Which generation is leading the charge in Italian pasta mastery?

A new survey by pasta manufacturer Barilla reveals that Generation Z displays superior knowledge of traditional Italian pasta preparation compared to baby boomers. The survey highlights significant differences in cooking techniques across age groups.

The Parma, Italy-based company’s research shows that 56% of Gen Z respondents understand the importance of salting pasta water, while only 33% of baby boomers incorporate this essential step. Millennials fall between the two groups, with 51% following this fundamental practice.

“No matter how spectacular the sauce is, if you do not salt the water enough, the pasta will be bland and, therefore, the whole dish will be bland. Your pasta cooking water should taste almost as salty as the sea,” Chef Silvia Colloca told the Sydney Morning Herald. Barilla recommends adding four teaspoons of salt per gallon of boiling water.

Chef Colloca insists that real Italians add salt to pasta water “by the fistful.” She said, “This is because salt is actually part of your overall “seasoning.”"

The survey also identified olive oil usage as another point of contention. Despite Barilla’s guidance against adding oil to pasta water, 65% of boomers continue this practice, while approximately half of Gen Z cooks avoid this misstep. “If you do, the oil will float to the top, rendering it completely useless, then when you drain your pasta, the oil coating will prevent the sauce from adhering properly,” Colloca explained.

The proper handling of spaghetti represents another departure from Italian culinary tradition among older generations. The study found that 62% of baby boomers consider breaking spaghetti in half acceptable, compared to 45% of Gen Z cooks. 

Barilla’s experts emphasize that pasta length serves a crucial function: “The length of the pasta plays a critical role in how it interacts with the sauce. Longer strands enhance sauce retention, creating a more flavorful and cohesive bite.”

Colloca recommends a simpler approach to prevent pasta from sticking” together: “The only way to stop pasta from sticking together is to boil it in plenty of salted water, making sure you stir as you drop it in and a few times as it cooks.”

Professional chefs note that spaghetti selection itself warrants consideration. They advise that the popular pasta shape may be too thin for heartier sauces, suggesting that dishes like Bolognese pair better with thicker varieties such as tagliatelle.