Celebrate World Pasta Day and Don’t Be Alfredo to Try Something New

When it comes to pasta, the possibilities are endless: spaghetti, ravioli, penne, lasagne, cannelloni—the list goes on. Whether you’re twirling your fork into a plate of fresh spaghetti or diving into a comforting dish of lasagne, there’s no denying that the Italians really knew what they were doing when they created this carby masterpiece. 

This World Pasta Day, why not celebrate in true Italian style? Imagine a day filled with the aroma of simmering sauces and freshly rolled dough. Whether you're slow-cooking a hearty ragu like they do in Bologna or delicately crafting homemade ravioli just as you might find in the heart of Tuscany, it's about embracing the authenticity and traditions that make pasta so special. Take the time to enjoy each step—from kneading the dough to tasting the rich, comforting flavours that pasta brings. Or, gather your family and friends for a meal that celebrates this Italian treasure, because nothing brings people together quite like a steaming bowl of fresh, homemade pasta.

A Brief History of Pasta

The origins of Italian pasta are steeped in centuries of tradition and delicious myth. While some stories claim that Marco Polo introduced pasta to Italy from China, historians largely agree that pasta was being made in Italy long before that. In fact, traces of an ancient pasta-like dish were found in the region of Sicily, dating back to the 12th century! However, it was the Italians who truly mastered the art of pasta, turning it into the beloved food we know today.

Pasta quickly became a staple of the Italian diet, especially in the southern regions, where the sun-drenched wheat fields provided the perfect conditions for producing durum wheat—the key ingredient in many types of pasta. From the bustling markets of Naples to the winding cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, pasta has long been a symbol of comfort, community, and Italian heritage.

Each region has its own specialities, from the delicate strands of spaghetti in Rome to the filled pasta like ravioli and tortellini found in the northern regions. Traditional Italian pasta dishes are a reflection of local ingredients and family recipes passed down through generations, making every plate a celebration of Italy’s rich food history.

So next time you sit down to enjoy a bowl of pasta, know that you’re part of a time-honoured tradition that stretches back hundreds of years—bringing people together, one delicious bite at a time.

Celebrating World Pasta Day

World Pasta Day is the perfect occasion for every pasta lover to celebrate their favourite comfort food. Established in 1998, this annual event shines a spotlight on the versatility and joy that pasta brings to tables all around the world. Whether it's the rich history of Italian pasta or the creative fusion dishes found in modern kitchens, World Pasta Day is a global nod to this humble yet iconic food. It’s a day to appreciate not only the classic dishes we all know and love, but also the endless possibilities pasta offers. 

If you love pasta as much as we do, here are some fun ways to celebrate World Pasta Day:

• Cook Your Favourite Pasta Dish
  Whether it's a traditional Italian recipe or a modern twist, nothing beats homemade pasta. Try your hand at making fresh pasta from scratch or go with a tried-and-true classic like spaghetti bolognese.
   
• Host a Pasta Party
  Invite your fellow pasta lovers for a dinner party where everyone can bring their favourite pasta dish. Think lasagne, penne arrabbiata, or ravioli—everyone gets to share a plate of their favourite carb-filled delight.
   
• Try a New Recipe
  Step out of your comfort zone and experiment with a new pasta dish. Ever tried making stuffed cannelloni or a creamy carbonara? World Pasta Day is the perfect excuse to get creative in the kitchen.
   
• Learn the Art of Pasta Making
  If you’re feeling adventurous, why not attend a pasta-making class? It’s a fun way to learn the techniques behind crafting fresh pasta dough, shaping it into different varieties, and pairing it with the perfect sauce.
   
• Pasta Tasting Night
  Set up a pasta tasting with different shapes and sauces. Explore the variety of flavours and textures that different pasta types bring to the table. Perfect for discovering new favourites!
   
• Gift Pasta Themed Goodies
  Surprise a fellow pasta lover with pasta gifts like unique pasta shapes, gourmet sauces, or a pasta-making kit. It's a thoughtful way to share your love of pasta and keep the celebration going.

Join a Pasta Workshop Experience

Are you a whiz in the kitchen, loving any opportunity to whip up a lasagna from scratch that would make an Italian nonna weep with pride? Or is cooking dried pasta the pinnacle of your culinary expertise—especially when you somehow end up with enough to feed the entire neighbourhood? (Seriously, is there a secret formula for measuring pasta, or do we just keep guessing?)

Whether you're already a pasta maestro or someone whose cooking usually results in more ‘pasta-mistakes’ than pasta perfection, our London Pasta Workshop is here to save the day. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to make fresh pasta from scratch—yes, actual pasta, not just opening a packet and hoping for the best. You’ll master everything from mixing and kneading dough like a pro to shaping everything from tagliatelle to delicate ravioli, using expert techniques taught by seasoned chefs.

And the best part? You get to eat your creations without the guilt of having enough leftovers for the next week. It's one of the best gifts for pasta lovers, cooking novices, and anyone who’s ever stared at a pile of spaghetti and thought, "Is this too much? Nah..."

So, why not trade in that dried pasta guesswork for a fun, floury adventure? Grab your apron and join us for the ultimate pasta making class—because nothing says molto bene like mastering the art of homemade pasta!

Top Tips for Cooking Pasta Like a Pro

Cooking pasta might seem simple, but if you want to make the best pasta that will truly impress your dinner guests, there are a few tricks of the trade you should know. Whether you’re just starting out or you're already confident in the kitchen, these tips will help you elevate your pasta game and ensure every dish is packed with flavour.

1. Use plenty of water: When making pasta, use a large pot of water to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick together. A good rule of thumb is 1 litre of water per 100g of pasta.
    
2. Salt the water generously: Don’t skip this step! Adding salt to the boiling water is crucial for enhancing the taste of the pasta. It should be as salty as the sea, as the pasta absorbs the salt while it cooks, giving you a more flavourful base for your dish.
    
3. Don’t overcook: The perfect pasta should be al dente, meaning it still has a slight bite to it. Follow the recommended cooking time on the package, but taste test a few minutes before it’s done to avoid overcooking.
    
4. Save some pasta water: Before draining your pasta, always save a cup of that precious pasta water. The starchy liquid can be added to your sauce to help bind it to the pasta, creating a smoother and creamier texture that makes your dish look and taste more professional.
    
5. Don’t rinse the pasta: After draining, never rinse your pasta with water! The starch on the surface is key for helping the sauce cling to the pasta. Rinsing washes away that natural goodness and makes it harder for the sauce to stick.
    
6. Toss with sauce immediately: For the best results, toss your hot pasta directly into the sauce as soon as it’s drained. This allows the pasta to absorb the flavours and ensures every bite is perfectly coated.
    
7. Finish cooking in the sauce: If you want to achieve restaurant-quality pasta, finish cooking the pasta in the sauce for the last minute or two. This helps the pasta soak up the flavours of the sauce, giving you a dish that’s fully integrated and bursting with flavour.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to cooking the best pasta that not only satisfies but also impresses anyone who sits at your table.

Pasta Making Tools You Need

If you’re serious about making pasta from scratch, having the right tools can make all the difference. While pasta can be simple, having the proper equipment ensures your creations turn out restaurant-worthy. Here are some must-have tools to help you on your pasta-making journey:

• Pasta Machine: A pasta machine is a game-changer for rolling out dough evenly and achieving the perfect thickness for various pasta shapes like fettuccine or lasagne sheets. Hand-rolling is great, but a machine will save time and effort, giving you that authentic Italian feel.
   
• Rolling Pin: For those who prefer a more traditional approach, a large, smooth rolling pin is essential. It’s perfect for flattening dough for ravioli or tortellini if you’re not using a pasta machine.
   
• Pasta Cutter or Wheel: Whether you’re making ravioli, tagliatelle, or pappardelle, a pasta cutter or a fluted pastry wheel is great for cutting your dough into uniform strips or giving your ravioli that beautiful crimped edge.
   
• Dough Scraper: A handy tool for kneading and cutting your dough. It’s also great for keeping your workspace clean by scraping away flour and dough bits.
   
• Ravioli Mould: If you’re planning to make homemade ravioli, a ravioli mould can be a lifesaver. It ensures each piece is the same size and helps create those perfectly filled little pillows of pasta.
   
• Drying Rack: For long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine, a drying rack is ideal. It prevents the strands from sticking together and helps them dry evenly before cooking.
   
• Pasta Fork or Tongs: These are essential for tossing your cooked pasta with sauce, ensuring every strand or piece is well-coated and ready to serve.
   
• Fine Grater: No pasta dish is complete without a sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan. A fine grater ensures your cheese is light and airy, melting perfectly into your pasta.

With these pasta-making tools in your kitchen, you’ll be well-equipped to craft delicious, fresh pasta that will impress even the most seasoned pasta lover!

Pairing Pasta With Wine

Pairing pasta with the perfect wine can elevate your meal from delicious to unforgettable. The key is finding the right balance between the flavours of the dish and the wine, complementing everything from the sauce to the pasta itself. Whether you're enjoying a classic Italian meal or experimenting with new pasta dishes, here are some perfect pairings to inspire any pasta lover:

Spaghetti Bolognese & Chianti
The rich, meaty sauce of a classic spaghetti bolognese pairs beautifully with a robust red wine like Chianti. The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the ragu, while its earthy notes enhance the flavours of the slow-cooked meat.

Penne Arrabbiata & Zinfandel
Spicy tomato-based sauces like penne arrabbiata need a wine that can stand up to the heat. A bold red Zinfandel, with its fruity and peppery notes, is the perfect complement, adding depth to the dish without overwhelming the spice.

Linguine with Clams & Pinot Grigio
Light, seafood-based pasta dishes like linguine with clams pair beautifully with a crisp, refreshing white wine like Pinot Grigio. The wine’s citrusy acidity enhances the briny sweetness of the clams, making every bite feel like a summer day on the Amalfi Coast.

Fettuccine Alfredo & Chardonnay
The creamy, buttery sauce of fettuccine Alfredo works best with an oaked Chardonnay. The wine’s rich, full-bodied flavour complements the creaminess of the sauce, while its acidity balances the richness of the dish.

Ravioli with Sage Butter & Sauvignon Blanc
A delicate dish like ravioli in sage butter sauce needs a wine that won’t overpower its subtle flavours. A Sauvignon Blanc, with its light, zesty character, is the perfect match, cutting through the richness of the butter while complementing the herbal notes of the sage.

Lasagne & Sangiovese
The hearty layers of a classic lasagne—filled with meat, cheese, and rich tomato sauce—pair well with a medium-bodied red like Sangiovese. Its balanced acidity and cherry undertones enhance the bold flavours of the lasagne without overpowering them.

Take It Up a Notch With a Wine Pairing Experience

For a truly special way to celebrate pasta and wine, why not treat yourself to the Corrigan’s wine pairing menu? At Corrigan’s, you’ll enjoy an expertly curated menu where each course is perfectly paired with the finest wines. It’s the ideal way for any pasta lover to explore the intricacies of wine pairing while indulging in a gourmet meal. Whether you’re dining on a rich pasta dish or something more adventurous, this experience is guaranteed to elevate your understanding of how wine enhances every bite.

Interesting Pasta Facts

Pasta has a fascinating history filled with quirky facts that are sure to intrigue any pasta lover. Whether you’re curious about where your favourite dish comes from or just love a good food fact, these pasta tidbits will make you appreciate this iconic staple even more!

There are over 600 types of pasta
From familiar shapes like spaghetti and penne to more obscure varieties like strozzapreti and orecchiette, pasta’s versatility is remarkable. Each shape is designed to work with specific sauces, creating an endless variety of dishes to enjoy.

The average Italian eats 23 kg of pasta per year
Italians are true pasta aficionados, consuming more pasta per capita than any other country. That’s about 60 grams of pasta every day, demonstrating just how essential it is to their diet!

Pasta wasn’t always paired with tomato sauce
Before the 16th century, pasta was served with ingredients like olive oil, cheese, and herbs. Tomatoes didn’t become a staple in Italian cuisine until they were introduced from the Americas, forever changing how pasta is enjoyed.

Spaghetti is the world’s favourite pasta
Long, thin spaghetti is the most popular pasta shape across the globe. It’s perfectly suited for a wide range of sauces, which is why it’s a go-to for classic dishes like spaghetti bolognese and carbonara.

October 25th is World Pasta Day
Pasta lovers from around the world celebrate this day by cooking up their favourite pasta dishes. Whether you stick to traditional Italian recipes or experiment with new sauces and shapes, it’s the perfect excuse to indulge in your love for pasta.

The world's longest pasta strand was over 3,776 metres long
In 2010, a pasta strand was made in Japan that broke the Guinness World Record for length. Stretching more than 12,000 feet, this pasta creation was an extraordinary culinary feat!

Pasta isn’t fattening
Despite its reputation, pasta can be part of a balanced diet. When eaten in moderation and paired with healthy sauces made from vegetables, lean proteins, and olive oil, pasta is a nutritious meal enjoyed by many in the Mediterranean diet.

Whether you're a seasoned pasta lover or just beginning to explore the world of Italian cuisine, World Pasta Day is the perfect opportunity to indulge in this timeless dish. From experimenting with new recipes to mastering the art of homemade pasta, there are endless ways to celebrate. For foodies who love to get hands-on in the kitchen, pasta-making experiences and classes make fantastic foodie gifts, allowing them to take their passion to the next level.

So, whether you’re enjoying a quiet meal with family or hosting a pasta party with friends, remember that pasta isn’t just food—it’s an experience. Buon appetito!