Abstract: A short cut pasta treatment process utilizes a steamer (13) for steam treating short cut pasta products after extrusion and before handling. The steamer has a housing (14) in which pipes (23) with nozzles (24) are disposed, both above and below an endless belt conveyor (21) which passes through the housing. "Green" pasta is carried by the conveyor through the housing, exposing the pasta to live steam. The pasta is steam treated for a time sufficient to partially gelatinize and cook the pasta product, which reduces tackiness and strengthens the product to limit breakage. Air is then drawn by the pasta by a pair of fans (25) to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta, allowing the partially cooked pasta to be handled and stored without agglomeration. Utilizing the short cut pasta steaming process allows automation of the packaging and conveying system for producing a short cut product without requiring a costly and time consuming drying operation.

Abstract: A short cut pasta treatment apparatus utilizes a steamer (13) for steam treating short cut pasta products after extrusion and before handling. The steamer has a housing (14) in which pipes (23) with nozzles (24) are disposed, both above and below an endless belt conveyor (21) which passes through the housing. "Green" pasta is carried by the conveyor through the housing, exposing the pasta to live steam. The pasta is steam treated for a time sufficient to partially gelatinize and cook the pasta product, which reduces tackiness and strengthens the product to limit breakage. Air is then drawn by the pasta by a pair of fans (25) to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta, allowing the partially cooked pasta to be handled and stored without agglomeration. The pasta product is then transported by a conveyor (28) to metering means.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for automatically preparing and processing a precise portion of pasta at precise temperatures with fluid agitation. Uniform lengths and portions of pasta dough are extruded into an individual portion-sized cup disposed on a conveyor. Each cup includes a precise number of drain holes which maintain a full liquid level as water is added to the cup. The extruded pasta is precooked in the cup as the cup passes beneath a plurality of hot water jets which provide precise temperature control for optimum cooking, with the water velocity providing fluid agitation to prevent sticking or damage to the pasta. The precooked pasta is then cooled and rinsed by passage beneath another series of spray nozzles, treated with a flavor liquor containing flavor-enhancing ingredients, such as salt or parsley flakes, and treated with oil to prevent excessive agglutination and product loss. The precooked product is then emptied from the cup into an individually sized package for later use by the customer.