The History of Pasta

Early Automation

The introduction of rudimentary pasta machines in the early 17th century marked a significant shift in pasta production. These machines, first used in Naples, allowed pasta to transition from a labor-intensive food associated with the nobility to a staple for the lower classes 1. By the 18th century, pasta had become so widespread that it was no longer a luxury item.

Cutting and shaping pasta was time consuming, but it was also something that was ripe for automation.

--- Gary Arndt

The automation of pasta production not only democratized its consumption but also paved the way for its global spread, with Thomas Jefferson introducing it to the United States 2.

   

Industrial Scale

The industrialization of pasta production in the 19th century further revolutionized its consumption. Mechanized flour milling reduced costs, making pasta affordable for almost everyone 1. This period also saw the first written recipe for pasta with tomato sauce in 1790, and the publication of the spaghetti and meatballs recipe in 1844.

Pasta manufacturing became industrialized. Flour milling became mechanized, which further reduced the cost of flour and made pasta even cheaper.

--- Gary Arndt

The migration of Italians to the United States and South America played a crucial role in popularizing pasta, similar to the spread of pizza in the 20th century 1.