10 American States With Pasta Dishes You’ll Never Forget

America’s love for pasta has taken many forms, with each state adding its own twist. Italian immigrants, regional flavors, and inventive chefs have all left their mark, creating dishes that feel both comforting and unforgettable. From baked casseroles to seafood pastas and fried ravioli, these specialties reflect the diversity of American dining. Here are ten states with pasta dishes you’ll never forget, each tied to local culture and culinary tradition in a way that makes them worth seeking out.

1. New York – Chicken Riggies

Central New York is home to Chicken Riggies, a spicy, creamy pasta dish that originated in Utica. Rigatoni is paired with chicken, sweet and hot peppers, onions, and a tomato-cream sauce that balances heat with richness. The dish embodies Italian-American ingenuity, using local peppers and hearty pasta to create something uniquely upstate. Chicken Riggies have become a staple at local festivals and restaurants, and though recipes vary, the combination of cream and spice makes this pasta truly unforgettable.

2. Missouri – Toasted Ravioli

St. Louis is synonymous with Toasted Ravioli, a crispy pasta appetizer that was reportedly invented in the city’s Italian neighborhood known as The Hill. Meat- or cheese-filled ravioli are breaded, deep fried, and served with marinara for dipping. The crunchy shell contrasts with the warm filling inside, creating a texture that sets it apart from traditional pasta dishes. Beloved at local restaurants and sports stadiums, Toasted Ravioli is a Midwestern favorite that gives pasta a bold, unforgettable twist.

3. Ohio – Johnny Marzetti

Columbus, Ohio, gave the world Johnny Marzetti, a baked pasta casserole made with noodles, ground beef or sausage, tomato sauce, cheese, and vegetables. The dish was named after the brother of a restaurateur in the early 20th century and quickly became popular across the Midwest. It is hearty, economical, and comforting, often served in schools and homes. With layers of pasta, meat, and melted cheese, Johnny Marzetti represents Midwestern hospitality on a plate and remains an enduring regional pasta tradition.

4. Ohio – Cincinnati Chili Spaghetti

Distinct from classic chili or Italian pasta, Cincinnati Chili Spaghetti is a cultural icon in Ohio. Thin chili made with Mediterranean spices like cinnamon and allspice is ladled over spaghetti and topped with shredded cheddar, onions, and beans in “two-way,” “three-way,” or “five-way” combinations. Served at chains like Skyline Chili and Gold Star, this dish is loved for its fusion of immigrant influences and bold flavors. For many in Ohio, Cincinnati Chili Spaghetti is both comfort food and hometown pride.

5. California – Agnolotti del Plin

California’s food scene is known for blending Italian tradition with fresh, local ingredients, and nowhere is this clearer than in Agnolotti del Plin. Originally from Piedmont, Italy, this pasta has found a home in California kitchens where chefs highlight seasonal produce and meats. Tiny stuffed pasta parcels are filled with veal, rabbit, or vegetables and dressed in rich but light sauces. California chefs have made the dish their own, showcasing the state’s farm-to-table ethos while honoring Italian craftsmanship.

6. Louisiana – Crawfish Monica

Crawfish Monica is one of Louisiana’s most iconic pasta dishes, created in New Orleans in the 1980s by chef Pierre Hilzim. It combines rotini pasta with crawfish tails, butter, cream, garlic, and Cajun spices, resulting in a rich, flavorful dish that captures the essence of Louisiana cooking. It rose to fame at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, where it quickly became one of the most sought-after foods at the event. Today, Crawfish Monica is considered a Louisiana classic, blending Cajun seafood traditions with Italian-inspired pasta in a way that feels both local and unforgettable.

7. Arkansas – Lasagna Imbotito

Little Rock’s Bruno’s Little Italy is famous for Lasagna Imbotito, a layered pasta dish that combines ricotta, mozzarella, and Romano cheeses with sausage, meatballs, and cured meats. This version is hearty and dense, reflecting Italian-American cooking traditions while appealing to Southern tastes. The dish is a celebration of abundance, meant to be shared with family and friends. Rich, cheesy, and deeply satisfying, Lasagna Imbotito is a pasta memory that defines Arkansas’s contribution to Italian-American cuisine.

8. Georgia – Squid Ink Spaghetti

Atlanta’s La Tavola Trattoria made Squid Ink Spaghetti one of Georgia’s most memorable pasta dishes. Jet-black noodles, colored and flavored with squid ink, are paired with calamari, garlic, Calabrian chili, and fresh herbs. The pasta’s striking appearance is matched by its briny flavor, which is brightened by citrus and spice. It is both visually dramatic and delicious, showing how Italian tradition can be adapted with flair. For pasta lovers in Georgia, this dish is an experience that lingers long after the meal.

9. Hawaii – Macaroni Salad

Hawaiian macaroni salad is a staple across the islands, often served alongside rice and barbecued meats as part of plate lunches. Unlike heavy casseroles, this pasta dish is simple and cool: elbow macaroni tossed in a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing with grated carrot, scallions, and a touch of tang. Its role is to balance bold proteins and rice in meals, offering a soft, slightly sweet, and chill bite. Though it did not originate in Hawaii, it has become so entrenched in local food culture that it now feels like a native signature.

10. Massachusetts – Pasta e Fagioli

Italian-American communities in New England popularized Pasta e Fagioli, a rustic soup-like dish of beans, pasta, tomato broth, garlic, and herbs. In Massachusetts and Connecticut, it remains a staple in family kitchens and Italian restaurants. Small pasta shapes like ditalini or shells are used, and variations include pancetta or leafy greens. It is a dish rooted in immigrant tradition, offering warmth during cold winters and comfort across generations. Simple yet deeply flavorful, Pasta e Fagioli remains a beloved classic.