9 Things You Never Knew About Pasta

By now, we've covered how to make fresh pasta dough and every pasta dish there is out there. From cheesy baked penne to tasty butternut squash pasta, the Italian staple is one of the most versatile ingredients there is. But we bet you've never encountered these mind-blowing facts about your favorite food.

01
Just How Much Pasta Do Italians Eat?
Flickr user stijnnieuwendijk

Just How Much Pasta Do Italians Eat?

On average, Italians eat enough spaghetti-shaped pasta to wind around the world 15,000 times.

02
How Most People Eat Pasta
Flickr user wfiupublicradio

How Most People Eat Pasta

Most Americans (49 percent) eat long pasta by twirling it on their fork only, while others (32 percent) use a spoon to help.

03
Pasta Has Always Been a Movie Star
Disney

Pasta Has Always Been a Movie Star

Popular movies that have featured pasta as its star food include Lady and the Tramp, Under the Tuscan Sun, and Eat Pray Love.

04
Americans Favor These Pasta Cuts
Flickr user mikkokuhna

Americans Favor These Pasta Cuts

Based off a 2013 Barilla World Pasta Day survey, Americans' favorite pasta cuts are spaghetti, penne, and rotini.

05
How Pasta Is Made
Flickr user didmyself

How Pasta Is Made

Pasta has always been made with only two simple ingredients: durum wheat and water.

06
How People Cook Their Pasta
Flickr user jdpage

How People Cook Their Pasta

Researchers found that the majority of people cook their pasta by breaking long noodles in half to fit the pot (55 percent) and adding salt to taste to boiling cooking water (52 percent).

08
Best Way to Cook Pasta
Flickr user jlastras

Best Way to Cook Pasta

Pasta is best cooked al dente. The literal translation is "to the tooth." Pasta should be firm yet still be tender when eaten.

09
What Sauces to Pair With Pasta Shapes
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

What Sauces to Pair With Pasta Shapes

In terms of which pasta to use, flat pasta is best with cream sauces while tomato sauces will cling to pasta shapes.