10 Best Pasta Cookbooks 2025 in the United States

Pasta: The Essential New Collection from the Master of Italian Cookery is a well-rounded cookbook suited for home cooks who want to explore traditional and authentic Italian pasta dishes. With 224 pages, it offers a solid variety of recipes that range from simple to more advanced, making it accessible for beginners and enjoyable for those with some cooking experience.

The book benefits from being authored by a recognized expert in Italian cuisine, which adds credibility and trust to the recipes and techniques presented. The physical size and weight imply it’s a substantial book with a good number of recipes and possibly helpful illustrations or photos, contributing to its visual appeal.

This cookbook is a solid choice for anyone eager to deepen their pasta-making skills with authentic recipes from a respected Italian cookery master.

'Mastering Pasta: The Art and Practice of Handmade Pasta, Gnocchi, and Risotto' is a comprehensive cookbook aimed at enthusiasts wanting to delve into the world of homemade pasta. With its 272 pages, it offers a wide variety of recipes that cover not just pasta but also gnocchi and risotto, making it ideal for someone looking to expand their Italian cooking repertoire.

The book is authored by Marc Vetri, a renowned chef, which adds a layer of credibility and expertise. The hardcover edition is sturdy and the dimensions are quite manageable for kitchen use. Weighing 2.65 pounds, it is a bit heavy but this could be indicative of its rich content and quality print material. The visual appeal is another strong point, with well-photographed dishes that make the recipes inviting and easier to follow.

Some ingredients might not be easily accessible to everyone, particularly those who do not have access to specialty stores. The book assumes a certain level of skill, so it might be more suitable for intermediate to advanced cooks rather than absolute beginners. Despite lacking special features like interactive content or QR codes for video tutorials, 'Mastering Pasta' remains a valuable addition to any kitchen for those serious about mastering the art of homemade pasta.

'Pasta Grannies: The Official Cookbook' is a delightful choice for those interested in authentic Italian home cooking. One of its main strengths is the expertise behind the recipes, as it is based on the wisdom of Italy's best home cooks. This adds a layer of authenticity and tradition to the dishes featured in the book. The skill level required for these recipes ranges from beginner to intermediate, making it accessible for most home cooks, while still offering some challenges for those looking to improve their skills.

The variety of recipes is impressive, covering a wide array of pasta dishes, so you won't quickly run out of new things to try. Ingredients accessibility is another plus; most of the ingredients used in the recipes are common and easy to find, either in local supermarkets or specialty stores. Visual appeal is also a highlight, with beautiful photographs that not only make the dishes look appetizing but also serve as a helpful guide for what the end result should look like.

The book includes personal stories and tips from the grannies, which adds a charming and personal touch. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The book's size and weight make it a bit cumbersome to use in the kitchen, especially if you have limited counter space. Additionally, while the personal stories add charm, some readers might prefer more recipe content instead. 'Pasta Grannies: The Official Cookbook' is a wonderful addition to any kitchen, especially for those who appreciate traditional Italian cooking and enjoy a personal touch in their cookbooks.