Pizza is one of the most popular foods in America, with a 94% love/like rating, according to Datassential. One of the only foods that comes a close second is pasta, at 88%. That kind of popularity is golden for pizza operators, who need to win occasions, sales, and traffic in a highly competitive market. Adding or building on the pasta category on your menu is an easy, profitable path to success – which is why three-fourths of pizza operators menu pasta! Here are some winning strategies for your menu from Barilla for Professionals, the pasta experts:
Tip #1: Use what you have
Everything that goes on a pie belongs on pasta! Your existing SKUs for pizza – sauce, veggies, cheese, and proteins – give you everything you need to innovate with pasta. Your signature pizza can be reinvented as a pasta dish!
Tip #2: Highlight your premium ingredients
From authentic cheeses and meats or branded collaborations, letting guests know you’re going the extra mile adds value; and earns you a higher price point.
Tip #3: Prep ahead to bake in the sales
Baked pastas are on the rise, especially in colder months. They prep ahead and hold, are labor-friendly, and versatile for dine-in or off-premise.
Top trending pasta cuts on pizza menus:
“We’ve seen a lot of growth in baked pastas, from lasagnes to baked rigatonis and zitis. Baked is a perfect format for pizza-focused operations.” -Barilla Chef Lorenzo Boni.
Pasta Ideas to Go
- Stay fresh with seasonal veggies and rotating specials
- Get spicy with Calabrian chilies, hot honey or spicy meats
- Lean into TikTok trends with vodka sauce or cacio e pepe
- Offer your own spin on the #1 pasta dish in America, Mac & Cheese
Did you miss us at Pizza Expo? We showcased our Barilla Al Bronzo® line, crafted for a premium, artisanal experience. Don’t miss your chance to try it for your operation. Click here to request your sample today!
