10 Best Pasta Cookbooks: Top Picks for Home Cooks

If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, you know that pasta is a staple dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you prefer spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne, there’s a pasta recipe out there for everyone. But if you’re looking to take your pasta-making skills to the next level, you may want to invest in a good pasta cookbook.

A pasta cookbook can be a great resource for both beginners and experienced cooks. Not only do they provide a wealth of recipes to try, but they can also teach you about different types of pasta, sauces, and cooking techniques. However, with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know which one to choose.

When shopping for a pasta cookbook, it’s important to consider the type of cuisine you’re interested in. Some cookbooks may focus on traditional Italian recipes, while others may explore different regional variations or even fusion dishes. You may also want to consider the level of difficulty of the recipes, as well as the amount of detail provided in the cooking instructions.

Ultimately, the best pasta cookbook for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top options on the market to help you make an informed decision.

Best Pasta Cookbooks

As pasta lovers, we know how important it is to have a collection of reliable recipes that can be easily accessed. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, having a great pasta cookbook can help you master the art of pasta making. After thorough research and testing, we have compiled a list of the best pasta cookbooks that will help you create delicious and authentic pasta dishes right in your own kitchen. From classic Italian dishes to modern twists, these cookbooks are sure to inspire your next pasta creation.

The Pasta Queen Cookbook

For any pasta enthusiast, The Pasta Queen is a must-have cookbook with its delightful recipes and engaging storytelling.

Pros

• Over 100 pasta recipes that are easy to follow and delicious to taste
• The cookbook is beautifully designed with gorgeous photographs and engaging stories
• Recipes are inspired by authentic Italian home cooking, which makes them unique and flavorful

Cons

• The measurements in some recipes are not always accurate, and it can be challenging to get the right balance of ingredients
• Some recipes require specialty ingredients that may be difficult to find in regular grocery stores
• The cookbook is on the pricier side compared to other pasta cookbooks

The Pasta Queen Cookbook is a great addition to any kitchen, especially for those who love to cook pasta dishes. The cookbook is filled with over 100 delicious recipes, ranging from classic pasta dishes to unique and innovative ones. The book is beautifully designed, with stunning photographs and engaging stories that make the reading experience even more enjoyable.

One of the best things about this cookbook is that the recipes are inspired by authentic Italian home cooking, which makes them unique and flavorful. The Pasta Queen has done an excellent job of making the recipes easy to follow, but some measurements are not always accurate, which can make it challenging to get the right balance of ingredients.

Another downside is that some recipes require specialty ingredients that may be challenging to find in regular grocery stores. However, if you’re willing to invest in the ingredients, the results are worth it.

Overall, The Pasta Queen Cookbook is a delightful addition to any pasta lover’s collection, and we highly recommend it.

Pasta: The Spirit and Craft of Italy’s Greatest Food, with Recipes [A Cookbook]

If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to pasta making, Pasta: The Spirit and Craft of Italy’s Greatest Food, with Recipes [A Cookbook] is a great choice.

Pros

• Beautifully written and informative
• Contains many recipes from across Italy
• Includes educational material about pasta

Cons

• May be too technical for some readers
• Contains a lot of historical information about pasta
• Some recipes may require expensive ingredients or a lot of time to prepare

Pasta: The Spirit and Craft of Italy’s Greatest Food, with Recipes [A Cookbook] is a beautifully written book that contains a wealth of information about pasta. It includes many recipes from across Italy and educational material about pasta, making it a great resource for anyone interested in pasta making. However, some readers may find the book to be too technical, and some of the recipes may require expensive ingredients or a lot of time to prepare.

Overall, if you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to pasta making, Pasta: The Spirit and Craft of Italy’s Greatest Food, with Recipes [A Cookbook] is definitely worth checking out.

Fresh Pasta at Home

If you’re a pasta lover looking to make fresh pasta at home, Fresh Pasta at Home is a great option with its variety of doughs, shapes, and recipes.

Pros

• Offers 10 different doughs and 20 shapes to choose from.
• Includes over 100 recipes, both traditional and non-traditional.
• Provides step-by-step instructions, making it easy for beginners to follow along.

Cons

• Some readers have reported errors in the book, such as missing pages or incorrect information.
• Only focuses on Italian pasta, so it may not be suitable for those looking to make other types of noodles.
• Requires a pasta machine for some recipes, so it may not be ideal for those who don’t have one.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to making fresh pasta at home, Fresh Pasta at Home is a great choice. The book includes a wide variety of doughs, shapes, and recipes, making it easy to find something that suits your taste. The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow, making it a great option for beginners. However, some readers have reported errors in the book, and it only focuses on Italian pasta, so it may not be suitable for everyone. Additionally, some recipes require a pasta machine, so it may not be the best option for those who don’t have one.

Homemade Pasta Made Simple

If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to making fresh pasta at home, we recommend Homemade Pasta Made Simple. This cookbook is perfect for beginners and experienced pasta makers alike.

Pros

• The book includes detailed instructions and step-by-step photos for making a variety of pasta shapes, from classic spaghetti to stuffed ravioli.
• There are also plenty of delicious sauce recipes to pair with your homemade pasta, so you can create a complete meal.
• The author provides helpful tips and troubleshooting advice throughout the book to ensure your pasta-making success.

Cons

• Some readers may find the recipes a bit basic and wish for more advanced techniques or flavor combinations.
• The book is focused solely on pasta and does not include recipes for other Italian dishes.
• The measurements are in ounces and inches, which may be confusing for those used to metric units.

If you’re looking to master the art of homemade pasta, Homemade Pasta Made Simple is a great resource to have in your kitchen. With clear instructions, helpful photos, and delicious recipes, you’ll be making fresh pasta like a pro in no time.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this cookbook is a valuable addition to your collection.

Simple Pasta: Pasta Made Easy. Life Made Better. [A Cookbook]

If you’re looking for a pasta cookbook that’s approachable, unpretentious, and beautiful, then Simple Pasta is the perfect choice for you.

Pros

• The book covers every type of pasta making technique, from the basics to advanced techniques.
• The recipes are easy to follow and use simple, wholesome ingredients.
• The book is visually stunning, with beautiful photography and design.

Cons

• The book is relatively new, so there aren’t many reviews available yet.
• The book is hardcover, which can make it difficult to use in the kitchen.
• The book doesn’t include many vegetarian or vegan recipes.

Simple Pasta is a beautiful cookbook that’s perfect for anyone who loves pasta. The book covers every type of pasta making technique, from the basics to advanced techniques, and the recipes are easy to follow and use simple, wholesome ingredients. The book is visually stunning, with beautiful photography and design, making it a great coffee table book as well as a useful cookbook.

However, the book is relatively new, so there aren’t many reviews available yet. Additionally, the book is hardcover, which can make it difficult to use in the kitchen, and it doesn’t include many vegetarian or vegan recipes. Despite these minor drawbacks, we highly recommend Simple Pasta to anyone looking for a beautiful and approachable pasta cookbook.

Overall, Simple Pasta is a great addition to any cookbook collection, and we think you’ll love it as much as we do.

Noodle Worship: Easy Recipes for All the Dishes You Crave from Asian, Italian and American Cuisines

If you’re looking for a cookbook that offers a variety of noodle dishes from different cuisines, Noodle Worship is a great choice.

Pros

• Recipes are easy to follow
• Dishes come out looking like the pictures
• Offers a variety of noodle dishes from different cuisines

Cons

• Recipes may be too basic for some
• Not all dishes may be suitable for those with dietary restrictions
• Some readers may have already tried the recipes from the Noodle Worship Instagram page

Noodle Worship offers a unique take on noodle dishes from different cuisines. The recipes are easy to follow and the dishes come out looking like the pictures, making it a great cookbook for beginners and experienced cooks alike.

However, some readers may find the recipes too basic for their liking. Additionally, not all dishes may be suitable for those with dietary restrictions. Finally, some readers may have already tried the recipes from the Noodle Worship Instagram page, so they may not find the cookbook as exciting as others.

Overall, if you’re looking for a cookbook that offers a variety of noodle dishes from different cuisines, Noodle Worship is definitely worth checking out.

Fresh Pasta Cookbook

If you’re looking for a cookbook that will teach you how to make fresh pasta, we recommend taking a pass on this one. While it has a promising title, it falls short on content and size.

Pros

• Includes a variety of pasta recipes
• Recipes are easy to make
• Compact size makes it easy to store

Cons

• Very small size, only 64 pages
• Does not provide a full introduction into the world of selfmade pasta
• May disappoint those looking for a more comprehensive cookbook

The Fresh Pasta Cookbook by Williams-Sonoma Kitchen has a publication date of October 2, 2018 and a print length of 64 pages. While it does include a variety of pasta recipes that are easy to make, it falls short on content and size. The book is very small, about the quarter size of a regular cookbook, which may disappoint those looking for a more comprehensive cookbook. Additionally, it does not provide a full introduction into the world of selfmade pasta, which may be frustrating for those looking to learn more about the process. However, if you’re simply looking for a compact cookbook with easy-to-follow recipes, this may be a good option for you.

Overall, we recommend checking out other pasta cookbooks before making a purchase. While the Fresh Pasta Cookbook has its pros, it falls short on content and size, which may leave you feeling disappointed.

Pasta Grannies: The Official Cookbook: The Secrets of Italy’s Best Home Cooks

If you’re looking for an authentic Italian pasta cookbook, Pasta Grannies is a great choice.

Pros

• Recipes from real Italian grandmothers
• Beautifully illustrated with photos and stories
• Includes recipes for sauces and homemade pasta

Cons

• Uses European measurements and flours
• Some typos and formatting errors
• Does not include instructions for shaping pasta

Pasta Grannies is a unique cookbook that features recipes from real Italian grandmothers. The book is beautifully illustrated with photos and stories about each of the grandmothers and their recipes. The recipes include traditional sauces and homemade pasta.

One downside to the cookbook is that it uses European measurements and flours, which may be unfamiliar to some readers. Additionally, there are some typos and formatting errors throughout the book. Lastly, the book does not include instructions for shaping pasta.

Overall, if you’re looking for an authentic Italian pasta cookbook and don’t mind a few minor flaws, Pasta Grannies is a great choice.

Mastering Pasta: The Art and Practice of Handmade Pasta, Gnocchi, and Risotto [A Cookbook]

If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to making handmade pasta, gnocchi, and risotto, this cookbook is a great choice. It’s informative, sophisticated, and contains beautiful pictures.

Pros

• Provides great background and history information about pasta-making
• Contains a wide range of recipes for different types of pasta and Italian dishes
• Beautiful hardcover with stunning pictures inside

Cons

• Not very instructional, more recipe-focused
• Some ingredients are described in US terms, but quantities are given in metric and imperial units
• Not suitable for vegans or vegetarians

Mastering Pasta is a great book for anyone looking to learn more about the art of making pasta. The book covers everything from the science behind pasta-making to recipes for different types of pasta and Italian dishes. It’s a comprehensive guide that’s perfect for beginners and experienced pasta chefs alike. The hardcover is beautiful and the pictures inside are stunning, making it a great addition to any cookbook collection.

One of the best things about Mastering Pasta is the background and history information provided about pasta-making. It’s interesting and informative, and helps to give readers a better understanding of the process. The wide range of recipes included in the book is also a huge plus. There are recipes for different types of pasta, as well as Italian dishes like risotto and gnocchi.

However, one downside to the book is that it’s not very instructional. It’s more recipe-focused, so if you’re looking for a step-by-step guide to making pasta, this might not be the best choice. Additionally, some ingredients are described in US terms, but quantities are given in metric and imperial units, which can be confusing. Finally, the book is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians, as many of the recipes contain meat.

The Discovery of Pasta: A History in Ten Dishes

If you’re a pasta lover and want to know more about the history of pasta, The Discovery of Pasta: A History in Ten Dishes is a must-read.

Pros

• Provides an in-depth history of pasta and its evolution
• Features ten delicious pasta recipes to try at home
• Written in an engaging and informative style

Cons

• Not a traditional cookbook with step-by-step recipes
• Some readers may find the history aspect more interesting than the recipes
• Doesn’t cover all types of pasta and recipes

The Discovery of Pasta: A History in Ten Dishes is a fascinating read for anyone interested in the history of pasta. The author provides a detailed look at the evolution of pasta and its cultural significance. The book also includes ten pasta recipes that are easy to follow and delicious.

One of the best things about this book is the author’s writing style. It’s engaging and informative, making it easy to get lost in the history of pasta. The recipes are also a nice touch, allowing readers to try their hand at making some of the dishes discussed in the book.

However, it’s important to note that this isn’t a traditional cookbook with step-by-step recipes. Some readers may find that the history aspect of the book is more interesting than the recipes themselves. Additionally, the book doesn’t cover all types of pasta and recipes, so it may not be the best choice for someone looking for a comprehensive pasta cookbook.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best pasta cookbook, there are a few important factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:

Recipes

One of the most important aspects of any cookbook is the quality and variety of recipes. Look for a cookbook with a wide range of pasta recipes, including classics like spaghetti carbonara and more unique dishes like homemade ravioli. Make sure the recipes are well-written and easy to follow, with clear instructions and ingredient lists.

Techniques and Tips

Another important aspect of a good pasta cookbook is the inclusion of helpful techniques and tips. Look for a cookbook that covers the basics of pasta-making, including how to make fresh pasta from scratch and how to cook dried pasta properly. The cookbook should also include tips for pairing different types of pasta with sauces and other ingredients.

Photography

A well-designed cookbook should also have beautiful photography that showcases the dishes and inspires you to get cooking. Look for a cookbook with high-quality photos that make the dishes look appetizing and give you an idea of what the finished product should look like.

Author Credentials

Finally, consider the credentials of the cookbook’s author. Look for a cookbook written by a chef or other culinary professional with experience making pasta. This will ensure that the recipes and techniques are reliable and well-tested.

Features to Look for in a Pasta Cookbook	Examples
Wide range of recipes	The Pasta Bible by Christian Teubner
Helpful techniques and tips	Mastering Pasta by Marc Vetri
Beautiful photography	The Silver Spoon Pasta by The Silver Spoon Kitchen
Author credentials	The Joy of Pasta by Joe Famularo