There’s a myriad of different pasta types and even more when we look at the variety of pasta dishes. Finding the right recipe to work with what’s in the pantry can be a creative challenge sometimes. Knowing the difference between these types is the starting point to enhancing all the pasta recipes we can cook.   This post looks specifically at the difference between fresh and dried pasta, with an emphasis on what sets these two types apart and how we can best use them in the kitchen.  What We Cook and the Choice We Make  When picking between the two options and noting the difference between fresh and dried pasta, it’s important to remember that the different types may have a better use in different recipes. Sweetalyfood dried pasta goes best with dishes that contain a hearty sauce, whereas fresh pasta is best for creamy dishes.  For most homemade dishes, either pasta type will work. However, if you’re looking to enhance your cooking, it’s essential to learn the difference between these two and which recipes benefit from their unique attributes. Finding the right dish is also the best way to get enough vitamins from an organic dish.   Fresh Pasta  Fresh pasta contains eggs, flour, and additional water. The use of eggs in this variety causes it to have a more limited shelf-life and require refrigeration. While fresh pasta is more tender and has a faster cooking time, it’s best used when intentionally cooking and bought or made recently for a specific recipe.  The variety is commonly found in northern Italy and has a smooth texture that makes it ideal for recipes such as carbonara and similar creamy dishes. As a tender pasta, it can’t be made al dente and should be cooked with a focus on its tenderness, letting it almost melt in the mouth.  Dried Pasta  Dried pasta has three ingredients: semolina flour, water, and some salt. Additionally, this pasta variety can be stored at room temperature for a nearly indefinite amount of time, making it a great option to store in the pantry and use whenever necessary.  Dry pasta holds sauces really well due to the rougher texture, with a prime example being store-bought spaghetti. This recipe is one of the best places to use dry pasta, as we find a saucy spaghetti bolognese with meatballs is one of the simplest dishes to make this pasta variety shine.   One important note is that dry pasta works best when attempting to cook an al dente dish where the pasta is firmer when bitten, giving an entirely different texture when eaten.   Cook with Care  Pasta is a delicate and versatile ingredient. With many varieties, we’ll find one for almost any dish, even if it doesn’t quite fit. From the classic spaghetti bolognese to a chicken alfredo, the difference between fresh and dried pasta​ will have an impact on the dish. We recommend trying to cook the same recipe with both versions of pasta and seeing the differences for oneself.  The post The Difference Between Fresh Pasta and Dried Pasta  appeared first on Santa Clarita Valley Signal.