Many other cuisines across the world have different types of pasta too.

Pasta is known for its high carbohydrate content. Pasta can be made with many different types of grains and starches. Whole grain, protein enriched and fortified varieties are common and easy to find in stores.

Whole grain pastas can be good sources of fiber.

Fortified pastas are often good sources of vitamins and minerals, particularly for picky eaters.

Pasta can be a great addition to a healthy and balanced diet along with lean proteins, fruits and vegetables.

Types of Pasta

Ravioli

Ravioli is a type of stuffed pasta that is very popular in the United States due to its large Italian-American community. Ravioli in the United States are stuffed with a variety of ingredients from cheese to meat to vegetables. A popular variation of ravioli is the toasted ravioli from St. Louis which is a deep fried ravioli often served with marinara for dipping.

Spaghetti

Spaghetti is a long thin pasta which is very common across the Italian diaspora. You can find spaghetti dishes in countries that have strong Italian influences or large Italian communities such as the United States, United Kingdom, Argentina, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.

Lasagna

Lasagna is a large sheet style pasta that lends its name to the casserole dish of the same name. Although there are many variations, common ingredients include Bolognese, ricotta, bechamel and spinach along with mozzarella.

Ramen

Ramen noodles are a type of alkalized wheat noodle from Japan. Ramen uses Chinese style wheat noodles in broth along with other additions to complete a whole meal. Ramen is very popular in Japan and across the world. Instant ramen has also become an affordable staple particularly amongst college students across the world.

Pierogi

Pierogi are a type of stuffed pasta dumplings from Poland similar to ravioli. Pierogi can be filled with many different ingredients. The most common variations are cheese, mushrooms, meat, potatoes and cheese, and fruit.

Fettuccini is a popular type of long flat pasta that is versatile in that it can support many different types of sauces. It is famous for being paired with Alfredo sauce and chicken in Italian-American cuisine.

Fettuccini

BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad by Garrett Peacy

Ingredients for Salad

12 oz box Protein pasta, cooked and cooled
1 can corn, rinsed and drained
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 diced bell pepper
1 red onion, diced
6 oz diced cheddar
1 can fire roasted tomatoes, drained and rinsed
8 oz chicken, rotisserie, canned, or grilled
All of BBQ vinaigrette (see below)

Ingredients for BBQ Vinaigrette

1/2 cup BBQ sauce (no sugar added or low sugar preferably)
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup vinegar
2 tbsp agave nectar or honey
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp salt
2/3 cup avocado oil, olive oil, or canola oil

Directions

Mix all ingredients for the vinaigrette except the oil until combine. Slowly mix oil into the rest of ingredient mixture until an even emulsion occurs.
Mix in salad ingredients and allow to rest for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.