Crossword Genius

As far as 'B for Bucatini' (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pasta

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'b for bucatini' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'as far' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'as' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'pta' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'as' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pasta that I've seen before include "Italian foodstuff" , "shells, perhaps" , "Eg, spaghetti" , "Fusilli, penne etc" , "Fusilli, conchiglie and penne" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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