Today, October 17th, is National Pasta Day.

Pasta is a type of noodle that dates back to at least 12th century Sicily.

Pasta is normally made from an unleavened dough of durum wheat flour and water. It is available in both dried and fresh forms.

There are many different types, shapes and even colours of pasta, and it is served in a multitude of dishes.

Pasta is often served in a sauce, and can be stuffed or mixed into the sauce. Sheets of pasta are used in dishes such as lasagne.

Because of all the different ways in which it can be prepared, pasta is a very versatile dish.

Image: Morguefile