Gluten-free pasta recipes and advice 
I'm new to the world of fresh pasta but loving it so far. I'm looking for recipes and methods to add to my repertoire and boost my confidence. Here's …

Where to buy Italian sausage in Lausanne Switzerland? 
Hi Matt, Do you know where to buy Italian sausage in Lausanne, Switzerland? Thank you, Barbara.

Where can I get spare parts for a Pastamatic 1400 pasta maker? 
Hi Matt, My mum bought me a Pastamatic 1400 pasta machine in Italy several years ago. She carried it all the way back to Melbourne, Australia where …

Is the Imperia SP150 pasta machine the same as Cucina Pro's Imperia 150? 
Dear Matt. Do you know if the Imperia SP150 ( review ) is the same as the Cucina Pro Imperia 150 sold on Amazon.com? I noticed for the Cucina …

Making macaroni with a pasta machine: are different brand attachments interchangeable? 
Hi Matt, I've got the Marcato Atlas 150 which is over 10 years old (7 settings versus 9) and want to make macaroni. I can't find an attachment but …

Slimy ravioli 
Can I bake frozen raviolis to prevent them from turning slimy? Thanks for your help, Rita.

Cheese ravioli for Christmas Eve? 
Would you feel making cheese ravioli for Christmas Eve is too heavy? Seeing as I have all kinds of fried & stuffed fish... we are Italian and usually …

Should I rinse pasta? 
When I was a child and even as a young adult, my mother would RINSE off the hot pasta after she boiled it in hot water, using cold water! Then I heard …

I am making lasagna for 30, bolognese sauce frozen, how soon can I assemble 
I made bolognese sauce and froze it. Now I have a party on Saturday night for 35 people. Can I defrost the sauce, cook my lasagna noodles, and make …

Serving spaghetti squash to diabetics? 
I want to make Spaghetti Squash. What I need to know is this: what is the glycemic index, carbohydrate and sugar content of spaghetti squash? I will …

Replacing tomato paste to make fresh red pasta 
Saluti- I am getting ready to make your 'red' pasta for a Christmas gift. I've already made the green , and am making the little farfalle , to present …

Long-lost grandmother's recipes... braciole and frappe cookies 
Hey Matt - I'm looking for an Italian recipe my grandmother used to make - called broscholl (spelling?) - which was thin meat wrapped with string. …

Need pasta sauce recipe for lobster ravioli 
Hi Matt - I need a recipe for a sauce to serve over lobster-stuffed ravioli. I don't want to use the normal heavy spaghetti sauce. Thanks. …

Flour for pasta, pastry and cakes in France 
Hi Matt, I live in France and find it difficult to buy flour for pasta, pastry and cakes. Can you please advise me on what flour to buy? Many thanks, …

Where can I buy trottole pasta? 
Hi Matt, I am looking to purchase 'trottole' pasta and I don't know where to go to purchase it. I need enough to make pasta salad for 400 people. …

Thickness of pasta using Kitchen Aid pasta machine 
Hi, I have a Kitchen Aid pasta machine and would like to know at what number I should be turning the knob to for fettuni, lasagna, ravioli and angel …

How to make nice and simple organic pasta for cancer patient (my hubby) 
I've never cooked in my life so please teach me in a simple and understandable way..... Jeanie. Reply: Hi Jeanie. I'm very sorry to hear about …

Soupy seafood pasta recipe... ? 
Hi Matt, I had a soupy seafood pasta lunch at Omars in Ashland Oregon. The dish had shrimp, clams, steamer clams, scallops, chunks of lobster and crab, …

Do you know where to find pinci or pici pasta? 
Hi Matt - it's from the Tuscany region, about the size of a pencil and not hollow. I can't find it and wondered if it goes by a different name? …

Crossword Poser: ribbon-like strip of pasta? 
This is for a crossword. So far I have got ??o?l? . The clue asks for a 'ribbon-like strip of pasta'. Answer: Okay, I'm fundamentally rubbish …

What is Salad Macaroni? 
I have a recipe that calls for salad macaroni. What is Salad Macaroni? I've never heard of it! Thanks for your time. Answer: Good question! …

What is Ring Macaroni? 
Hi Matt, Please can you tell me what Ring Macaroni is? Thank you. Answer: Hi Mickey, Yes indeed, it simply refers to really small 'ring' …

Where can I buy computer pasta shapes? 
Hello, While surfing the internet, I once saw some tri-colored pasta shaped as computers. Now I am throwing a birthday party for my computer engineer …

3" Pasta Sheets 
I'm looking for the name of a square pasta sheet, 3in by 3in?

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Vegetarian pasta recipes for lent? 
Hi Matt, Could you give me some recipes for lent that have pasta and vegetables with some sauce, but without meat? I am tired of having grilled cheese …

What's the difference between cannelloni and manicotti? 
Hi Matt, Can you tell me the difference between cannelloni pasta and manacotti? Are they interchangeable? Thanks, Carol.

What are pine nuts? 
What is pine nut Matt?

What is a bread with cooked pasta in it called? 
While growing up my family baked a bread with cooked pasta in it. I think it was during Easter. Can you help me find out what it's called? I am dying …

How do I make alfredo sauce? 
I am making some fresh spinach portabella and goat cheese ravioli. Do you think alfredo will go well with it? This is my first time making it. Usually …

What's the expression used when the pasta strands stick together? 
I want to know what's the word in English which means when the pasta strands stick together?

Rice alternative for soups and risotto 
I read somewhere that there is a pasta which can be used as an alternative to rice for risotto and soups. Please could you name it for me?

Traditional Ligurian pesto pasta recipe 
This pesto pasta recipe sounds so good to me, I just have to try it. However, I'd like to know if I can effectively increase the ingredients to …

Italian 00 flour 
I'm using a fresh pasta recipe that calls for Italian 00 flour or strong bread flour, but i can't find it in my local stores. Can I use flour for …

Cooking pasta ahead of time 
I know pasta is better when cooked right before serving, but I'm having 8 guests for dinner and chose to prepare Italian Sausage Ragu with Penne Pasta. …

Pasta homework - design a pasta dish 
My homework 4 school is to design a pasta dish (don't make it) but how do you even start to think of how to make up your pasta dish? Thanks x

What is pasta made from? 
Hey Matt, Could you tell me... what are the differing types of pasta made from and where do the ingredients originate?

Best Pasta Roller? 
Hi Matthew! I would love to start making my own lasagna noodles. I don't have a pasta roller machine yet but am considering buying one. I have a …

Calories in pasta: is it healthy? 
My wife has recently started calorie counting just about everything. She loves Italian food but is worried about the calories in pasta. I would go as far …

Why do some flours produce a pasta that clumps together when boiling and sinks to the bottom of the pot? 
Hi, I have experimented with different kinds of flour (soft wheat bakers flour, hard red winter, spring wheat flour) for producing pasta and the results …

Substitute for red wine 
We do not drink wine. Is there a substitute I can use for it?

Which are real low budget recipes? 
Matt, Can you recommend some low budget recipes? I have 4 people to feed, and less money is really better.

What's the difference between pasta and noodles? 
I am SO confused! What is the difference between a piece or shape of pasta - like penne for example - and a noodle? I always thought noodles were only …

Freezing pesto sauce 
Hi there, I have just made your rocket and walnut pesto , which THANKS is delightful! Alas I have made heaps and was wondering is this OK to freeze? …

Questions about making bolognese sauce 
Hi - would u please be kind enough 2 advise me on this bolognese sauce recipe ? I'll be using 3kg of mince and 6 tins of whole peeled tomatoes. …

Wholemeal flour for pasta 
I'm a beginner wanting to make pasta from fresh eggs. But I'm not quite clear yet from your site blog about flour types. It seems as though specialised …

How to make pasta 
Hi, I lost my recipe instructions for my Simac pasta machine. Maybe you can help me with the recipe? My grandson's birthdy is today and he would …

Mystery dish - fried potatoes sprinkled with sugar? 
A very dear elderly gentleman is looking for something his mother made out of mashed potatoes which were fried and then sprinkled with sugar. I am …

When making ravioli with the Atlas 150 ravioli attachment, how do I... 
Hello, I was wondering if you could help? I found a Marcato Multipast pasta machine set for $5 at a yard sale, new in the box. I tried it today …

Difference between bucatini and rigate penne pasta? 
What is the difference between bucatini pasta and rigate penne pasta? I have about 5 pounds of penne and want to use it instead of bucatini. Is …

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Diabetic-friendly pasta 
There is a Quinoa brand of pasta, made from corn flour and quinoa flour. Tastes great, but a bit pricey. I have been experimenting making my own blend …

Do different pasta shapes taste different? 
Hi - I want to know if different shapes of pasta have different tastes? (I mean the pasta itself not with the sauce.) For example, is the taste of …

Crespelle or vente crochante Italian cookies 
Hi, sorry if this is the wrong site for this question, but I found these Italian cookies called crespelle at one Italian deli near me (Manhattan), and …

Pasta sauce for small cafe 
Hi.....my name is Nishant from India. I ran a cafe in the local city market and wish to introduce pasta in the menu. I have tried the basic tomato …

Which pasta maker should I buy to make all kinds of shapes? 
Thanks for sharing your knowledge Matt. I am keen to buy a pasta maker to make all kinds of shapes. Would you be able to recommend the best place …

'Little Eyes' clam spaghetti sauce 
I saw on a cooking channel a lady cooking in a large skillet: olive oil, anchovies, baby clam and other ingredients which I did not see or hear as my phone …

Which is better - dried or fresh pici pasta? 
Hi - I want to recreate a dish we had in Tuscany. Can I use dried pici and will it be as good as fresh? Should I substitute the dried pici for fresh …

Italian recipe with thin meat wrapped with string? 
Hi Matt - my mother in law makes this thing she calls a bojouli which is thin steak with cheese and seasonings rolled up and tied with string, then soaked …

The real boiling time for orecchiette pasta? 
All the recipes I have checked state that I should follow the directions on the package. The problem... the packet only states to "boil the orecchiette …

Looking for a recipe that calls for bird nest pasta (made in France) 
This recipe is made of vegetables and is coiled in the bird's nest pasta. Can you help? Response: Tricky one Twilla, do you have any more details …

Which small pasta type looks like rice? 
Hi Matt, What is the name of the pasta that looks like small, flat, oval grains of rice? Stan. Response : Well Stan, I'm afraid it's not as …

What wine to use when making bolognese sauce - is merlot ok? 
Matt, first I really want to thank you for sharing your heart with Italian food lovers. I am grateful. In your bolognese sauce recipe you said …

Storing homemade pasta 
Hello, I would like to know about storing leftover homemade pasta. Once I make the shapes and they are still uncooked, how can I store it into portions …

How do you make penne alla diavola? 
I just would like to know how to make this dish, I had it in an Italian restaurant and am making it in school next week. Isn't just pasta chicken …

What is your favorite pasta Matt? 
Hi Matt, What is your favorite pasta? I just wanted to know cos I like your videos and your site. Thanks! David Response: Hi David …

Name the Italian tomato sauce for seafood pasta 
I would like to know the actual name of the tomato sauce used for seafood pasta. Thank you Matt. Response: Hi Rita and thanks for the question. …

Pasta cooking - when should I start timing it? 
Hi Matt - a quick question for you. When I'm pasta cooking, if I'm using packet pasta, when do I start timing it (as per the packet's recommendation)? …

Freezing eggplant parmesan 
Hi Matt - I made too much eggplant parmesan and hate to waste it. It is already cooked in sauce. Can I freeze it? Response: Absolutely, we do …

Spaghetti with a hole inside 
Hi Matt - I need to know the name of the pasta that is like spaghetti but it looks like long straws.. there is a hole actually inside the spaghetti. …

Cheesy problem with bechamel sauce  
Hi, When I add grated 'parmigiano reggiano' (parmesan cheese) to the milk/flour mix of my bechamel sauce , it won't dissolve. It simply remains grated …

Pasta cookbook for Christmas Italian gift hamper? 
Hello, we have a business in Christmas presents. For an English client I am looking for a small, cheap paperback Italian or pasta cookbook. This will …

What pasta type goes best with ragu? 
I am cooking an eggplant and roasted pepper ragu. What kind of pasta would you recommend for a thick sauce like this? Thank you! Answer: Hey …

Where can ring macaroni be purchased? 
My Mom used to make a delicious chicken salad with ring macaroni (Creamettes, I believe, was the brand) but I have been unable to find it in Idaho. …

Pasta thicker than thick spaghetti? 
I need a type of pasta that's shaped like spaghetti but thicker than thick spaghetti. Any advice? Reply: Sure thing... a couple of variations …

Pasta cooking, is this safe? 
I'm currently cooking some tube pasta and some metal fell in it after the lid to the pot broke. This lid is about a year old and a small rubber washer, …

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Where to buy pappardelle pasta? 
I can't seem to find 'pappardelle' pasta anywhere. If I do, where would it be located in the stores? Thank you! Answer: Hi Sherrye - wide …

P for Prosciutto, P for... (penne alla vodka) 
Hi Matt, This will likely come as a bit of a strange question, however I am actually inquiring about the taste of prosciutto. My wife and I live …

Wheat free pasta 
Hi, What types of wheat-free pasta exist and where can I buy these? Answer: In terms of pasta types Chris, lots of different shapes etc. are …

Pasta taste differences... 
Do spaghetti, linguine, and 'angel hair' pasta taste the same? Answer: In theory the answer is yes, as these names refer to the 'form' or shape of …

Different sizes of bucatini 
I am looking for the different sizes that bucatini come in. I want to make a timbale but can't find the correct size bucatini? The very small and large …

Bolognese sauce questions 
Lovely site - I'm inspired! Just back from England where an Italian relative cooked divine pasta. Two questions about your bolognese sauce recipe : …

Is veggie pasta good for you? 
Hi Matt, Is vegetable pasta good for you? Answer: Well the answer is, "it depends!". Not so much on the type of veg, but more how you cook it. …

Pasta machine's stainless steel tray is for what? 
My pasta maker came with a small stainless steel tray. What is this for? Answer: Good question Sarah. Which pasta machine did you buy - was it …

What do you mean by minced beef? 
You mention "minced beef" in some of your recipes. I thought minced beef was fine chopped cooked beef? Please clarify this so I can make the recipes as …

Sauces for cannelloni pasta 
Hi Matt, What sauce goes best on cannelloni pasta? Thanks! Answer: Well there isn't one particular sauce - you have a choice. Certainly however …

Which Montepulciano Italian wine should I go for? 
Hi Matt, I'm planning a dinner party at which I'll serve two beef lasagne. I'm sure I've read somewhere on this site (on maybe your Pastastic newsletter?) …

Can I make farfalle with wine? How? 
I want to know a great recipe with wine and how much to use please! Answer: Hi Manuel, There are several meaty pasta sauces on my site that …

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