Food Guide

Fresh Pasta

Buying Tips

Look for fresh pasta in the refrigerated section of some natural food, grocery, and specialty stores.

Varieties

Fresh pasta comes in several shapes and sizes, including macaroni, spaghetti, farfalle (bow-ties), rotelle (corkscrews), conchiglie (shells), linguini (broad, flat noodles), and others. It may have fillings, such as tortellini and ravioli, and may be colored with beets, tomatoes, spinach, basil, or squid ink.

Preparation, Uses, & Tips

Add pasta a little at a time to boiling water. To prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan, stir gently until the water returns to a rapid boil. Cooking time varies depending on the size and shape of pasta. After cooking, drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. As a general rule, use light sauces for delicate pastas like capellini or angel hair, and chunky, richer sauces for sturdy pastas like fuselli and linguini.

Storing

Store fresh pasta in the refrigerator, and use within a day or two. Fresh pasta can also be frozen for several weeks.

Nutrition Highlights

Fresh pasta, 4.5 oz. (127g)

  • Calories: 369
  • Protein: 14.5g
  • Carbohydrate: 70g
  • Total Fat: 2.9g
  • Fiber: 0.0g

*Excellent Source of: Iron (4.3mg) and Thiamine (0.90mg)

*Good Source of: Magnesium (59mg) and Zinc (1.5mg)

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The information presented in the Food Guide is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of US–registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.