Calling all pasta lovers! We’re on the hunt for a Chief Pasta Officer this summer!
We are hiring! We are looking to fill the role of our Chief Pasta Officer (CPO), where your love of pasta will come in handy as you rigorously test our pasta recipes to make them better. Find the Application below!
Now, before you dismiss this opportunity, thinking you need to be a professional chef, think again! We are looking for someone who simply loves both preparing and eating pasta. Whether you enjoy perfecting a classic spaghetti and meatballs, experimenting with homemade pasta, or just appreciate a good bowl of fettuccine Alfredo, this could be the perfect role for you. You don’t need any formal training – just a passion for pasta and a willingness to taste, test, and share your thoughts.
Why Pasta?
Last April, we put out a call for dessert recipe testers and it went so well! We loved it and our community of home cooks loved it so much, that we wanted to do it again. This time, though, the focus is pasta! Pasta is one of the most beloved (and debated) foods out there. From the age-old battle of red sauce vs. white sauce to the shape of the pasta itself, everyone has their own go-to favorite.
We love pasta around here and were curious if certain pasta dishes are more popular in different parts of the country? So, we put this to the test and I’m still fascinated with what we discovered. What do you think, do our findings match what you’d of thought about the pasta recipe most associated with your state?
We also took this a step further and surveyed 1,000 Americans on their favorite pasta shape, and sparked some wild debates (our team is still debating this one!). Take a look for yourself! I’m still getting over orzo being one of the least favorite pasta shapes!! If this got your blood boiling like me, I bet you are perfect for our CPO position (application below).
The most popular favorite pasta shapes in America are:
- Spaghetti (26%)
- Penne (25%)
- Fetticune (15%)
- Elbows (14%)
- Bowties (14%)
According to our respondents, the least favorite pasta shapes were orzo and angel hair, with 18% of people citing it as their least favorite shape.
When it comes to sauces, 71% of Americans have said that red sauce is their go-to for pasta dishes, which is particularly interesting as Alfredo recipes generated the most unique searches nationwide. This suggests that while red sauce remains the preferred choice for most, people may be more curious about or less familiar with making white sauce-based dishes like Alfredo.
More About Applying for the CPO Dream Job
If you are like me and found that all interesting, I bet you’d be a great fit for the CPO recipe tester position. Do you have a passion for pasta? Did your favorite pasta shape or recipe not make the cut above? Well, now’s your chance to have a say in some key pasta recipes on Inspired Taste!
What we are looking for:
- Must have a love for all things pasta!
- We are looking for someone who LOVES to cook at home. Amateurs and professionals are welcome to apply. No experience necessary!
- Must be available over a 2-week period in June/July to extensively test 3 pasta recipes. (Note: Recipe testing can take place over the entirety of the 2 weeks, but may be completed earlier.)
- Must be able to provide photos and videos of the recipe testing process.
- Must have a basic understanding of social media and feel comfortable documenting your pasta-making journey. While having a social media following or experience creating content is not required, it will be highly influential in this role!
- Must be a US resident, over the age of 18, and legally able to work in the US.
- Must own a stove, pots + pans, and basic kitchen utensils. An ingredient stipend will be provided.
Benefits:
- Ingredient stipend for selected pasta recipes
- Additional compensation of $1,500 for the 2-week testing period
The Process:
Applying is easy! Submit your application below on or before May 16, 2025. Find the instructions, terms and conditions, and application form below. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Interview + Final Selections:
If chosen to move forward, you will be asked to interview with the Inspired Taste team to assess team fit + final availability. Applicants will be notified by early June if they are proceeding to the next stage.
Let The Testing Begin!
Three Chief Pasta Officers will be chosen by June 2025.
The two-week cumulative testing period will be completed throughout June and July, giving you plenty of flexibility and time to experiment with the recipes. Don’t worry if you have a busy schedule; testing can be done after work hours and on weekends.
As you test each pasta recipe, we don’t just want to hear about your experience…we want to see it in action! You may have to make the recipe more than once to truly test it, but we cannot wait to see what you come up with! Your videos and photos will bring these recipes to life and inspire others to join in the pasta-making fun! Don’t worry about perfection as authenticity and enthusiasm are what matter most. Along with sharing your content, you’ll also fill out a recipe feedback form for each dish you test. Your creativity and insights will help us refine our recipes and make them even more delicious with your help!
We hope you’re as excited as we are to test out various pasta recipes! Some of the recipes we ask you to test may include our Homemade Pasta, Red Pasta Sauce, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Beef Bolognese, Italian Meatballs, Homemade Gnocchi, Manicotti, Pasta Carbonara, or our Fettuccine Alfredo. There’s something for everyone, and maybe one of these dishes just might become a new favorite in your kitchen!
Like the first bite of a perfectly al dente pasta dish, this opportunity is too good to resist. So, what’s stopping you? Take the leap and apply today!
Once you’ve submitted your application, keep an eye on your inbox. Just like waiting for a pot of water to boil, anticipation is part of the process. Best of luck!
Terms and Conditions
- These terms and conditions apply to the Chief Pasta Officer job application from Inspired Taste.
- Recipe testing will occur in your home, with no travel required.
- By submitting an application, applicants will be deemed to have read and accepted these terms and agree to be bound by them.
- Only one application per person is eligible.
- Entries are open only to US residents, 18+. Applications will close at midnight on May 16, 2025.
- You are not eligible to apply if you have any previous unresolved criminal convictions.
- This is a 2-week paid assignment, starting in Summer 2025. The two weeks are cumulative within June 2025 and July 2025, meaning they need not be consecutive. Recipe testing can be done after regular work hours, on weekends, etc.
- Applicants will be notified via email if they are selected to proceed with the interview process. Inspired Taste will not contact you via social media or phone to collect information.
- If you accept the position, you agree to Inspired Taste using any video content shared as part of the testing or application process for marketing purposes. This includes but is not limited to social media, the Inspired Taste website, and press materials.
- By applying, each applicant grants Inspired Taste a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, or display (in whole or part) any non-identifying intellectual property contained in the content of their application without royalty, payment, or any other compensation.
- Inspired Taste is not responsible or liable for any physical or mental harm during or after the testing period. By applying to this position, you agree to take responsibility for any risks associated and do so at your own will.
- Inspired Taste will not be held accountable for any costs, losses, damages, or expenses that the winner may incur concerning the position or due to any misrepresentation of the benefits listed.
Data Methodology:
Google search volume was collected on April 1st, 2025, for the last 12 months in all 50 US states. An analysis was then conducted to compare state level search against national search to determine the most associated pasta dish per state.
We then surveyed 1,007 Americans on their pasta shape and sauce preferences. Because this exploratory research relied on self-reported data, respondents may have biases, and discrepancies may exist between their answers.
