From paccheri to Bolognese ragù, Google Trends photographs the gastronomic preferences of Italians. Waiting for World Pasta Day
If pasta remains the inviolable meeting point of the Italian table, the way we search for, invent and cook recipes is experiencing a silent digital revolution. On the occasion of World Pasta Daythe latest search trends traced by Google take a snapshot of the most popular formats and condiments of the moment. But the real novelty is in the method: with the integration of Gemini Livethe voice assistant powered by artificial intelligence, gastronomic exploration becomes a hands-free dialogue. A fluid experience that allows you to consult suggestions, variations and combinations directly at the stove, without ever taking your hands off the dough.
Among the most searched formats on Google (source: Google Trends), i paccheri take first place, followed by gnocchi and spaghetti. Completing the top ten are rigatoni, tagliatelle, ravioli, pappardelle, tortellini, orecchiette and fusilli: a ranking that ranges from fresh pasta to stuffed pasta, passing through the great classics.
Among the condiments dominates the Bolognese saucein front of the Genoese pesto et al amatriciana sauce. This is followed by carbonara, puttanesca, angera, carrettiera, garlic, oil and chilli, scoglio and norma, confirming the strong link with regional traditions.
The research map (waiting for World Pasta Day)
The geography of the research also reserves some curiosities. In Lombardy Pasta Monte Carlo and pasta with asparagus stand out. In Sicily tradition makes itself felt with the pasta with tenerumi and the pasta with Palermo-style sardines. In the Lazio the braided pasta of Sardinian cuisine intrigues, while in Tuscany there is interest in propellers and pasta with artichokes.
Once the recipe has been chosen, we move on to the stove. And when your hands are in the dough, Gemini Live allows you to converse by voice with Google’s AIasking for advice and clarifications during preparation without touching the smartphone screen.
The homemade gnocchiin second place among the most searched formats, are a good starting point to put it to the test: from the ingredients to the seasoning, each step offers the opportunity for a question.
- Doses and ingredients: «I’m ready to get my hands dirty! What ingredients and quantities do I need to prepare gnocchi for 20 people?
- Rest times: «Does the gnocchi dough have to rest before being shaped? If so, for how long?
- Technique: «The dough is ready: guide me through the steps to make the gnocchi without making mistakes».
- Pairings: «We seasoned the gnocchi with tomato sauce: what other condiments can you suggest?».
Gemini Live can also offer a hand to deal with unexpected events, customize dishes or refine your technique. Just start from what’s cooking or from the ingredients available:
- Paccheri al dente: «I’m cooking fresh paccheri: how do I know when they’re al dente before sautéing them in the pan?».
- A first emptying of the fridge: «I only have courgettes, bacon and a piece of pecorino: what first course can I prepare with rigatoni?».
- The secret of the cream: «I’m preparing spaghetti with garlic, oil and chilli: how do I get the cream with the cooking water without burning the garlic?».
To celebrate World Pasta Day, the ingredients are all there: great classics, regional curiosities and new ideas within easy reach. Always with your hands in the mix.
The top 10 complete with pasta shapes and sauces
Most searched pasta shapes
- Paccheri
- Gnocchi
- Spaghetti
- Rigatoni
- Tagliatelle
- Ravioli
- Pappardelle
- Tortellini
- Orecchiette
- Fusilli
Most searched condiments:
- Bolognese sauce
- Genoese pesto
- Amatriciana sauce
- Carbonara sauce
- Puttanesca sauce
- Arrabbiata sauce
- Carrettiera sauce
- Garlic, oil and chilli sauce
- Seafood sauce
- Normal sauce
Source: Google Trends, Italy, 2026
