Contents
Discover the ultimate culinary delight with our list of the 10 best pasta cookbooks. Whether you’re a home cook or a seasoned chef, these books offer a treasure trove of pasta recipes that celebrate Italy’s iconic dish. From traditional techniques to innovative twists, these cookbooks will elevate your pasta-making skills and inspire delicious meals.
1. Pasta Grannies: The Official Cookbook
“Pasta Grannies: The Official Cookbook” by Vicki Bennison, winner of the James Beard Award, captures the essence of traditional Italian cooking through the cherished recipes of grandmothers.
Based on the popular YouTube series, this cookbook offers an array of authentic pasta dishes from across Italy, showcasing recipes like hand-rolled pici and cinnamon-scented lumachelle della duchessa.
Each recipe reflects the love and skill of these grandmothers, who use simple ingredients to create flavorful, comforting meals. This book not only provides delicious recipes but also honors the rich culinary heritage and personal stories of Italy’s beloved nonnas.
- Publisher : Quadrille; Illustrated edition (October 29, 2019)
- Hardcover : 256 pages
- Dimensions : 7.7 x 1.3 x 10 inches
2. American Sfoglino
“American Sfoglino” by Evan Funke is a celebrated cookbook for mastering handmade Italian pasta. It offers detailed, step-by-step instructions for crafting traditional pasta shapes like pappardelle and tortelloni, using only basic ingredients and rolling techniques.
With award-winning photography by Eric Wolfinger, the book showcases both the beauty and complexity of Italian pasta-making.
Funke, an expert in Italian cuisine, shares his Emilia Romagna training and authentic recipes, including sauces and broths. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned cooks, it’s a comprehensive guide to creating exceptional homemade pasta.
- Publisher : Chronicle Books; Illustrated edition (September 24, 2019)
- Hardcover : 272 pages
- Dimensions : 8.85 x 1.1 x 10.85 inches
3. The Pasta Man
“The Pasta Man: The Art of Making Spectacular Pasta” by Mateo Zielonka introduces a world of visually stunning pasta creations. Zielonka, renowned for his striking pasta designs, shares his techniques for making vibrant, artistic pasta shapes using natural colors.
The book offers step-by-step instructions for crafting a variety of pasta, from striped and spotted to filled varieties like ravioli and tortellini.
With 40 recipes and beautiful photography, this guide helps both beginners and experienced cooks create pasta that is not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes.
- Publisher : Quadrille (June 8, 2021)
- Hardcover : 160 pages
- Dimensions : 7.2 x 0.95 x 9.15 inches
4. Pasta, Pretty Please
“Pasta, Pretty Please” by Linda Miller Nicholson introduces a vibrant world of handmade pasta using natural colors from vegetables, herbs, and superfoods.
This cookbook offers 25 dough recipes, 33 shaping techniques, and guides for creating dazzling pasta designs like rainbow cavatelli and polka dot farfalle.
Starting with basic doughs, Nicholson explains how to use ingredients like turmeric and activated charcoal to achieve various colors, and provides tips for keeping pasta bright when cooked.
With additional recipes for sauces and fillings, the book transforms pasta-making into a colorful, artistic adventure.
- Publisher : William Morrow Cookbooks (October 16, 2018)
- Hardcover : 288 pages
- Dimensions : 7.38 x 1.13 x 9.12 inches
5. Danny Loves Pasta
“Danny Loves Pasta” by Danny Freeman is a delightful cookbook dedicated to creating visually stunning and delicious fresh pasta.
Freeman shares techniques for making colorful pasta using simple ingredients like flour, eggs, beets, and spinach, with no special equipment required. The book includes 8 easy dough recipes, including vegan and gluten-free options, and offers 17 natural coloring methods.
It provides instructions for 14 traditional and 17 new pasta shapes, such as Tagliatelle and Rose Ravioli, and features 25 inventive fillings and sauces. This guide helps you craft unique pasta dishes with endless creative possibilities.
- Publisher : DK (June 27, 2023)
- Hardcover : 240 pages
- Dimensions : 7.69 x 1.03 x 9.19 inches
6. Mastering Pasta
“Mastering Pasta” by Marc Vetri is a comprehensive guide to handmade pasta, gnocchi, and risotto. After years of research and culinary exploration, Vetri shares his extensive knowledge in this detailed cookbook, offering over 100 recipes.
The book includes more than thirty pasta dough recipes, ranging from versatile egg yolk to flavored varieties, and covers techniques for creating both traditional and innovative pasta shapes.
Vetri also provides expert tips on cooking, saucing, and storing pasta, along with insights into the science of flour for perfect texture. This definitive guide is essential for any pasta enthusiast.
- Publisher : Ten Speed Press (March 17, 2015)
- Hardcover : 272 pages
- Dimensions : 8.8 x 0.92 x 9.8 inches
7. The Pasta Queen
In “The Pasta Queen: A Just Gorgeous Cookbook,” TikTok sensation Nadia Caterina Munno shares over 100 authentic Italian pasta recipes and personal stories.
Known as The Pasta Queen, Munno combines her viral social media fame with deep culinary expertise to offer a mix of traditional and unique dishes, including Pasta Al Limone and her signature Assassin’s Spaghetti.
The cookbook features vibrant photography and tales from Italy, providing a colorful exploration of Italian cuisine and Munno’s life. With detailed cooking techniques and heartwarming narratives, this book is a celebration of pasta and Italian culture.
- Publisher : Gallery Books (November 8, 2022)
- Hardcover : 288 pages
- Dimensions : 7.38 x 1 x 9.13 inches
8. Pasta
“Pasta: The Spirit and Craft of Italy’s Greatest Food” by Missy Robbins and Talia Baiocchi offers a comprehensive guide to pasta making from one of New York City’s top chefs.
Featuring recipes for 40 handmade pasta shapes and 100 dishes spanning Italian American, regional Italian, and modern styles, this cookbook combines expert techniques with rich culinary history.
Robbins shares her deep passion for pasta, honed through years of study and successful restaurants like Lilia and Misi. The book includes detailed step-by-step instructions, beautiful photographs, and insights into the art of pasta, making it an essential resource for home cooks.
- Publisher : Ten Speed Press (October 26, 2021)
- Hardcover : 416 pages
- Dimensions : 8 x 1.5 x 10.8 inches
9. Pasta: The Ultimate Cookbook
“Pasta: The Ultimate Cookbook” by Serena Cosmo is an extensive guide for mastering pasta and noodle dishes from around the world.
With over 300 recipes, including Italian and Asian cuisines, this book covers everything from pasta and soups to stir-fries, sauces, and desserts. It provides easy-to-follow instructions for making handmade pasta and noodles, accommodating various dietary needs.
Additional features include a guide to essential kitchen equipment, a history of pasta and noodles, and a glossary of cooking terms. Suitable for all skill levels, this cookbook is a valuable addition to any culinary collection.
- Publisher : Cider Mill Press; Illustrated edition (October 24, 2017)
- Hardcover : 800 pages
- Dimensions : 7.6 x 1.82 x 10.81 inches
10. Fresh Pasta at Home
“Fresh Pasta at Home” by America’s Test Kitchen is a comprehensive guide to making homemade pasta using various methods, from hand-crank machines to rolling pins.
It includes over 100 recipes and detailed instructions for crafting more than a dozen types of dough, including options for eggs, semolina, whole grains, and gluten-free flours.
The book covers a wide range of pasta, including strand, hand-shaped, stuffed, and baked varieties. With step-by-step photos and clear guidance, it helps both beginners and experienced cooks create perfect pasta dishes and pair them with delicious sauces.
- Publisher : America’s Test Kitchen (December 6, 2022)
- Paperback : 272 pages
- Dimensions : 7.94 x 0.69 x 9.63 inches
Incorporating recipes from these top 10 pasta cookbooks into your kitchen repertoire will transform your pasta dishes. Each book brings unique techniques and flavors, making it easier to create restaurant-quality pasta at home. Embrace these culinary gems and enjoy a rich variety of pasta creations that will impress family and friends alike.
