Embark on a culinary journey across the United States as we explore the best pasta dish in each state. From classic Italian traditions to innovative, local twists, every state offers a unique pasta experience that reflects its culture and flavors. Whether it’s a family-run trattoria or a trendy urban eatery, these pasta dishes promise a delightful fusion of ingredients and creativity.
Alabama: Shrimp and Grits Pasta at The Hummingbird Way, Mobile
Imagine the savory blend of Gulf shrimp and rich grits, a staple of Southern cuisine, now crossing paths with Italian pasta. At The Hummingbird Way in Mobile, Alabama, this fusion is a delightful surprise. The dish combines fresh Gulf shrimp with creamy grits and al dente pasta, topped with a tangy sauce.
Alaska: King Crab Fettuccine Alfredo at Simon & Seafort’s, Anchorage
In Alaska, seafood reigns supreme, and at Simon & Seafort’s in Anchorage, King Crab Fettuccine Alfredo is a testament to this. The dish features tender king crab paired with a rich Alfredo sauce, elegantly draped over perfectly cooked fettuccine, offering diners a taste of the Alaskan sea.
Arizona: Spicy Southwest Pappardelle at The Mission, Scottsdale
At The Mission in Scottsdale, Arizona, the Spicy Southwest Pappardelle takes center stage. This dish marries the bold flavors of the Southwest, such as spicy chorizo and smoky peppers, with traditional Italian pappardelle pasta, offering a unique culinary adventure to pasta lovers.
Arkansas: Duck Confit Pasta at Table 28, Little Rock
In Little Rock, Arkansas, Table 28 presents a luxurious Duck Confit Pasta. This dish features tender, slow-cooked duck confit paired with wide ribbons of pappardelle pasta, all enveloped in a rich, savory sauce. It’s a dish that reflects both sophistication and culinary creativity.
California: Lobster Ravioli at Bestia, Los Angeles
California’s vibrant dining scene shines at Bestia in Los Angeles, where Lobster Ravioli is a must-try. This dish features delicate pasta squares filled with succulent lobster meat, enhanced by a light, flavorful sauce. It’s a true embodiment of culinary artistry and innovation.
Colorado: Wild Mushroom and Truffle Tagliatelle at Frasca Food and Wine, Boulder
Boulder’s Frasca Food and Wine offers a dish that’s both earthy and luxurious: Wild Mushroom and Truffle Tagliatelle. This pasta combines the rich flavors of wild mushrooms and truffle oil with tender tagliatelle, creating a taste that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
Connecticut: Squid Ink Spaghetti with Uni at Arethusa al Tavolo, Bantam
In Bantam, Connecticut, Arethusa al Tavolo presents Squid Ink Spaghetti with Uni, a dish that combines bold flavors and visual drama. The deep black of squid ink spaghetti is paired with fresh, creamy sea urchin, creating a taste that’s both exotic and exquisite.
Delaware: Crab Carbonara at Harry’s Savoy Grill, Wilmington
Harry’s Savoy Grill in Wilmington, Delaware, adds a coastal twist to classic Italian carbonara with their Crab Carbonara. This dish blends rich, creamy sauce with linguine and lump crab meat, offering a taste of the sea with every bite.
Florida: Key West Pink Shrimp Scampi at Blue Heaven, Key West
Blue Heaven in Key West, Florida, serves up a dish as lively as its surroundings: Key West Pink Shrimp Scampi. This dish features local pink shrimp, linguine, and a bright, citrus-infused sauce, capturing the essence of tropical Florida in every bite.
Georgia: Sweet Corn Agnolotti at Staplehouse, Atlanta
Atlanta’s Staplehouse delights with its Sweet Corn Agnolotti, a dish that balances sweetness and savoriness. Tiny pasta parcels filled with sweet corn and mascarpone are complemented by a delicate sauce, offering a taste that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
Hawaii: Ahi Poke Pasta at MW Restaurant, Honolulu
In Honolulu, Hawaii, MW Restaurant offers a unique fusion with Ahi Poke Pasta. Fresh ahi tuna, a staple of Hawaiian cuisine, meets spaghetti noodles and a citrusy dressing, creating a dish that’s both vibrant and refreshing, reflecting the island’s culinary diversity.
Idaho: Bison Bolognese at Fork, Boise
Fork in Boise, Idaho, puts a local twist on a classic with their Bison Bolognese. This dish features a rich, savory bison meat sauce served over tender spaghetti, bringing a taste of the wild West to the Italian classic.
Illinois: Giardiniera Cavatelli at Monteverde, Chicago
Monteverde in Chicago, Illinois, showcases the city’s love for bold flavors with Giardiniera Cavatelli. The dish combines homemade cavatelli pasta with spicy giardiniera, offering a vibrant and flavorful culinary experience that reflects Chicago’s diverse culture.
Indiana: Smoked Pork and Apple Ravioli at Bluebeard, Indianapolis
Bluebeard in Indianapolis, Indiana, offers an inventive Smoked Pork and Apple Ravioli. The smoky, savory flavors of pork contrast beautifully with the sweetness of apple, all wrapped in tender ravioli, creating a dish that’s both intriguing and satisfying.
Iowa: Short Rib Stroganoff at Splash Seafood Bar & Grill, Des Moines
Splash Seafood Bar & Grill in Des Moines, Iowa, serves Short Rib Stroganoff, a dish that warms both heart and soul. Wide egg noodles tangled in a creamy sauce, crowned with tender short rib, offer a comforting and satisfying meal reflecting Midwestern hospitality.
Kansas: Pesto Chicken Pasta at The Hill, Wichita
The Hill in Wichita, Kansas, brings fresh flavors to life with their Pesto Chicken Pasta. Grilled chicken and penne pasta are tossed in a fragrant pesto sauce, creating a lively dish that combines Italian inspiration with local charm.
Kentucky: Bourbon Cream Pasta at Bourbon n’ Toulouse, Lexington
Bourbon n’ Toulouse in Lexington, Kentucky, offers a dish that embodies the spirit of the state: Bourbon Cream Pasta. This indulgent dish combines pasta with a rich, creamy bourbon sauce, providing a decadent taste of Kentucky’s most famous export.
Louisiana: Crawfish Monica at Jazz Fest, New Orleans
Crawfish Monica is a beloved staple at the New Orleans Jazz Fest. Featuring succulent crawfish tails, rotini pasta, and a spicy cream sauce, this dish captures the vibrant flavors and energetic spirit of Louisiana’s culinary scene.
Maine: Lobster Mac & Cheese at Eventide Oyster Co., Portland
Eventide Oyster Co. in Portland, Maine, redefines comfort food with their Lobster Mac & Cheese. This dish combines tender chunks of lobster with creamy macaroni, all topped with crispy breadcrumbs, offering a taste of Maine’s coast in every bite.
Maryland: Crab and Avocado Pasta at The Choptank, Baltimore
In Baltimore, Maryland, The Choptank offers Crab and Avocado Pasta, a dish that blends fresh crab meat with creamy avocado and linguine. This dish, both light and satisfying, captures the essence of Maryland’s coastal cuisine.
Massachusetts: Clam Linguine at Neptune Oyster, Boston
Boston’s Neptune Oyster serves a classic Clam Linguine that showcases New England’s seafood bounty. Fresh clams, tender linguine, and a buttery sauce create a dish that’s both traditional and delicious, capturing the heart of Massachusetts’ culinary heritage.
Michigan: Duck Ragu Tagliatelle at Selden Standard, Detroit
Selden Standard in Detroit, Michigan, offers a robust Duck Ragu Tagliatelle. The rich, flavorful duck ragu paired with tagliatelle creates a comforting dish that reflects Detroit’s innovative dining scene and love for hearty, satisfying meals.
Minnesota: Walleye Ravioli at Borough, Minneapolis
Borough in Minneapolis, Minnesota, showcases local flavors with their Walleye Ravioli. This innovative dish features ravioli filled with walleye, a regional favorite, paired with fresh herbs, creating a taste that’s both unique and delightful.
Mississippi: Blackened Catfish Pasta at Walker’s Drive-In, Jackson
In Jackson, Mississippi, Walker’s Drive-In offers a Southern twist with Blackened Catfish Pasta. Spicy blackened catfish pairs with creamy pasta, creating a dish that reflects both Southern tradition and modern culinary flair.
Missouri: Smoked Trout Carbonara at Louie’s Wine Dive, St. Louis
Louie’s Wine Dive in St. Louis, Missouri, presents Smoked Trout Carbonara. This dish combines smoked trout with creamy carbonara sauce and linguine, offering a sophisticated twist on a classic Italian dish, reflecting the city’s love for innovative flavors.
Montana: Elk Stroganoff at The Montana Club, Missoula
The Montana Club in Missoula serves Elk Stroganoff, a dish that embodies the spirit of the West. Tender elk meat, wide egg noodles, and a creamy sauce create a hearty meal that warms both heart and soul, offering a taste of Montana’s wild landscape.
Nebraska: Reuben Spaghetti at Block 16, Omaha
Block 16 in Omaha, Nebraska, reimagines a classic sandwich with Reuben Spaghetti. This dish combines spaghetti with corned beef, sauerkraut, and tangy dressing, creating a playful and nostalgic culinary experience.
Nevada: Lobster Carbonara at Carbone, Las Vegas
Carbone in Las Vegas, Nevada, offers a decadent Lobster Carbonara. Combining linguine with lobster and creamy sauce, this dish is both indulgent and elegant, reflecting the opulence of its Las Vegas setting.
New Hampshire: Maple Bacon Mac & Cheese at The Foundry, Manchester
The Foundry in Manchester, New Hampshire, crafts Maple Bacon Mac & Cheese, a dish that marries sweet and savory. Creamy macaroni, crispy bacon, and a touch of maple syrup create a comforting dish that embodies New England’s culinary charm.
New Jersey: Vodka Rigatoni at Arturo’s, Maplewood
Arturo’s in Maplewood, New Jersey, delights with Vodka Rigatoni. Rigatoni pasta paired with a creamy vodka sauce offers a dish that’s both comforting and full of flavor, reflecting New Jersey’s love for hearty Italian cuisine.
New Mexico: Green Chile Pasta at El Pinto, Albuquerque
El Pinto in Albuquerque, New Mexico, celebrates local flavors with Green Chile Pasta. The dish features pasta smothered in a vibrant green chile sauce, offering a taste that’s both traditional and exciting, reflecting New Mexico’s culinary heritage.
New York: Spaghetti Carbonara at Via Carota, New York City
Via Carota in New York City offers a classic Spaghetti Carbonara that captures the essence of Italian cuisine. With spaghetti, pancetta, and a creamy sauce, this dish offers a taste of Rome in the heart of New York.
North Carolina: Lobster and Grits Pasta at The Asbury, Charlotte
The Asbury in Charlotte, North Carolina, presents Lobster and Grits Pasta, an inventive dish combining lobster, creamy grits, and pasta. It offers a luxurious twist on Southern tradition, capturing the essence of regional flavors.
North Dakota: Bison Ravioli at Mezzaluna, Fargo
Mezzaluna in Fargo, North Dakota, serves Bison Ravioli, highlighting local ingredients with ravioli filled with bison meat. This dish offers a hearty taste of the Great Plains, reflecting North Dakota’s culinary landscape.
Ohio: Mushroom Stroganoff at TownHall, Cleveland
TownHall in Cleveland, Ohio, offers Mushroom Stroganoff, a dish that combines savory mushrooms with creamy sauce and tender egg noodles. It’s a comforting meal that reflects Ohio’s love for hearty, satisfying dishes.
Oklahoma: Braised Beef Pappardelle at Ludivine, Oklahoma City
Ludivine in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, serves Braised Beef Pappardelle, a dish that pairs wide pasta ribbons with rich, savory braised beef. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal, showcasing Oklahoma’s culinary creativity.
Oregon: Smoked Salmon Pasta at Jake’s Famous Crawfish, Portland
Jake’s Famous Crawfish in Portland, Oregon, offers a Smoked Salmon Pasta that highlights the region’s seafood. Smoked salmon, creamy sauce, and fettuccine create a dish that’s both sophisticated and reflective of the Pacific Northwest’s culinary traditions.
Pennsylvania: Pepperoni Pizza Pasta at Pizza Brain, Philadelphia
Pizza Brain in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, offers Pepperoni Pizza Pasta, a playful take on a classic favorite. This dish combines pasta with pepperoni and cheese, creating a fun and nostalgic culinary experience that delights pizza lovers.
Rhode Island: Clam Ziti at Al Forno, Providence
At Al Forno in Providence, Rhode Island, Clam Ziti showcases the region’s seafood bounty. Fresh clams, ziti pasta, and a white wine sauce create a dish that’s both comforting and elegant, reflecting Rhode Island’s culinary heritage.
South Carolina: Shrimp and Sausage Pasta at Magnolias, Charleston
Magnolias in Charleston, South Carolina, offers Shrimp and Sausage Pasta, a dish that combines shrimp, sausage, and pasta with a tangy sauce. This dish captures the vibrant flavors of the South, offering a delightful culinary experience.
South Dakota: Buffalo Mac & Cheese at Prairie Berry Winery, Hill City
Prairie Berry Winery in Hill City, South Dakota, serves Buffalo Mac & Cheese, a hearty dish combining creamy macaroni with flavorful buffalo meat. It offers a taste of the Great Plains, reflecting South Dakota’s culinary and cultural heritage.
Tennessee: Hot Chicken Fettuccine at Hattie B’s, Nashville
Hattie B’s in Nashville, Tennessee, offers Hot Chicken Fettuccine, a dish that combines spicy Nashville hot chicken with tender fettuccine pasta. This dish reflects the bold flavors and culinary creativity of Tennessee’s vibrant food scene.
Texas: Brisket Ragu with Pappardelle at L’Oca d’Oro, Austin
L’Oca d’Oro in Austin, Texas, offers Brisket Ragu with Pappardelle, a dish that marries slow-cooked brisket with wide pappardelle pasta. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish, capturing the spirit of Texas barbecue and Italian tradition.
Utah: Butternut Squash Ravioli at The Copper Onion, Salt Lake City
The Copper Onion in Salt Lake City, Utah, serves Butternut Squash Ravioli, a dish that combines sweet butternut squash with fragrant sage. The tender ravioli creates a comforting and flavorful meal, reflecting Utah’s love for seasonal ingredients.
Vermont: Maple Cream Pasta at Hen of the Wood, Burlington
Hen of the Wood in Burlington, Vermont, offers Maple Cream Pasta, a dish that embodies the state’s famous maple syrup. The pasta, enveloped in a maple-infused cream sauce, provides a sweet and savory taste that’s uniquely Vermont.
Virginia: Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese at Comfort, Richmond
Comfort in Richmond, Virginia, delights with Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese. Creamy macaroni paired with rich smoked gouda creates a dish that’s both comforting and flavorful, reflecting Virginia’s love for hearty meals.
Washington: Dungeness Crab Linguine at The Crab Pot, Seattle
The Crab Pot in Seattle, Washington, serves Dungeness Crab Linguine, a dish that highlights the fresh seafood of the Pacific Northwest. Dungeness crab, linguine, and a light sauce create a refreshing and satisfying meal.
West Virginia: Venison Bolognese at The Market, Charleston
The Market in Charleston, West Virginia, offers Venison Bolognese, a dish that brings together spaghetti and a rich venison meat sauce. This hearty meal reflects West Virginia’s culinary traditions and appreciation for local ingredients.
Wisconsin: Beer Cheese Mac & Cheese at Old Fashioned, Madison
Old Fashioned in Madison, Wisconsin, delights with Beer Cheese Mac & Cheese. This dish combines creamy macaroni with robust beer cheese, offering a taste that’s both comforting and uniquely Wisconsin.
Wyoming: Truffle Mac & Cheese at The Rustic Pine Tavern, Dubois
The Rustic Pine Tavern in Dubois, Wyoming, serves Truffle Mac & Cheese, a dish that combines creamy macaroni with the luxurious aroma of truffle oil. It’s a comforting and indulgent meal that reflects Wyoming’s rustic charm.
Leave a comment