National Pasta Day, celebrated every year on October 17, is the highlight of National Pasta Month, a time when pasta lovers across America celebrate their favorite comfort food. From a simple bowl of spaghetti tossed with olive oil and garlic to a bubbling pan of baked ziti, pasta proves that the best meals often start with just a few humble ingredients.
Pasta is so quick, versatile, and endlessly satisfying — a dish that feels at home on any table. And for those who can’t get enough, World Pasta Day follows soon after on October 25, giving fans around the globe another reason to twirl their forks in celebration.
If you are wondering which one of these two pasta days is bigger and more celebrated, here’s the answer: World Pasta Day is a bit bigger, at least based on how popular their hashtag is on social media. On Instagram, the hashtag #NationalPastaDay has been used 80,000 times, whereas #WorldPastaDay has been used in 106,000 posts.
🍝 If you are interested in learning about all days pasta, we have a separate post with all the various pasta-themed holidays you can enjoy!
When is National Pasta Day celebrated?
If pasta had its way, every day would be a celebration—but October 17 proudly holds the title of National Pasta Day. Mark your calendar for the upcoming dates and get ready to enjoy your favorite pasta dishes year after year:
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | October 17, Saturday |
| 2027 | October 17, Sunday |
| 2028 | October 17, Tuesday |
| 2029 | October 17, Wednesday |
| 2030 | October 17, Thursday |
History of Pasta
The story of pasta stretches across civilizations. Long before Marco Polo’s travels, noodle-like foods were already being made in China around 3000 B.C., and evidence of similar preparations existed in the Middle East and Mediterranean. In Italy, archaeologists have found pasta-making tools in Etruscan tombs dating to the 4th century B.C., showing that early Italians were already mastering the art.
Pasta became a true staple in 17th-century Naples, when the invention of the mechanical press allowed mass production. It reached the United States with Italian immigrants, and the country’s first industrial pasta factory opened in Brooklyn in 1848.
Fun Facts About Pasta
Pasta’s long history and popularity make it a food worth celebrating. Here are some fun facts to savor on #NationalPastaDay:
- There are over 600 different shapes of pasta, ranging from well-known ones like spaghetti and penne to less common varieties like strozzapreti and orecchiette.
- In Italy, each region often has its own preferred pasta shape and sauce combination.
- The average Italian consumes over 50 pounds of pasta per year, compared to the global average of around 15 pounds!
- Pasta is surprisingly healthy! It’s rich in complex carbohydrates and, when paired with vegetables, olive oil, and lean proteins, forms the foundation of a balanced Mediterranean-style diet.
Ways to Celebrate National Pasta Day
There are plenty of delicious ways to enjoy National Pasta Day. If you’re in the mood for something traditional, you could cook up a classic dish like spaghetti with marinara sauce. Hosting a pasta party is also a fun way to share your love for pasta—set up a pasta bar where guests can mix and match different noodles, sauces, and toppings. If relaxation is more your style, visit an Italian restaurant and let the experts serve up their finest creations. However you choose to celebrate, just remember—on National Pasta Day, the only wrong way to enjoy pasta is with an empty plate!
📝 This article was originally published on September 10, 2024. It has been thoroughly updated, and the publishing date has been changed to reflect the new version.
