Pasta bowls comes in a variety of sizes, colors, styles
and even prices. They are not all the same and rightly so.
Did you know Italian pasta bowls do not necessarily have
to be from Italy? Although for truly authentic ones, you
would want to get ones which are made in Italy.
You may or may not have a specific kind
of bowl in mind. This is when it is helpful to find one
place that offers a wide variety of selections. Some pasta
bowls are made right here in North America, while others
are made in Italy and imported in, as noted above.
From hand painted traditional bowls, country
classic designs, or modern styles from name brand chefs,
there is a bowl suitable for any kitchen.
Where to Find Pasta
bowls?
I've been using pasta bowls for awhile,
and thanks to Amazon
and their numerous suppliers, you can view nearly every
possible type of pasta bowl or pasta bowl set right on their
website. I give a breakdown below of the various types of
pasta bowls.
Do Pasta Bowls Make
Good Gifts?
Yes! Pasta bowls make excellent gifts for
the holidays, bridal showers, weddings, birthdays, and of
course Mother's Day!
Decorative bowls like these make wonderful
presentations, whether used for a dish of pasta, or to hold
fresh fruit such as apples, peaches or grapes.
Are
All Pasta Bowls the Same?
The answer is no. There are
a wide variety of styles, colors, and sizes.
If looking for a gift for someone, you might
even consider a nice serving bowl if purchasing
a full set is not an option.
Remember, you do not have to
buy a bowl from Italy to have an Italian pasta
bowl. There are many reputable companies that
create beautiful dinnerware pieces.
Most handpainted bowls are
however from the Umbria region of Italy are
handmade and authentically Italian. I explain
a bit more below.
Italian Styles: They may or
may not be made in Italy - but the theme
and style is definitely visible.
Made in Italy: These are well...
made in Italy. Most of these will be hand
painted. This means that an actual artisan
worked on your specific bowl. It was hand
crafted from start to finish. There is no
greater way to bring Italy into your own
home. A popular region in Italy which makes
hand crafted bowls is called Umbria.
Classic country styles: Brands
like Mikassa come to mind, with their classic
white bowls which will naturally match any
kitchen design. Some have nice wide rims
- similar to what you would find at a restaurant.
Modern and sleek bold colors:
Emile
Henry
is a perfect example for this category.
They offer white, blue, red, green - you
name it.
Individual bowls: You do not
have to buy a set. You can buy them individually.
Some companies will set entire sets, while
others do not. I have found most of the
hand painted bowls are sold individually.
To view the best selling pasta
bowls at Amazon, visit
here.
You will find a wonderful variety to choose
from. To search for a specific style or brand,
just do a search when you reach Amazon and you
will find it!
What Else
are Pasta Bowls Used For?
Pasta
You use them in a variety of ways. Pasta being
the most obvious - long such as spaghetti or short
- it doesn't matter. If using a large serving
bowl, you simply place a little bit of sauce on
the bottom of the bowl then add in the pasta.
Give a good toss to coat evenly. This keeps the
pasta from becoming one sticky mess when it comes
time to serve.
Soups
Alternatively, you can use it as you would a soup
bowl. Perfect for minestrone or even Italian wedding
soup (both of which I have recipes for in my recipe
box page). Don't forget to serve with some fresh
Artisan bread!
Salads
The list doesn't stop there. Don't forget your
salads. By the way, if looking to spruce up a
boring green leaf salad, rub the sides of the
bowl with some fresh garlic and then top the salad
with freshly grated Italian cheese (Romano or
Parmesan). Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar
and you are all set!
Gifts
If you are looking for a gift for a friend or
loved one, you simply cannot go wrong with a pasta
bowl set. Sets usually include 4-6 bowls plus
a serving bowl. Make sure to read the details
so you know what you are exactly getting. Whether
for Christmas, a birthday, anniversary, or wedding,
these are perfect choices.
How Much
Do They Cost?
Pasta bowls can range from $10
up past $100. Generally, the more unique hand
painted ones will cost more, but it also depends
on the company.
They are sometimes sold individually,
while others can be bought as a set. Make sure
to check if the price is for a full set or just
one piece.
I have found Amazon to have the
best selection and best
prices online.
Some suppliers offer free shipping, while others
offer discounts. Happy shopping!
Pasta bowls comes in a variety of sizes, colors, styles
and even prices. They are not all the same and rightly so.
Did you know Italian pasta bowls do not necessarily have
to be from Italy? Although for truly authentic ones, you
would want to get ones which are made in Italy. 
and their numerous suppliers, you can view nearly every
possible type of pasta bowl or pasta bowl set right on their
website. I give a breakdown below of the various types of
pasta bowls.
and the various styles:
