Nadia Caterina Munno (aka The Pasta Queen) Shares Her Passion for Italian Cooking

EDGE: Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Nadia Caterina Munno: My name is Nadia. People know me as the Pasta Queen. I was born and raised in Rome. I come from a long line of pasta makers, and I have a new TV show on Prime Video called "The Pasta Queen."

EDGE: What inspired your new show?

Nadia Caterina Munno: My family's business, my family's food passion, and my love for my country.

EDGE: With so many incredible regions you visit on the show, how did you decide which ones to include?

Nadia Caterina Munno: The regions you will see in this 13-part series define me. I grew up and lived in these regions at different stages of my life. The Emelia Mania region is a region that my mom and I often visited for her work. These regions inspired me to cook and love the way I do. They also helped me with my sense of fashion.

EDGE: How serious is pasta prep in Italy?

Nadia Caterina Munno: Not that serious. The Italians have an uncanny ability to do the most amazing things with the most unserious attitude. I don't know if you've noticed, but Italians are known for the LA Days lifestyle, taking it easy and having extremely long lunches and dinners. But when it comes to making things, wow. They are masters of cars, fashion, and pasta.

EDGE: Your second cookbook is coming out. What are you excited about sharing with the readers?

Nadia Caterina Munno: This cookbook compiles every recipe you will see on "The Pasta Queen." Not only will you be able to watch the show, which graphically takes you to Italy, teaches you the ingredient sourcing, and shows you how I cook it, but you will also have this gorgeous cookbook with amazing photos. The pictures are out of this world, and you have a written recipe for each dish.

EDGE: For the home cook, what indispensable tools should we all have in our kitchen?

Nadia Caterina Munno: It's great that you asked this because the show has a storefront where you can shop each episode for the tools and ingredients we use. You won't wonder how to make the recipe or what you need. We have pasta makers, rolling pins, tongs, wooden spoons, and salt & pepper shakers. We've got it all worked out in the most essential way. My cookbook also goes over that extensively.

EDGE: Why do you think your mix of authentic Italian classics and modern interpretation resonates with the audience?

Nadia Caterina Munno: Tradition was once an innovation. So, what is tradition today was once a new thing many years ago. When I make one of my signature dishes, embed a new ingredient, or take a new spin on a recipe, I hope that this new creation will eventually become a family tradition.

EDGE: Do you have a dish that is a guilty pleasure?

Nadia Caterina Munno: Lasagna is my guilty pleasure. It has layers upon layers of flavors, like a warm hug from your Nonna. I would bring it if I were stranded on a deserted island. It would probably keep me going for a while. It includes every food group that you need.

EDGE: Is there anything that you won't eat?

Nadia Caterina Munno: No, I don't think so. I'm crazy about food.

EDGE: What do you hope the viewer will take away from watching your show?

Nadia Caterina Munno: A bit more passion for Italian food. A little more zest for life, a little more willingness to love, enjoy life, and cherish the moments with the people you love through cooking for them. That's what I want for them.