The origins of pasta can be traced as far as the fourth century B.C. An Etruscan tomb from that time shows people making what looks like pasta. A noodle-like food was made by the Chinese as far back as 3000 B.C.

The English discovered pasta while traveling in Italy. Thomas Jefferson brought the first "maccaroni" machine to America in 1789 after his stint as ambassador to France.

The first pasta factory in America was built in Brooklyn in 1848 by - not an Italian, but a Frenchman!

Here are some tips for Crock Pot Pasta Recipes

• Pasta will become very glutinous if added to a slow cooker when dry.
 

• Cook noodles and macaroni products until slightly tender before adding to the pot.
 

• Add the pasta to the slow cooker during the last half hour of cooking.