The invention is directed to a method of producing a dried pasta from low
protein flour and to the dried pasta produced from the low protein flour.
Low protein flour and water are blended to produce a pasta dough with a
moisture content of about 25 to about 45 percent. The low protein flour
has a protein level less than about 10 percent and the pasta dough does
not contain significant amounts of a texture enhancing agent. The pasta
dough is extruded into a desired pasta shape. The desired pasta shape is
dried at a temperature of at least 75.degree. C. and a relative humidity
of at least about 70 percent for a time sufficient to produce a dried
pasta with a finished moisture content of about 8 to about 13 percent.
The dried pasta is produced has a textural firmness, after cooking, of
about 12 to about 21 kgf (kilograms shear force).