October is National Pasta Month – a time to celebrate one of the world’s favorite foods. Established by the National Pasta Association, this month is all about recognizing pasta’s role as a wholesome, affordable, and versatile staple that brings people together.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a slow Sunday dinner, pasta is a mealtime hero. It’s easy to prepare, kid-approved, and pairs perfectly with veggies, lean proteins, and your favorite sauces.

Celebrate by sharing your favorite pasta dishes by tagging @sharethepasta and using #NationalPastaMonth and #SharethePasta.

Looking for fresh inspiration? Discover new recipes, explore pasta trivia, learn how pasta can support a balanced diet, and download helpful resources.

Pasta Trivia & Fun Facts

Pasta lovers, rejoice. In honor of National Pasta Month, we’ve rounded up some fun and surprising trivia about your favorite food. Whether you’re at the dinner table or just chatting with friends, these facts are sure to spark conversation and show off your pasta knowledge.

• Crayola named a crayon color “Macaroni and Cheese” in 1993.
• The word “pasta” comes from the Italian for paste, meaning a combination of flour and water.
• The average Italian eats more than 51 pounds of pasta every year. The average person in North America eats about 15-20 pounds of pasta annually.
• Many people believe that adding oil to the cooking water prevents pasta from sticking together. However, most culinary professionals advise against this as it can prevent the sauce from adhering to the pasta properly.
• The “Pasta Rule” in cooking is 1-10-100 meaning 1 liter of water, 10 grams of salt, 100 grams of pasta.
• Spaghetto is the singular word for spaghetti.
• Al dente pasta not only tastes better, it keeps you full longer. This is because it takes longer to digest al dente pasta than it does overcooked pasta ― thus making you feel full longer.
• Most dried pastas are made with only two ingredients. Semolina flour and water. Fresh pasta, egg noodles, and some dried pasta varieties are made with eggs.
• Uncooked dry pasta can be kept for up to a year.
• One cup of cooked pasta is the size of your fist.
• Pasta can be given to dogs and cats. It’s believed it helps in their growth development and to help keep their coats glossy and healthy.
• Tortellini Legend – an innkeeper in Castelfranco Emilia who is said to have spied on Venus through a keyhole and rolled out pasta in the shape of her navel. This legend is the origin of ombelico di Venere, which translates to “Venus’ navel”.
• The word fusilli is believed to come from the Italian word “fuso” which means spindle. This name likely comes from the traditional method for making fusilli, which involves spinning spaghetti around a rod to create a spiral.
• The name bucatini comes from Italian: buco, meaning “hole”, while bucatomeans “pierced”.
• Many believe the shape of Radiatori pasta is based on the design of a Buggati radiator.

Pasta Recipes to Make This Month

• Orzo Salad with Kale, Beets, and Goat Cheese
• Pasta with Broccoli Peso and Salmon
• 15 Minute Lemon Pepper Pasta with Shrimp
• Healthy Stuffed Shells
• Vegetarian Pho
• Warm Moroccan Spiced Couscous Salad
• Mushroom and Kale Pesto Pasta with Toasted Hazelnuts
• Chickpea and Cauliflower Pasta Soup with Turmeric
• Full Recipe Library

Eat Pasta, Feel Better, Live Well

• Boosts Vegetable Intake
  • Pasta is a perfect way to add more vegetables to your diet‎. Pasta also acts as blank palette for any flavor profile. Use spices, herbs or seasonings for a Mediterranean, Asian, Italian or fusion meal.

• Pasta Makes You Happy
  • A recent study proved what we have known –pasta makes you happy. The study measured 40 participants physical and neurological changes as they ate pasta, and then compared those responses to reactions from listening to their favorite songs or watching a sporting event. They found participants were happiest when eating pasta.

• Pasta Eaters Get More Nutrients
  • Pasta eaters have greater intake of key nutrients like folate, iron, magnesium, dietary fiber and vitamin E than non-pasta eaters. Another study found pasta-eaters had a higher daily consumption of vegetables compared to non-pasta eaters.

• Pasta Provides Energy.
  • Pasta is a complex carbohydrate, so it is absorbed and digested more slowly than simple carbohydrates. This provides excellent energy for physical activity and sports.

National Pasta Month Graphics

• National Pasta Month Instagram Graphic
• National Pasta Month LinkedIn Graphic
• Additional National Pasta Month Graphic
• Celebrate Pasta Instagram Graphic
• Celebrate Pasta LinkedIn Graphic
• Additional Celebrate Pasta Graphic

Pasta Research

• Research Finds that People Who Eat Pasta Have Better Overall Diets
• New Study Shows Mediterranean Diet Preserves Cognitive Function
• Study Finds Pasta Eating Not Associated with Weight Gain