Pastabilities(52)

There’s a wide mix of playful shapes to match different interests and occasions. You’ll find:

• Animals & nature: zoo animals, dinosaurs, dogs, cats, flamingos, palm trees.
• Sea life: crabs, lobsters, starfish, sunshine motifs.
• Sports: soccer, baseball, hockey, tennis, bicycles, running.
• Hobbies & fun: music notes, cheerleading, gymnastics, dance.
• Holidays & celebrations: Christmas trees, reindeer, pumpkins/ghosts, turkeys, shamrocks.
• Themes: pirates, peace signs, hearts, doves, flags and stars.
• Learning & gifting: ABC/123 and novelty money-themed shapes.

Product pages on Walmart.com show photos, net weight (like 14 oz or 8 oz), and pack formats (including 2-packs and soup/chili kits), so you can pick the exact theme you want.

A few simple steps can help the shapes look their best:

• Use a large pot and plenty of water so pieces circulate freely.
• Add to a rolling boil and stir gently at the start and occasionally.
• Check for doneness early, since shape thickness varies by design.
• Cook to just-tender (al dente), then drain carefully without shaking the colander.
• Toss with warmed sauce rather than stirring vigorously in the pot.
• For pasta salads, rinse briefly to cool and set the shape.
• For baked dishes, slightly undercook before baking to avoid softening.

Times can vary by shape and stove, so tasting as you go is a helpful guide.

They can work nicely in both, with a few tips:

• Soups: Add pasta near the end so it stays firm, or cook separately and combine when serving to keep the broth clear. Some soup and chili kits include seasoning mixes and list serving counts—follow the package directions for timing.
• Casseroles: Par-cook the pasta to a firm bite, then combine with sauce and bake covered to retain moisture. Check doneness early to avoid over-softening.

Shape size affects texture in liquid or the oven, so adjust your timing based on the specific pasta and your preferred bite.

Servings vary by product size and how you plan to serve it (main dish vs. side). On Walmart.com, you’ll see options labeled with net weight—many dry pasta choices are listed as 14 oz formats, and some specialty options are 8 oz. Soup and chili kits often note servings on the label (for example, some list “serves 6” or “serves 10”).

• Check the product page for net weight and any serving guidance.
• For events, consider themed 2-packs or variety packs to cover more guests.
• When in doubt, having an extra bag can help accommodate hearty appetites.

Good storage helps maintain freshness and texture:

• Unopened dry pasta: Keep in a cool, dry pantry away from heat and sunlight.
• After opening: Transfer pasta to an airtight container or reseal tightly to protect from moisture.
• Pasta sauce: Store unopened in the pantry. Once opened, refrigerate promptly and follow the timeframe on the label. If needed, transfer leftovers to a clean, airtight container.
• Soup/chili kits: Keep seasoning packets and noodles sealed and dry until use.

Always refer to the package for specific storage directions and best-by dates, as recommendations can vary by item.