Few things get our engines revving as loudly as a plate piled high with pasta (well, maybe vegan doughnuts, and chocolate. Ok, maybe also dairy-free ice cream…). And that isn’t just because of the carbohydrate-rich bonus of one of our favorite meals. While it’s true that we’ve been known to carbo-load before a big race—or just before a big night out of dancing with friends—pasta gets a star (or bowtie) in our books because of its filling nature, delicious taste, and extreme versatility.

While it’s become second-nature to associate pasta with Italian food, it is thought that the actual origin of the beloved noodle is China. Explorer Marco Polo is believed to have brought pasta from Asia to Italy in the 13th century during his travels. However, as his stories have been told and retold by many others, and because pasta dishes were already present in Italy at that time, the validity of this anecdote is uncertain.

The word “pasta” comes from the Italian word for “paste”, probably referring to the traditional noodle mix made from water, eggs, and flour. Nowadays, we know better and can make pasta without the icky eggs! There’s everything from vegan whole-wheat pasta to gluten-free quinoa pasta. If there’s one thing we love about our noodles other than the scrumptious taste, it’s the millions of ways we can prepare and serve it. From rich and creamy to bright and light—simple to extravagant—pasta takes the cake (or vegan carbonara!)

Here are 5 of our absolute favorite pasta dishes for you to enjoy:

1. Simple Artichoke Pesto Pasta [1]
2. Creamy Asparagus Fettuccine [2]
3. Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad [3]
4. Delicious Raw Walnut-Stuffed Shells [4]
5. Rich and Decadent Avocado Pasta [5]

With Amore,

Webmistress Melissa