Your Pasta Sucks: A Cookbook

"Matteo Lane is a liar. In the pages of Your Pasta Sucks, he repeats that he has no business writing a cookbook, all while masterfully (and hilariously) weaving an intricate tale of food and family and schooling the reader in the flavors, traditions, and techniques of Rome, Sicily, and his own Italian-American kitchen."--Katie Parla, author of Food of the Italian Islands

Your pasta sucks, but it doesn't have to. Matteo Lane, the comedian behind The Al Dente Special on Hulu, shows you how in his bestselling book of 30 delicious recipes and laugh-out-loud stories.

Organized by the most important places and people in his life--from Chicago and New York to Rome and Sicily--comedian, actor, and YouTube sensation Matteo Lane's first cookbook features recipes rooted in serious pasta knowledge but presented with his signature snarky and sassy wit. Turn these pages to find:

• A conversational recipe (definitely not an argument) with his bestie Nick Smith on their versions of Mac and Cheese.
• A short rant over the validity of "alfredo" that turns into a delicious recipe for Penna alla Vodka.
• Matteo's foolproof Homemade Pasta recipe.
• Lots of hardworking, handy tips--like a treatise on how to not f*ck up your pasta--so you can learn while you laugh.

And that's not all--the book's jacket folds out into a centerfold-style poster that redefines "saucy"!

For fans of Matteo Lane or readers looking for a humorous take on Italian culture, Your Pasta Sucks will satisfy all.

HILARIOUS CELEBRITY COOKBOOK: Matteo Lane is a force: Named one of Variety's Top Ten Comics to Watch, he performs for sold-out crowds all over the world. On his popular YouTube channel, Matteo guides viewers through his favorite simple dishes and regales them with hilarious asides. Fans always ask for written recipes, and this deliciously funny Italian cookbook is answering their call.

A SNARKY LOVE LETTER TO ITALIAN CULTURE: From a guide to how to order coffee in Rome to an ode to Matteo's favorite pasta personalities, a silly list of things you'll find in a nonna's house, and much more--this cookbook is more than just a collection of delicious Italian recipes.

Perfect for:

• Fans of Matteo Lane and his standup comedy
• People looking for books that celebrate Italian and Italian American culture
• Supporters of LGBTQIA+ content creators
• Fans of Italian cooking and food-centric entertainers like The Pasta Queen
• Foodies looking for a unique present for a housewarming, birthday, holiday, or host/hostess gift

Author: Matteo Lane,J. J. Goode
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Published: 04/01/2025
Pages: 176
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.76lbs
Size: 10.22h x 7.65w x 0.92d
ISBN: 9781797229560


Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 04/01/2025 pg. 44
Publishers Weekly 04/07/2025

About the Author
Matteo Lane is a multifaceted talent known for his unique blend of stand-up comedy, musical prowess, and artistic versatility. Lane's journey has taken him from his hometown of Chicago to New York City comedy clubs to sold-out performances across the globe, including at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. He's entertained millions with his sharp wit, vibrant storytelling, and cultural observations. He will soon premiere his first stand-up special on Hulu and Disney+ internationally.

Previously named one of Variety's "10 Comics to Watch" and described by The Advocate as "bold and unflinchingly genuine," Lane tackles a wide range of topics, from his experiences as a gay man to hilarious insights about everyday life. Onscreen, his credits include the Amazon Original film Upgraded, the Netflix series Survival of the Thickest (opposite Michelle Buteau), the feature film Molli and Max in the Future, which premiered at SXSW, and Netflix's all-queer stand-up special Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution.

Fluent in five languages and with a singing range of six octaves, Lane lived in Italy as an oil painter and classically trained opera singer before starting his comedy career. He is now based in New York City.