Your Pasta Sucks: A "Cookbook"

Ages 25 to 45

“Matteo Lane is a liar. In the pages of Your Pasta Sucks, he repeats that he has no business writing a cookbook, all while masterfully (and hilariously) weaving an intricate tale of food and family and schooling the reader in the flavors, traditions, and techniques of Rome, Sicily, and his own Italian-American kitchen.”—Katie Parla, author of Food of the Italian Islands

Your pasta sucks, but it doesn't have to. Let celebrated comedian and totally legit author Matteo Lane show you how through 30 delicious recipes and laugh-out-loud stories.

Organized by the most important places and people in his life—from Chicago and New York to Rome and Sicily—comedian, actor, and YouTube sensation Matteo Lane’s first cookbook features recipes rooted in serious pasta knowledge but presented with his signature snarky and sassy wit. Turn these pages to find: A conversational recipe (definitely not an argument) with his bestie Nick Smith on their versions of Mac and Cheese. A short rant over the validity of “alfredo” that turns into a delicious recipe for Penna alla Vodka. Matteo’s foolproof Homemade Pasta recipe. Lots of hardworking, handy tips—like a treatise on how to not f*ck up your pasta—so you can learn while you laugh.

For fans of Matteo Lane, readers looking for a humorous take on Italian culture, or anyone who simply wants to learn “how to cook pasta like an Italian, Irish, Mexican homosexual,” Your Pasta Sucks will satisfy all.

HILARIOUS CELEBRITY COOKBOOK: Matteo Lane is a force: Named one of Variety’s Top Ten Comics to Watch, he performs for sold-out crowds all over the world. On his popular YouTube channel, Matteo guides viewers through his favorite simple dishes and regales them with hilarious asides. Fans always ask for written recipes, and this deliciously funny Italian cookbook is answering their call.

AN ENTERTAINING MESS: Matteo does not claim to be a professional when it comes to cooking. He’s real, he’s messy, and he has a major dose of hubris and charm. Delving into these pages is like inviting your bestie to dinner and having them whip up something chaotic and sublime while telling you the most entertaining bit of gossip you’ve ever heard. 

A SNARKY LOVE LETTER TO ITALIAN CULTURE: From a guide to how to order coffee in Rome (it can be more complicated than you think) to an ode to Matteo's favorite pasta personalities, a silly list of things you'll find in a nonna's house, and much more—this cookbook is more than just a collection of delicious Italian recipes. It's a tongue-in-cheek love letter to the wild and wonderful life that Matteo inhabits.

Perfect for: Fans of Matteo Lane and his standup comedy People looking for books that celebrate Italian and Italian American culture Supporters of LGBTQIA+ content creators Fans of Italian cooking and food-centric entertainers like The Pasta Queen  Foodies looking for a unique present for a housewarming, birthday, holiday, or host/hostess gift

About the Author

Matteo Lane is a multifaceted talent known for his unique blend of stand-up comedy, musical prowess, and artistic versatility. Lane’s journey has taken him from his hometown of Chicago to New York City comedy clubs to sold-out performances across the globe, including at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. He’s entertained millions with his sharp wit, vibrant storytelling, and cultural observations. He will soon premiere his first stand-up special on Hulu and Disney+ internationally.

Previously named one of Variety’s “10 Comics to Watch” and described by The Advocate as “bold and unflinchingly genuine,” Lane tackles a wide range of topics, from his experiences as a gay man to hilarious insights about everyday life. Onscreen, his credits include the Amazon Original film Upgraded, the Netflix series Survival of the Thickest (opposite Michelle Buteau), the feature film Molli and Max in the Future, which premiered at SXSW, and Netflix’s all-queer stand-up special Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution.

Fluent in five languages and with a singing range of six octaves, Lane lived in Italy as an oil painter and classically trained opera singer before starting his comedy career. He is now based in New York City.