Tomorrow is National Pasta Day, so we’re reminiscing about the Italian staple that’s become standard in the UK.


Many historians credit Marco Polo with introducing pasta to Italy after discovering it on his travels to China in 1271.

Chef Peter Sidwell runs a pasta making masterclass at Taste Cumbria in CockermouthChef Peter Sidwell runs a pasta making masterclass at Taste Cumbria in Cockermouth (Image: Tom Kay)

However, records suggest that it was already a staple in Italy long before Marco Polo returned from the Far East. For instance, in 1279, an Italian named Ponzio Bastone mentioned a bin filled with macaroni in his will, bequeathing it to his heirs.

Chef Peter Sidwell taught Rebecca Stirling how to cook pasta for her family on a budget at RhegedChef Peter Sidwell taught Rebecca Stirling how to cook pasta for her family on a budget at Rheged (Image: Louise Porter)

Additionally, ancient Romans were already making a form of pasta using flour and water, further debunking the myth that pasta originated from Polo’s travels.

Children make chocolate ravioli at a 'Kids Kitchen with Peter Sidwell' at RhegedChildren make chocolate ravioli at a 'Kids Kitchen with Peter Sidwell' at Rheged (Image: Newsquest)
It made its way to North America thanks to Thomas Jefferson. During his time in Europe as the American Ambassador to France, Jefferson likely visited Naples, where he first tasted pasta.

Whitehaven School student Josh Lowery found maggots in his pastaWhitehaven School student Josh Lowery found maggots in his pasta (Image: Newsquest)

When he returned to America in 1789, he brought back crates of macaroni and a pasta-making machine. However, pasta didn’t become widely available in North America until the 19th century, when a wave of Italian immigrants arrived, bringing with them the tradition of dried pasta and commercialising its production.

Darren Fox cooking pasta with the Nancollis family at their home in EgremontDarren Fox cooking pasta with the Nancollis family at their home in Egremont (Image: Newsquest)
One of the early pasta manufacturers in North America was the Canelli family, who migrated from Italy in 1845. By 1867, they were selling pasta on the streets of Montreal, helping to establish pasta as a household staple across the continent.

Amie Meloy tucks into a Slimming World chicken and pasta meal that helped her lose ten stoneAmie Meloy tucks into a Slimming World chicken and pasta meal that helped her lose ten stone (Image: Newsquest)

Pasta's popularity stems from its versatility and ease of preparation. With just a few pantry staples like olive oil, onion, garlic, basil and tomato, you can whip up a quick and delicious sauce.

Thursby School pupil Rohan Anderson, nine, with sausage, pasta and vegetables in National School Meals WeekThursby School pupil Rohan Anderson, nine, with sausage, pasta and vegetables in National School Meals Week (Image: Newsquest)

Pasta’s neutral flavour allows it to pair perfectly with almost anything and it is the ultimate family meal, as it can be made in large quantities and has a comforting quality that brings people together.

Year eight pupil Leah Waughman cooking pasta with sauce in the Future Chef Competition at Trinity School, CarlisleYear eight pupil Leah Waughman cooking pasta with sauce in the Future Chef Competition at Trinity School, Carlisle (Image: Newsquest)
To mark National Pasta Day, people are encouraged to invite friends and family over and make their favourite pasta dish, or look at the many recipes online for new pasta to try.
The foodstuff is so popular that October is celebrated as Pasta Month, culminating in the global festivities of World Pasta Day on October 25.