Pasta entrees make up one of every four Prepared Entrees. MenuMine, a service of Foodservice Research Institute, analyzed 15,000 prepared entrees from foodservice operations and was able to identify nine major food platforms, led by Pasta Platforms (30% share).

Within Pasta Platforms, Macaroni & Cheese, Spaghetti, Lasagna and Fettuccine are the leading menu item types. Within Protein Platforms (with 24% of total items) Chicken Parmesan, Shrimp Scampi and Teriyaki lead the way. Dough / Crust Platforms (17% share) are dominated by Burritos, Fajitas and Enchiladas. Other Platforms include Rice Platforms (8%), Vegetable Platforms (7%), Noodle Platforms (5%), Chili Platforms (4%), Stew Platforms (3%), and Stuffed Entree Platforms (2%). Almost three of every four prepared entrees (73%) include a protein, but only 24% are considered to actually be Protein Platforms. Thus Mac & Cheese with beef is a Pasta Platform.