Product-Related Questions

Durum wheat is a hard wheat that when milled properly produces high-quality semolina. It is high quality because semolina has proteins in it that contain elevated quantities of gluten. These attributes, along with the compact structure of semolina, allow Barilla Pasta to maintain its cooking consistency, delicious flavor, and al dente texture.

The quality of pasta is very dependent upon the kind of wheat used and the manufacturing process. Barilla uses a blend of the finest durum wheat to produce the semolina that makes our pasta. Barilla's innovative milling process and methods assure the high quality and excellent cooking properties of our pasta.

Yes, you can tell just by looking at it. Good pasta will have a unique yellow color. Properly grown, stored, milled, and dried, pasta will have very few defects such as black specks, white spots, or cracks. During cooking, the pasta will not clump together or form surface stickiness, and it should have good texture and elasticity upon chewing. Visually the pasta should be an amber yellow color, uniform in size and shape, and without grayish or reddish shades. Quality pasta will have a pleasant taste and aroma, and always cook al dente.

The recommended serving size is 2 ounces of uncooked pasta, which equals approximately 1 cup of cooked pasta. For a detailed conversion of dry vs. cooked pasta visit our conversion chart located in the Pasta Measuring FAQ.

Pasta should be stored in a cool, dry place such as a cupboard or pantry.

This is the date on our packaging that Barilla recommends the product be consumed by. Past this date, Barilla cannot guarantee the product's freshness.

The shelf life on our products vary. For the very best quality and taste, Barilla recommends using our pasta by the "best if used by" date found on our packaging.

Barilla's durum wheat semolina pasta does not contain dairy or come in contact with dairy on the lines.  Our Chicken Alfredo Microwaveable Meal, Three Cheese sauce as well as our filled Tortellini products do contain dairy as an ingredient.

Barilla's durum wheat semolina pasta does not contain any nuts, nut products, or soy. The lines used to produce our pastas are not used to make any products containing nuts or soy.

Barilla recommends storing an opened jar of sauce in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. The remaining sauce may be frozen at any time during the 3-5 days; simply transfer the sauce to a freezer-safe container and it will be good for up to 3 months.

Barilla's tomato-based sauces are "flexible" and diverse; they go very well with either long or short pasta shapes. For a detailed explanation, please click on the Barilla Pasta & Sauce Pairing

Please refer to each individual product page and or product label.

Please refer to each individual product page and or product label.

Legend claims that Tortellini was inspired by the goddess Venus' navel. An Italian medieval legend tells how Venus and Zeus, weary one night after their involvement in a battle between Bologna and Modena, arrive at a tavern in a small town on the outskirts of Bologna. After eating a hearty dinner and becoming slightly drunk, they decide to share a bedroom. The innkeeper, captivated after watching them, creeps to their room and peeks through the keyhole of the bedroom door. However, all he can see through the keyhole is the naval of Venus. This vision leaves him spellbound – so much so that he immediately rushes to the kitchen and creates a pasta inspired by Venus' navel…and so was born the Tortellini.

Our exquisite line of Tortellini, with sophisticated Italian flavors inside every mouth-watering bite. You will find distinctive natural flavor notes all perfectly blended with the smooth texture of the richest ricotta cheese.

Yes. The process used to prepare our Tortellini involves pasteurization of the cheeses in our fillings.

Barilla's shelf-stable Tortellini is a perfect balance between a thin, delicate layer of pasta and a flavorful, authentic Italian filling. The pasta complements the filling and does not overpower it. Barilla Tortellini is not chewy or doughy, and does not break or fall apart during cooking.