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Pasta Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a passionate Pasta Prep Cook to join our culinary team. This role is responsible for preparing fresh pasta and daily mise en place while maintaining the highest standards of quality ...

Italian Pasta Cook

San Jose, CA · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

Italian Pasta Cook (Experienced) Willow Glen - San Jose, CA Join our team at one of San Jose's most beautiful and authentic Southern Italian restaurants, located in the heart of the charming Willow ...

Italian Pasta Cook

San Jose, CA · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

Italian Pasta Cook (Experienced) Willow Glen - San Jose, CA Join our team at one of San Jose's most beautiful and authentic Southern Italian restaurants, located in the heart of the charming Willow ...

Italian Pasta Cook

San Jose, CA · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

Italian Pasta Cook (Experienced) Willow Glen - San Jose, CA Join our team at one of San Jose's most beautiful and authentic Southern Italian restaurants, located in the heart of the charming Willow ...

Pasta Maker

Los Altos, CA

$16 - $18.25/hr

Cetrella seeks a strong Pasta Maker to join the kitchen in preparing Cetrella's line of artisan pastas, led by its Executive Chef. Cetrella is a fine dining restaurant serving Mediterranean-Rim ...

Pasta Prep Cook

Venice, CA · On-site

$18.50/hr

Training & development JOB OVERVIEW The Pasta Maker/Prep is responsible for preparing fresh, high-quality pasta and supporting daily kitchen production. This role plays a key part in maintaining the ...

Cetrella seeks a strong Pasta Maker to join the kitchen in preparing Cetrella's line of artisan pastas, led by its Executive Chef. Cetrella is a fine dining restaurant serving Mediterranean-Rim ...

Pasta Cook

Tustin, CA

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

If so, then being a Pasta Cook at CPK may be for you! Our team members bring California creativity to every meal by making each guest their top priority. They ensure that each guest has a memorable ...

Pasta Cook

Long Beach, CA

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

If so, then being a Pasta Cook at CPK may be for you! Our team members bring California creativity to every meal by making each guest their top priority. They ensure that each guest has a memorable ...

Pasta Cook

Los Angeles, CA

$18.42 - $23.42/hr

If so, then being a Pasta Cook at CPK may be for you! Our team members bring California creativity to every meal by making each guest their top priority. They ensure that each guest has a memorable ...

Pasta Cook

Irvine, CA

$15 - $20.25/hr

If so, then being a Pasta Cook at CPK may be for you! Our team members bring California creativity to every meal by making each guest their top priority. They ensure that each guest has a memorable ...

Pasta Cook

Thousand Oaks, CA

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

If so, then being a Pasta Cook at CPK may be for you! Our team members bring California creativity to every meal by making each guest their top priority. They ensure that each guest has a memorable ...

Pasta Cook

Anaheim, CA

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

If so, then being a Pasta Cook at CPK may be for you! Our team members bring California creativity to every meal by making each guest their top priority. They ensure that each guest has a memorable ...

Pasta Cook

Tustin, CA

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

If so, then being a Pasta Cook at CPK may be for you! Our team members bring California creativity to every meal by making each guest their top priority. They ensure that each guest has a memorable ...

Pasta Cook

Laguna Niguel, CA

$14.25 - $19/hr

If so, then being a Pasta Cook at CPK may be for you! Our team members bring California creativity to every meal by making each guest their top priority. They ensure that each guest has a memorable ...

Pasta Cook

Laguna Niguel, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $21.90/hr

If so, then being a Pasta Cook at CPK may be for you! Our team members bring California creativity to every meal by making each guest their top priority. They ensure that each guest has a memorable ...

Pasta Cook

Tustin, CA

$16.90 - $21.90/hr

If so, then being a Pasta Cook at CPK may be for you! Our team members bring California creativity to every meal by making each guest their top priority. They ensure that each guest has a memorable ...

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Pasta information

See California salary details

$14

$26

$61

How much do pasta jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for pasta in California is $26.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $27.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by pasta chefs in a busy restaurant setting?

Pasta chefs in high-volume restaurants often face the challenge of maintaining consistency in both taste and texture, especially during peak hours. Balancing multiple orders while ensuring each pasta dish is cooked perfectly al dente requires excellent time management and attention to detail. Additionally, pasta chefs must work closely with kitchen staff to coordinate timing and ingredient availability, ensuring quality is never compromised even under pressure.

What does a pasta chef do?

A pasta chef, sometimes called a pastaio or pasta maker, specializes in preparing, cooking, and presenting a variety of pasta dishes. Their responsibilities often include making fresh pasta dough, shaping different pasta types, cooking pasta to the right texture, and pairing sauces appropriately. Pasta chefs may work in restaurants, hotels, or specialty shops, and they must pay close attention to detail and timing to ensure high-quality dishes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pasta Chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pasta Chef, you need a solid understanding of culinary fundamentals, pasta preparation techniques, and food safety, often gained through culinary school or professional kitchen experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, pasta machines, and inventory management systems is commonly required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong time management are essential soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills ensure consistently high-quality dishes, efficient kitchen operations, and a memorable dining experience for guests.

What is the difference between Pasta vs Pastry Chef?

AspectPastaPastry Chef
Primary FocusPreparing various pasta dishes, including fresh and cooked pastaCreating baked goods, desserts, and pastries
Required SkillsCooking techniques, dough preparation, flavor pairingBaking, decorating, pastry techniques
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, Italian eateries, cateringBakeries, patisseries, restaurants
Common CertificationsFood safety, culinary certificationsPastry arts certification, culinary certifications

While both Pasta and Pastry Chef roles require culinary skills and food safety knowledge, Pasta chefs specialize in pasta dishes and dough preparation, often working in Italian or casual dining settings. Pastry Chefs focus on baked goods and desserts, typically in bakeries or fine dining establishments. The roles differ mainly in their culinary focus and techniques, but both are essential in the culinary industry.

What are popular job titles related to Pasta jobs in California? For Pasta jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pasta jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Pasta jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Pasta jobs? Cities in California with the most Pasta job openings:
Infographic showing various Pasta job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, and 45% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,182 per year, or $26 per hour.

Pasta Cook

Cotogna

San Francisco, CA

$20 - $22/hr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Cotogna | San Francisco, CA

About the Role

At Cotogna, we celebrate the traditions of Italian cooking through exceptional ingredients, handcrafted pasta, and genuine hospitality. We are seeking a passionate Pasta Prep Cook to join our culinary team. This role is responsible for preparing fresh pasta and daily mise en place while maintaining the highest standards of quality and consistency. If you are detail-oriented, enjoy working in a collaborative kitchen, and are eager to grow your craft alongside an experienced team, we'd love to hear from you.

Responsibilities
  • Prepare fresh pasta doughs according to Cotogna's recipes and standards.
  • Roll, cut, shape, and portion a variety of house-made pastas.
  • Prepare daily mise en place for pasta production.
  • Maintain an organized, clean, and sanitary workstation.
  • Receive, label, and properly store products following food safety standards.
  • Assist the culinary team with prep projects as needed.
  • Consistently execute with precision, efficiency, and attention to detail.
Qualifications
  • 1+ year of professional kitchen experience; pasta production experience is preferred but not required.
  • Passion for Italian cuisine and handcrafted food.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to consistency.
  • Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
  • Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and eagerness to learn.
  • Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

If you're passionate about craftsmanship, hospitality, and exceptional ingredients, we'd love to meet you.

More detail about Cotogna part of Quince & Co, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/396-Cotogna