January 2026 - Artisanal Pasta
If “cozy, satisfying, and a little bit fancy” had a flavor, it would be this month’s box. Our January 2026 Artisanal Pasta Box is all about texture, tradition, and sauces that turn a weeknight meal into the meal everyone remembers.
Pasta Fun Fact ✨
Pasta has been scientifically linked to happiness. Carbs can increase the production of serotonin—a neurotransmitter associated with boosting feelings of well-being. In other words… pasta night is basically self-care. 😄
Nicoletto’s - Bronze Cut Kale Radiatori
Partners from birth, brothers Ryan and Danny Nicoletto grew up doing what brothers do best: bickering, breaking glasses (Ryan’s), battling it out on Nintendo, and “cheating” Track & Field with the almighty Power Pad. After years of music, travel, and separate paths—Ryan in food and design, Danny in live music and coffee—the loss of their father, Tony, brought them back together with a new shared dream.
That dream became Nicoletto’s: a from-scratch Italian kitchen built the right way. They tracked down vintage pasta machines (from Illinois to Italy), restored them, and set up shop in an East Nashville warehouse. After a year of testing and refining, they dialed in the recipes that became their foundation—dried pasta, marinara, focaccia, and sausage—first sold at farmers markets and to local restaurants.
In 2016, Nicoletto’s first restaurant opened next to their favorite watering hole, Mickey’s Tavern, powered by late nights, hard work, and a community of friends. As demand grew, their pasta factory tripled in size—without compromising what matters most: traditional bronze-cut pasta. That texture means better sauce cling, better bites, and better bowls—every time.
This month’s twist? A local-love ingredient. Nicoletto’s works with Bloomsbury Organic Farms in Nashville, TN to create this vibrant Bronze Cut Kale Radiatori—a unique, small-batch pasta made with fresh organic kale. It’s meticulously slow-dried and cooks in 10–12 minutes, making it an easy win for weeknights and dinner parties alike.
How to enjoy it:
- Toss with marinara and finish with parmesan + cracked pepper
- Add sautéed garlic, lemon zest, olive oil, and a handful of arugula
- Pair with roasted mushrooms or Italian sausage for a hearty bowl
Nicoletto’s - Marinara
Guess who’s back? That’s right—Nicoletto’s legendary Marinara is making a grand return. This is the same bold, bright sauce loved by tens of thousands of restaurant fans—and they keep making it even better with every batch.
It’s gluten-free, no added sugar, and made in small batches with big, craveable flavor. Consider it the pantry hero you didn’t know you needed—especially paired with bronze-cut pasta.
How to enjoy it:
- Classic: warm + toss with radiatori
- Upgrade: stir in a spoon of butter or a splash of cream
- Bake: layer into a quick weeknight parm or baked pasta
Morelli - Pici Pasta di Toscana (Organic Pici Nests)
If you love thick noodles with a hearty bite, meet your new favorite: Pici. Morelli’s pici is crafted in Tuscany using durum wheat semolina and includes wheat germ—the flavorful heart of the grain—giving the pasta a rich, nutty depth and a truly homemade feel.
Made in the historic Morelli pasta factory (since 1860), these organic pici nests cook up dense and satisfying, designed to absorb sauce beautifully for a full-bodied, succulent bite. A fun bonus: the wheat germ can give the cooking water a slightly green hue—one of those small, charming signs you’re cooking something special.
Why it stands out:
- Dense texture = sauce soaks in (in the best way)
- Hearty, satisfying bite—great for protein-forward meals
- Versatile with everything from olive oil to ragù
How to enjoy it:
- Olive oil + garlic + chili flakes + parmesan
- Mushroom sauté + thyme + a splash of cream
- Tomato-garlic sauce with basil and a drizzle of EVOO
(Cook time is typically around 22 minutes—perfect for slow-simmer sauce nights.)
Sauz - Cracked Pepper & Parmesan
Meet Troy and Winston—childhood friends turned “gravy-makers” on a mission to stir things up. They were tired of bland, boring premade sauces, so they created Sauz: bold, fun, original flavors that go beyond the standard sauce aisle.
Their sauces are made with high-quality, clean ingredients—real aromatics, vibrant herbs, and extra virgin olive oil. No seed oils. No added sugar. Just rich, balanced flavor with a homemade feel—minus the effort.
Why we’re into it:
- Big flavor that feels special (even on busy nights)
- Eye-catching jar + repeat-worthy taste
- A perfect “shortcut” to a premium pasta moment
How to enjoy it:
- Toss with pici for a peppery, cheesy classic vibe
- Add sautéed spinach or peas for a quick veggie boost
- Finish with extra parmesan and cracked black pepper
Why We Love This Month’s Box
This is the kind of box that turns dinner into an experience: artisan craftsmanship, thoughtful ingredients, and true pantry staples you’ll actually use again next week.
- It also checks every giftability box:
- Feels elevated but approachable
- Builds a full “pasta night” story (no extra shopping required)
- Perfect for food lovers, home chefs, and anyone who appreciates a great bowl of comfort
And yes—if you’re searching for an artisan food gift, a specialty subscription box, or gourmet gifts that feel personal and memorable… this month delivers.
Ready to taste what’s inside?
👉 Explore our January 2026 Artisanal Pasta Box and bring a little Tuscany (with a Nashville twist) to your kitchen.