Pasta provides a high amount of energy from Carbohydrates. Enduranace athletes sometimes will "carb load" before a big race or event. Its suggested that these carbs will keep their energy levels high as to finish the event strong. Your body typically will burn carbs before buring fat.
IMO I wouldn't eat pasta before a workout, unless you are planning on running for a long period of time or doing any kind of endurace workout, again for a long period of time. However if the calories from the pasta fit into your daily caloric and macro-nutrient (carbs, proteins, and fats) means then its not going to hurt.