Exhibit 23.1


                         Consent of Independent Auditors


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
(Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-8) pertaining to the 2000 Equity
Incentive Plan of American Italian Pasta Company of our report dated November 5,
2003, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of American Italian
Pasta Company included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
October 3, 2003, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.




                                            /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Kansas City, Missouri
May 10, 2004