October is National Pasta Month, and at Bettolino Kitchen, your neighborhood Italian restaurant in Redondo Beach, we’re celebrating one of Italy’s greatest treasures: fresh, handmade pasta. Pasta is at the heart of what we do, and we’re excited to share 10 fun facts that will make you love it even more.
1. Pasta is ancient.
While many believe Marco Polo brought pasta from China, history shows Italians were already enjoying pasta well before his travels—making it a cornerstone of Italian cuisine for centuries.
2. There are more than 350 pasta shapes.
Italy has a pasta for every mood—rigatoni, gnocchi, farfalle, and more. Each one is crafted to pair with a specific sauce, which is why our chefs at Bettolino carefully match pasta shapes with sauces to create the perfect bite.
3. Sauce and shape matter.
Spaghetti shines with light tomato or olive oil sauces, while ridged pastas like rigatoni hold on to rich ragùs. That’s why our Redondo Beach pasta specials always feature the perfect pairing.
4. Pasta was once eaten by hand.
Before forks, pasta was scooped up with fingers or spoons. Luckily, modern dining at Bettolino Kitchen makes things a little easier (and a lot more delicious).
5. “Al dente” is the gold standard.
“Al dente” means “to the tooth.” Pasta cooked this way is firm, never mushy—just how we prepare it in our kitchen.
6. Pasta is so important, it’s protected by law in Italy.
Italian food standards even regulate the ingredients in dried pasta, keeping tradition and quality alive.
7. Pasta can be part of a healthy lifestyle.
When paired with vegetables, olive oil, and lean proteins, pasta fits beautifully into a Mediterranean diet—something we embrace at our Italian restaurant in the South Bay.
8. Spaghetti is the global favorite.
Out of all the pasta shapes, spaghetti is the world’s most loved. But here in Redondo Beach, our guests also rave about our handmade tagliatelle, gnocchi, and tortelloni.
9. Pasta has its own holiday.
In addition to National Pasta Month, World Pasta Day is celebrated globally on October 25th. It’s the perfect excuse to stop by Bettolino and celebrate with us.
10. Bettolino pasta is handmade daily.
At Bettolino Kitchen, we craft our pasta fresh every day using traditional Italian techniques. It’s our way of bringing the flavors of Italy straight to Redondo Beach diners who want authentic, unforgettable meals.
✨ Celebrate National Pasta Month in Redondo Beach!
Join us at Bettolino Kitchen this October for our National Pasta Month specials, featuring seasonal ingredients, handmade pasta, and the authentic taste of Italy right here in the South Bay.
Reserve your table today and discover why Bettolino is a favorite for anyone searching for the best Italian restaurant in Redondo Beach.
