Frequently Asked Questions
Pastacraft makes pasta sauce starters, which are dry pasta sauce mixes you finish with butter or olive oil and starchy pasta water. Dinner takes about 15 minutes, and the sauce comes together in a couple of minutes for a homemade-tasting, restaurant-quality result. Here are quick answers to the questions we hear most.
The basics
What is Pastacraft?
Pastacraft makes premium pasta sauce starters in three flavors: Cacio e Pepe, Miso Butter and Aglio e Olio. Each is a dry, concentrated sauce base you finish with butter or olive oil and pasta water. Pastacraft was founded by Christine Messier and launched in January 2026. Read our story.
What is a pasta sauce starter?
A pasta sauce starter is a dry, concentrated pasta sauce mix. You finish it with butter or olive oil and starchy pasta water, which emulsify into a fresh, silky sauce that clings to the pasta. Learn more.
What flavors do you make?
Cacio e Pepe is a rich, savory Roman classic made with Parmesan, Romano and cracked black pepper. Miso Butter is a deeply savory, umami-forward blend of organic red miso, shiitake, sun-dried tomato and spices. Aglio e Olio is a bright, aromatic classic with garlic, parsley and chili pepper. Shop all flavors.
Cooking with Pastacraft
How long does it take to make dinner?
About 15 minutes, which is mostly the time it takes to boil the pasta. The sauce itself comes together in a couple of minutes. See the 15-minute method.
How do I make a Pastacraft sauce?
Cook 1 lb of pasta al dente and save pasta water. For Cacio e Pepe and Miso Butter, whisk the starter into butter and hot pasta water in a pan over medium heat, then toss in the pasta. For Aglio e Olio, sauté the starter with olive oil and the cooked pasta for 30 seconds, then add pasta water and toss. See step-by-step instructions on each product page and on our recipes page.
How many servings are in each pouch?
Each pouch makes enough sauce for 1 lb of pasta, or 4 to 6 servings.
Can I use only part of a pouch?
Yes. The pouch is resealable, so you can use exactly what you need and save the rest.
Can I add vegetables or protein?
Yes. Chicken, shrimp, greens, mushrooms, peas or a jammy egg all pair well, or enjoy the pasta as is.
Which flavor is spicy?
Aglio e Olio has a gentle kick from chili pepper. Cacio e Pepe has a warm, peppery bite from cracked black pepper. Miso Butter is savory and mild.
Ingredients and dietary needs
Is Pastacraft organic?
Pastacraft sauce starters are made with thoughtfully sourced organic ingredients, such as organic garlic, spices and cracked black pepper. See the full ingredient list on each product page.
Is Pastacraft vegan?
Aglio e Olio is vegan. Cacio e Pepe contains cheese and Miso Butter is finished with butter, so neither is vegan.
What allergens do the sauces contain?
Cacio e Pepe contains milk. Miso Butter contains soy. Aglio e Olio contains neither milk nor soy ingredients. Always check the pouch label for full allergen information.
Storage
How do I store Pastacraft?
Pastacraft is a shelf-stable, dry sauce base. Store it in a cool, dry place, reseal the pouch after opening, and check the best-by date printed on the pouch.
Buying and shipping
Where can I buy Pastacraft?
Order online at thepastacraft.com, or find a store near you on our store locator.
How is it different from jarred sauce or boxed pasta kits?
See our comparison guide.
Do you offer wholesale?
Yes. Retailers and cafes can order through our wholesale page. We are also on Faire and Airgoods.
How much is shipping?
See our shipping page for rates and delivery times.
Where is Pastacraft made?
Pastacraft is produced in Fort Mill, South Carolina.
How do I contact you?
Email christine@thepastacraft.com or visit our contact page.
