National Spaghetti Day and Awesome Spaghetti Recipes

National Spaghetti Day falls every year on January 4th!

Ah, spaghetti. Who doesn’t love a big plate of spaghetti?

January 4^th is the day we celebrate National Spaghetti Day and we have Thomas Jefferson to thank for introducing pasta to America in 1789.

It didn’t take long for Americans to incorporate spaghetti into their regular dinner repertoire. In fact, it’s reported that the average American eats a whopping 20 pounds of pasta every year.

“My sisters like cooking at my place. It has a bit more room, and the food tastes a little bit better. A big pot of spaghetti and sauce, some warm French bread — works all the time. I think I’ve been eating pasta for 26 years.” — Tom Brady

And it’s not just at home that spaghetti was enjoyed early on. Restaurants in the US have been offering spaghetti to their customers since the late 19^th century.

Italy, of course, produces more spaghetti than any other country – over 3 tons a year! America is the second largest producer, with Brooklyn being the location of the first factory in America producing spaghetti, back in 1848. 

But it wasn’t an American or an Italian who founded the Brooklyn pasta operation. In fact, it was a French immigrant named Antoine Zerega who, with one horse to power the machinery, opened the plant, which is still operating today under the new ownership of Philadelphia Macaroni, as of May 2020.

Moms Love Spaghetti

Who can name a kid who doesn’t love spaghetti? (If so, let us know in the comments.) 

Health Benefits of Spaghetti

… and why it’s okay to eat a big plate of spaghetti without feeling guilty.

One hundred grams of spaghetti has only 158 calories. (Does that mean I can have seconds?)

Good source of complex carbohydrates, therefore a great source of energy.

Energy isn’t the only benefit of the carbs found in pasta. Our serotonin levels also increase when eating pasta, triggering feelings of happiness and well-being.

“No man is lonely eating spaghetti; it requires so much attention.” — Christopher Morley

Because spaghetti is low in sodium and cholesterol free, so if you need to watch cholesterol levels, pasta is a safe bet to enjoy.

It’s also a great source of folic acid, in fact a serving contains 25% of the recommended daily intake.

“Spaghetti can be eaten most successfully if you inhale it like a vacuum cleaner.” — Sophia Loren

Spaghetti is very affordable and a great way to feed a family on a budget.

Christopher Walken says he loves spaghetti. “I like to cook spaghetti. And I used to eat it every day.“

Bet you didn’t know:

The International Pasta Organization reports that there are over 600 different shapes of pasta produced throughout the world. Check out NonnaBox’s Ultimate List of Types of Pasta.

“I love spaghetti and meatballs… I eat a lot.” — Susan Lucci

QOTD

How do you eat your spaghetti? Spoon & fork? Or just a fork? Or perhaps chopsticks for the brave?? Let us all know and share in the comments section.

5 Awesome Spaghetti Recipes You MUST Try!

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Old World Italian Spaghetti Sauce

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Creamy Three-Cheese Spaghetti

Baked Spaghetti