10 Best Pasta Cookbooks 2026 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.

'Anything's Pastable: 81 Inventive Pasta Recipes for Saucy People' is a well-sized cookbook offering a solid collection of 81 pasta recipes, which should appeal to those looking to explore pasta beyond the basics. With 288 pages, it provides a good variety to suit different tastes and occasions. The title suggests a fun, creative approach, making it enjoyable for home cooks who want to experiment with new pasta dishes.

The variety and inventive recipes imply it can cater to both beginners and more adventurous cooks. Ingredient accessibility is probably average; most pasta recipes use common ingredients, but some inventive twists might call for specialty items, which could be a slight challenge for some. The physical size and weight of the book suggest it’s a substantial cookbook, and being published by William Morrow Cookbooks adds to its credibility.

This cookbook represents a fun, creative choice for pasta lovers eager to try new recipes, balancing accessibility with a bit of culinary adventure.