I’m not a fan of the “New Year, New You” mindset. It creates pressure to make big changes, and I prefer to set smaller, more attainable goals that bring me joy. Number one on my list for 2026 is embracing pasta night. Growing up half Italian, pasta nights were a given, but now that I’ve moved out on my own, I rarely take the time to cook a proper pasta and meatballs meal. 

So, I’m diving into hosting more pasta nights this year, and I couldn’t have been more thrilled to come across Anthropologie’s hidden pasta night storefront, filled with whimsical, unique cookware and dinnerware accessories to elevate any Italian meal. Below is everything I added to my shopping cart, along with more pasta-making essentials from Amazon, including my favorite pasta strainer, a nonstick ceramic saucepan, quirky pasta bowls, and more, starting at $3.   

Pasta Night Essentials

Das Rotes Rabbit Italian Earthenware Pasta Bowl, $20 at anthropologie.com 
Kitchen Gizmo Snap N’ Strain Silicone Pasta Strainer, $13, originally $15 at amazon.com 
Sensarte White Ceramic Nonstick Saucepan, $25, originally $30 at amazon.com 
Anthropologie Tomato Serve Set, $38 at anthropologie.com 
Barilla Limited Edition ‘Love’ Pasta, $3 at amazon.com 

Das Rotes Rabbit Italian Earthenware Pasta Bowl

Anthropologie

I can’t resist a cheeky piece of dinnerware, and this Das Rotes Rabbit pasta bowl is a conversation starter and a decor statement all in one. Made in Italy, the glazed earthenware pasta bowls are 100% hand-painted with playful pasta-inspired designs. Choose between penne, ravioli, linguini, and farfalle, each in a different color. One shopper shared that the bowls “make eating pasta so whimsical,” writing, “I find myself making pasta more often just for the excuse to use them!” Meanwhile, a different person described them as “beautifully made” and the “perfect size.”

Kitchen Gizmo Snap N’ Strain Silicone Pasta Strainer

Amazon

I don’t know what I would do without my Kitchen Gizmo clip-on strainer, especially on pasta nights. The clever kitchen tool attaches to pots, pans, and bowls and helps drain water without having to break out a large strainer, which means one less dish I have to wash. It’s made from heat-resistant silicone and can withstand temperatures up to 400°F, so boiling-hot pasta or sauce is no problem. Plus, I never lose any noodles to the kitchen sink as I drain, unlike with my other strainers.

Anthropologie Hand-Painted Pasta Spoon Rest

Anthropologie

I couldn’t resist adding this adorable hand-painted spoon rest to my shopping cart, which is shaped like a farfalle (my favorite). The glazed stoneware piece, which is dishwasher-safe, would tuck neatly beside my stovetop to hold my wooden spoon in between stirs. 

Sensarte White Ceramic Nonstick Saucepan

Amazon

A reliable nonstick saucepan is a necessity for making pasta, and I’m a fan of this Sensarte white ceramic option. The pan’s ceramic coating is scratch- and wear-resistant and is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. The white pan has a clear lid so you can monitor your meal’s progress and a wooden handle that doesn’t get overly hot. One person raved that the saucepan “doesn’t stain from pasta sauces” and “cooks food evenly.” Another shopper, who purchased the 2-quart option, wrote that it’s the right size for cooking for one, “while still being small enough to store easily when needed.”

Anthropologie Tomato Serve Set

Anthropologie

These fun serving utensils from Anthropologie feature hand-painted tomatoes along the stems and a stainless steel top. The top-rated spoon set has gotten glowing reviews from shoppers, including one person who wrote, “I get compliments from guests every single time I bring them out during a gathering.” Another shopper said that they “still look brand-new” after using them several times.

Crock-Pot 7-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker

Amazon

My mom taught me that the easiest way to make a red sauce is in a Crock-Pot. She lets the sauce, meatballs, and sausage simmer in the slow cooker all day long to develop deep, rich flavors, until it’s ready for us to enjoy in the evening. I’ve yet to invest in my own, but I think it’s about time, given my New Year’s resolution, especially since this 7-quart model is on sale for under $50.

Das Rotes Rabbit Jacquard Set of 4 Napkins

Anthropologie

One thing about me is that I love a theme, so when it comes to hosting pasta night, I’m going all out. These Das Rores Rabbit napkins are the perfect way to convey the theme through my place settings. The set of four pasta-printed napkins is made from 100% cotton jacquard, giving them a luxe feel. Since they’re from the same makers of the pasta bowls above, I’m already imagining the Pinterest-worthy tablescape I could create. Since they’re currently on sale, I think I’ll have to pick up two sets to keep on hand.

Barilla Limited-Edition ‘Love’ Pasta

Amazon

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and call me cheesy, but I’ll be celebrating with a dish of heart-shaped pasta from Barilla. The limited-edition pasta shape is currently a best-seller at Amazon and adds a heartfelt touch to any meal (no pun intended). One shopper described the shape as “like manicotti but better,” while another person wrote, “they held true to shape even after cooking.”

Sauz Variety Pack

Amazon

Frankly, I don’t have the time or energy to whip up a homemade sauce all of the time, so I’ll occasionally be swapping in these Sauz sauces. The gluten-free sauces are made in small batches with non-GMO ingredients. Personally, I’m most interested in the brand’s unique flavor options, and this particular variety pack includes four flavors: hot honey marinara, creamy Calabrian vodka, wild rosemary, and summer lemon.

Dining and Cooking