423 saved#211 of 6,224

National Pasta Day

Celebrate National Pasta Day with delicious dishes like lasagna, spaghetti, and ravioli. Enjoy the perfect comfort food with your family and friends!

Saturday

October 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

Have an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATEOctober 17

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYPasta

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready for a delicious celebration on National Pasta Day, October 17! This day was created to honor the Italian tradition of making pasta by hand. It's believed that the first written record of pasta dates back over 800 years ago in Sicily, and it quickly spread around the world as more people discovered its unique flavor and texture. Today, there are countless varieties of pasta available — from classic favorites like spaghetti and penne to more adventurous shapes such as farfalle and fusilli. So let's get cooking!

TIMELINE

National Pasta Day Timeline

First Written Record of Pasta

In 1154, Arab geographer Al-Idrisi wrote about pasta for the first time during his stay in Sicily.

Pasta Spreads Across Europe

During the 17th century, pasta spread from Italy to other European countries, becoming a staple in many cuisines.

First Pasta Machine Patent

In 1884, Angelo Vitantonio, an Italian immigrant in the US, patented a machine that made pasta production more efficient and widespread.

Pasta Popularity in USA

Post World War II, pasta gained popularity in the United States, being recognized as an inexpensive and versatile dish.

First National Pasta Day

In 1995, the National Pasta Association (U.S) designated October 17th as National Pasta Day to celebrate and promote pasta consumption.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Pasta Day

Make your own pasta

Making your own pasta is a lot of fun and also not as hard as you may think. All you need is flour, eggs, oil, and water. Start by mixing the ingredients together to make the dough, then roll out the dough and cut it into various shapes.

Go out for pasta night

Plan a special night out with friends or family to celebrate National Pasta Day. Head to your favorite Italian restaurant for dinner and enjoy all the delicious pasta dishes they have to offer.

CREATE

Create a pasta-themed dish

Whether you like lasagna, spaghetti, ravioli, or macaroni and cheese, create a special pasta dish that's all your own. Try adding some unique ingredients or spices to give it your own twist.

HOST

Host a pasta party

Invite some friends over for a fun pasta party. Ask everyone to bring their favorite pasta dish and you can enjoy the spread together! Don't forget to have plenty of bread on hand for those who want seconds.

TAKE

Take a cooking class

Search for cooking classes in your area and sign up for one focused on making homemade pasta dishes. You'll learn so much about creating delicious recipes that will have you celebrating National Pasta Day every day!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Pasta Day

Pasta can be made ahead of time

One of the best things about pasta is that you can make it ahead of time! This means you can prep your meals on the weekend and store them in the fridge or freezer until you're ready to serve. So next time you need to get dinner on the table fast just pull out one of your homemade pasta dishes - easy as that!

Pasta is Delicious

Whether you prefer classic spaghetti or fettuccine alfredo, there's no denying the deliciousness of pasta. It's incredibly versatile and can be used in so many different dishes, making it a great option for those nights when you don't know what to make. Plus, it cooks quickly - which makes it ideal for busy weeknights!

Pasta is Nutritious

When cooked properly, pasta is actually quite nutritious. It's a great source of carbs, as well as essential vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium and selenium. Plus, since it's low in fat, calories and sodium, it can be a healthy choice for those trying to watch their weight or maintain a balanced diet.