The main ingredient of pasta is flour, typically a semolina flour made from durum wheat. This flour gives pasta its characteristic texture and structure. To prepare pasta, the flour is usually mixed with water and sometimes eggs to form a dough, which can be rolled and shaped into various forms such as spaghetti, penne, or lasagna. The dough is then extruded or cut and typically cooked in boiling water until al dente. Traditional Italian pasta-making emphasizes using high-quality ingredients, and the variety in shapes and sauces allows for a wide range of culinary creativity.