pasta al formaggio
/ˈpas.ta al forˈmad.d͡ʒo/word by word
The English phrase "mac and cheese" is translated into Italian as pasta al formaggio.
pasta al formaggio refers to a dish consisting of macaroni pasta mixed with a cheese sauce.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "pasta with cheese". The preposition al is a contraction of a (to/at) and il (the), which is used here to indicate the flavoring or accompaniment.
Which one should you use?
While maccheroni al formaggio provides a more literal translation of "macaroni with cheese", pasta al formaggio is the more common and natural way to describe a cheesy pasta dish in Italy.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Sicily, a variation of mac and cheese called pasta 'ncaciata exists.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈpas.ta al forˈmad.dʒo/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word formaggio is actually a reference to a shape. It comes from the Latin word forma, meaning 'mould', because cheese was traditionally shaped using a mould.
- In many parts of Italy, if you ask for pasta al formaggio, you might be served simple noodles with grated cheese rather than the creamy, liquid sauce typical of American 'mac and cheese'.
- When ordering pasta al formaggio, the specific type of cheese used often depends on the region, such as Pecorino in Rome or Parmigiano in the north.
Examples in context
- Vorrei un piatto di pasta al formaggio, per favoreI would like a plate of mac and cheese, please
- Posso avere una porzione di pasta al formaggio?Can I have a portion of mac and cheese?
- Mi piace molto la pasta al formaggio.I really like mac and cheese.
- Vuoi mangiare la pasta al formaggio?Do you want to eat mac and cheese?
- Ho cucinato la pasta al formaggio per cena.I cooked mac and cheese for dinner.
Example conversation
Martina and Francesco are deciding what to eat for lunch.
- MartinaCosa vuoi per pranzo, Francesco?What do you want for lunch, Francesco?
- FrancescoMagari una pasta al formaggio.Maybe some mac and cheese.
- MartinaOttima idea, la preparo subito.Great idea, I will prepare it right away.
- FrancescoGrazie, sei molto gentile.Thank you, you are very kind.
