How to Save Money on Pasta This National Pasta Day

What is National Pasta Day?

National Pasta Day celebrates one of the world’s most beloved foods... pasta! From Italian restaurants to grocery store aisles, you’ll find discounts and promotions that make it easy to indulge without overspending. The holiday highlights every shape and sauce, from Penne and Pesto to Linguine and Marinara.

A Brief History of Pasta

While pasta is most closely associated with Italy, its roots trace back thousands of years. Historians believe early forms of pasta were enjoyed in ancient civilizations like Greece and China, long before it became a staple of Italian cuisine. By the 13th century, pasta had become a key part of the Mediterranean diet. Italian immigrants later brought their beloved recipes to the U.S., where pasta evolved into an American comfort food favorite, including everything from hearty spaghetti dinners to mac and cheese.

How to Maximize Your Pasta Savings

Few foods are as comforting, or as affordable, as pasta. It’s a pantry staple that stretches your grocery budget, stores easily and can be turned into a meal in minutes. It’s also one of our favorite ways to save at the supermarket without sacrificing flavor. If you’re looking to maximize your pasta savings, here’s how:

• Buy in bulk. Dry pasta keeps for years, so stock up during store sales or warehouse discounts.

• Try store brands. Many private-label pastas taste just as good as name brands for a fraction of the cost.

• Watch for rewards offers. Join loyalty programs at stores like Kroger or restaurants like Olive Garden to earn points toward free meals.

• Plan around promotions. Pasta Day isn’t the only time to save. Stores offer Italian-food markdowns around holidays like Christmas, Valentine’s Day or Easter.

2025 Restaurant Pasta Deals

Whether you’re dining out or ordering in, these pasta deals are worth checking out. Just be sure to verify with your local restaurant, as offers often vary by location!

“If you’re dining out, sign up for restaurant loyalty programs before National Pasta Day,” advises Lia Berman, savings analyst at CouponCabin. “Places like Olive Garden and Carrabba’s often send members early access coupons or free appetizer codes that don’t appear on public menus. Those small perks can turn one night out into multiple meals’ worth of value.”

• Buca di Beppo. Get family-style pasta for less at Buca di Beppo. Their National Pasta Day specials often include half-off select entrees or buy-one-get-one pasta dishes.

• Carrabba’s. Score a deal on classics like Fettuccine Alfredo or Spaghetti and Meatballs. Currently, customers can get an offer for a free appetizer when they sign up for a membership.

• Maggiano’s Little Italy. Known for its large servings, you can get double portions of your favorite entrees for a lower price at Maggiano’s. The restaurant is also advertising two courses starting at just $20.

• Noodles & Company. This year, Noodles & Company customers can get Delicious Duos starting at $9.95. That means you’ll get any small entree plus a protein of your choice for a discounted price.

• Olive Garden. Celebrate with the Never-Ending Pasta Bowl, where you can enjoy endless servings of pasta, sauces and toppings starting at just $13.99.

2025 Grocery Pasta Deals

If you’d rather celebrate National Pasta Day from the comfort of your own kitchen, now’s a great time to stock up on pasta staples. Many grocery stores are offering discounts on noodles, sauces and pantry essentials. Here are some of the best promotions:

• Amazon. Shop Amazon’s grocery section for bulk pasta deals and subscribe-and-save options. Amazon coupons can cut even more off your grocery bill.

• Kroger. Check your Kroger app for digital coupons on store-brand pasta and marinara. Combine store rewards with coupons for extra savings.

• Target. Look for BOGO 50%-off deals on Barilla, Rao’s and Good & Gather pasta and sauces, as these brands are commonly on sale.

• Walmart. Walmart’s Rollbacks often feature discounts on pantry pasta favorites like Barilla, Ronzoni and Great Value brands. You can usually find markdowns on sauces, cheeses and meal kits, too.

“Prices on pasta and sauce ingredients often drop by as much as 20% during October’s food-holiday promotions,” says Sarah Williams, veteran savings analyst. “That makes it the ideal time to stock up on shelf-stable favorites like spaghetti, penne and marinara. You’ll save even more if you pair those grocery discounts with store rewards.”