Uncover the rich and flavorful history of pasta

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There is no denying that pasta has been a favorite dish on family's tables for many years. So long, in fact, that many people are often curious about where exactly pasta comes from.

Pasta is frequently featured in some of the most iconic food scenes in movies. These include "Elf," (2003), "Lady and the Tramp" (1955) and even "Goodfellas" (1990).

Pasta has become synonymous with Italian cuisine, and its love affair with the food boasts a rich and complex history.

According to Merriam-Webster, pasta is a "paste in processed form (such as macaroni) or in the form of fresh dough (such as ravioli)." In other words, it takes its name from the pasty dough when it is initially mixed.

Traditional Italian pasta dough typically consists of a few simple ingredients, including semolina, which is coarsely-ground wheat flour, mixed with water and occasionally eggs.

Various pastas have different names, often based on the particular shape into which the dough is formed. This includes pulling it into long strings, rolling it into tubes, cutting it into squares or twisting it into spirals, to name a few.

Check out this pasta shapes dictionary from the National Pasta Association. This includes the best known pasta shape spaghetti, tortellini, orecchiette, lasagna and ravioli, to name a few.

It is typically prepared two ways. Fresh pasta is often mixed, cooked and eaten right away. Another way is "pasta secca," which involves drying the pasta in order to be stored and typically prepared by cooking it in boiling water.

In Italy, choosing a particular cut of pasta usually depends on the specific kind of sauce. For example, thinner shapes go well with lighter, oil-based sauces. On the other hand, for chunkier sauces, scoop-like shapes are better suited.

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Much like the wide variety of shapes, pasta's history is as diverse as its shapes. In other words, its ethnic roots have been a topic of discussion and can be traced through numerous countries and cultures.

According to National Geographic, many theories have been "put forward, some notably far-fetched." One notable and misconstrued myth was that Marco Polo introduced pasta to Italy from China, which rose from a misunderstanding of a famous passage in Polo's "Travels."

According the National Pasta Association, it can most likely be traced back to at least the 4th century B.C., evidenced by an Etruscan tomb that seemed to depict natives of making something that seems to be pasta, according to the National Pasta Association.

Before pasta became a fundamental part of Italian cuisine, the northern Chinese people had already mastered the art of noodle making sometime before 200 B.C. At first, noodles (or mien or mian in Chinese) were for upper classes before becoming a food among working classes. Overall, these served as a precursor to the pasta we know today.

Based on Greek mythology, it is suggested that the god Hephaestus made long strands of dough and compressed them into two rotating tubes, which was probably the first spaghetti.

By the 13th century, mentions of different pasta dishes, such as macaroni and ravioli, began appearing more frequently across the Italian peninsula. For example, 14th century writer Boccaccio recounts a delightful journey about a Parmesan cheese mountain which pasta chefs send ravioli and macaroni rolling down to feed hungry people.

At one point, pasta dishes were exclusive to the wealthy during the Renaissance and served at aristocratic banquets. By the late 17th century in Naples, pasta was becoming a staple of the everyday diet, making it accesible to all classes of society.

Beginning in the 19th century, tomatoes, pasta's most renowned companion, were added. This was first recorded in 1790 by Francesco Leonardi's L'Apicio Moderno cookbook. It was not until 1844 that the first recipe appears for the most common pasta dish: spaghetti in tomato sauce.

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In summary, pasta has stood the test of time and is still a staple in different cuisines today, with options like gluten-free, whole wheat and vegetarian varieties available. I bet you are hungry after all of this pasta talk!