Pasta has been a favored family food for countless years – so long that many people often question where exactly pasta came from. As seen in our timeline below, pasta has been eaten by many different cultures through a large number of time periods. Still utilized in all different cuisines today, there’s no question that pasta has stood the test of time!
Origin
Although popular legend claims Marco Polo introduced pasta to Italy following his exploration of the Far East in the late 13th century, pasta can be traced back as far as the 4th century B.C., where an Etruscan tomb showed a group of natives making what appears to be pasta.
Greek mythology
Greek mythology suggests that the Greek god Vulcan invented a device that made strings of dough – the first spaghetti!
The New World
Pasta made its way to the New World through the English, who discovered it while touring Italy. Colonists brought to America the English practice of cooking noodles at least one-half hour, then smothering them with cream sauce and cheese.
Industrial Production
The first industrial pasta factory in America was built in Brooklyn in 1848 by a Frenchman who spread his spaghetti strands on the roof to dry in the sunshine.
Pasta production expanded in the 19th century and pasta makers popped up across the country.
Today
Today, pasta remains a family favorite and is produced in countless shapes and sizes, with wheat, veggie, and gluten-free options all available.
