There’s something inherently soothing about cooking shows as they tap into our love for food while offering us a vibrant kaleidoscope of diverse cultures, traditions, and flavors. As viewers, these kinds of shows providemore than just recipes for our comfort watches. The best of them bring stories to life through a unique blend of fresh ingredients, history, and humor into an unforgettable journey outside our kitchens. With more shows incorporating travel and culinary traditions as a form of self-care, with icons likeStanley TucciandPadma Lakshmi, social media has worked to seamlessly fold in traditional storytelling to expand the beloved genre, as seen in Prime Video’s strikingly funny and smart original seriesThe Pasta QueenstarringNadia Caterina Munno.
First rising to fame with millions of TikTok and Instagram followers, Munno wields herpassion for Italian cuisinein the highly fun and energetic 13-part series produced byReese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine. It’s apropos to borrow Munno’s signature word “gorgeous,” an expression often reflecting her enthusiasm for cooking and positive approach to life, sincethe show is as entertaining as it is mouthwatering.
‘The Pasta Queen’ Is a Refreshing Addition to the Travel Cooking Genre
Unlike most travel cooking shows that find our favorite personalities visiting different regions around the world,The Pasta Queendives deeper, offering an immersive journey through Italy’s rich food traditions. Best known for her vibrant social media presence, Munno brings her larger-than-life personality to the small screen, turning each episode intoa sincere and warm love letter to Italian culture. The New York Timesbestselling author breaks free from the constraints of TikTok’s two-minute videos and Instagram’s 1:1 grids, inviting viewers into an intimate, playful exploration of regional specialtiesacross visually stunning settings.
Because of this, we’re treated to some of the best recipes that take a little longer and genuinely engage with the beauty of every ingredient. It not only brings out a deeper appreciation for the foods we love most, but thanks to Munno’s keen eye and attention to detail, viewers feel a lot more connected to these dishes. While a good number of travel cooking shows maintain a focus on the recipes,Munno integrates stories with cultural insights, highlighting the significance of foodwhen connecting with different cultures.
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In one instance, she takes the viewer to Italy, visiting regions like Puglia that hold a special place in her heart. As she zeroes in on Italian dishes, showcasing both traditional recipes and modern interpretations with a distinct flair, Munno also works to integrate life lessons through our common love of food. Between sayings like “haste makes waste” or “carpe diem,” there’s a strong emphasis onthe valued connection between the places we source these meals from and their robust, rich ingredients. As each episode guides us through the whitewashed stone streets of Alberobello, the coastal treasures of Taranto, or her dreamy Florida home kitchen, Munno ushers in anew era of food televisionthat works to bridge the gap between quick-hit digital charm and the depth of full-bodied, traditional TV storytelling.
Nadia Caterina Munno Is More Than Just “Gorgeous”
Speaking to the home audience as if they were her personal friends, Munno brings a strong punch of personality and pleasantness to the series. The Pasta Queen’s charm lies not just in her laugh-out-loud moments, like usingBeyoncé-style wind machines for comedic effect or giving us aquick lesson on Italian hand gestures, but in her genuine love for food, its culture, and its history. In so many ways, she strikesthe perfect balance between informative and fun, a real entertainer who is dynamic in everything she does. Without ever taking herself too seriously, Munno offers culinary insights that never feel like she’s talking down to the viewer. Instead, she marries the joy of cooking, humor, and travel into a sharp celebration that welcomes everyone. She also has a delightful knack for storytelling. Through an infectious style and enthusiasm, she ensures every dish is not just a recipe but a shared memory that ties directly to her personal outlook. We see this in her interactions with her family, including her father, whom she takes to Italy, and her youngest daughter, Penelope, who helps in the kitchen from time to time.
Some of the funniest moments inThe Pasta Queenoccur when Munno reenacts historical events, like when she shares the story of the Assassin’s Spaghetti, a spicy charred pasta dish from southern Italy. While it might seem taboo to burn your pasta, the tale is made interesting through aplayful staging of eventsthat speaks volumes about her down-to-earth nature and the portrait of cooking she wants to illuminate. Moreover, we seeso much of her heart in every recipe she cooks. Although her catchphrase “gorgeous” plays more to her celebration of food aesthetics with flavor profiles, colors, and textures, it evolves brilliantly throughout the series to equally become about the passion, creativity, and connections we build through cooking.
‘The Pasta Queen’ Thrives Through Beautiful Visuals
With travel cooking shows dominating the food genre and elevating the usual network TV fare, there’s something aboutThe Pasta Queenthat sincerely resonates as Munno sets up an escapist tableau. Each episode feels like a scenic journey through some of Italy’s most picturesque towns, giving viewers at home a refreshingly immersive experience. A sophisticated production style utilizes medium shots and close-ups to truly accentuate Munno’s feelings; whether it’s a taste test of a dish she’s just created or the breathtaking scenery of Puglia, the series featuresa luxurious cinematic qualitythanks to well-shot visuals, coloring, and smartly-paced time-lapse sequences. It’s this theatrical marker that truly captures our attention.
Because of Munno’s use of mottos and proverbs to anchor the series and the dishes she creates,there’s a strong narrative arc that genuinely keeps the viewer engaged too. Some might assume these kinds of shows can’t create that, butthe Prime Video seriesmaintains a steady rhythm through devices that sharpen our attention. As a series that also educates viewers, her use ofPop-Up Video-style facts creates a dynamism that not only simplifies our understanding but maintains an interactive layer that allows viewers to feel more involved.
Taking viewers on a trip filled with food, history, and a lot of personality,The Pasta Queenisa must-see show for those who love a good cooking escape. Sharply paced and arresting in production design that makes the most of its feasts and surroundings as an absorbing visual medium,The Pasta Queenhighlights some of the best dishes in a way that enhances viewers' senses. With Munno’s natural charisma and approachable personality, the Prime Video series feels like a warm conversation with the infectious chef, drawing us in with a show thatdeepens our love for the genreand, of course, our favorite carb.
The Pasta Queenstreams on Prime Video in the U.S.
The Pasta Queen
The TikTok star’s new Prime Video series is a vibrant, flavorful journey worth savoring.
Watch on Prime Video
