1. Base: Pizza has a flat, leavened wheat dough base, while pasta comes in various shapes made from extruded unleavened dough.
2. Cooking: Pizza is typically baked at high heat, while pasta is boiled in water before being tossed in sauce.
3. Texture: Pizza dough is chewy with a crispy crust, while pasta can range from al dente (firm to the bite) to soft.
4. Ingredients: Pizza dough uses all-purpose flour and yeast, while pasta often uses semolina flour for a different texture.
5. Serving: Pizza is cut into slices and eaten with hands, while pasta is served with a fork and spoon, often with a separate sauce
6. Main Course vs. Side: While both can be filling, pizza is usually considered a main course, while pasta can be a side dish or base for a larger meal
7. Origin: Pizza has roots in Naples, Italy, while pasta has a longer history across the Mediterranean.
8. Variations: Both have endless variations, but pizza toppings typically go on top, while pasta sauces are often mixed in.
9. Global Popularity: Both are loved worldwide, but pizza might have a slight edge in terms of sheer reach and variety of styles.
10. Classification: Simply put, pizza is a savory flatbread, while pasta is a type of noodle.