Is there anything more comforting than a good plate of pasta? Probably not, in a way it is not by chance that it is part of the most iconic dishes in most restaurants. The truth is that pasta is one of the oldest foods, although its origins have been lost over time. Historians generally agree that many cultures consumed a food much like the one we enjoy today, for thousands of years. Evidence for various types of noodles and pasta dishes dates back to ancient Greeks and Romans, and even to the Etruscan civilization prior to Rome. While it is undeniable to say that over the years, countless shapes and sizes of noodles were developed, many of the pasta dishes enjoyed today are relatively recent. Everything has been part of a wonderful evolution that has brought with it the birth of iconic pasta dishes, which have become famous throughout the United States.
Lasagna is probably one of the most popular recipes and representative of the use of pasta, however this classic of classics, it had to appear with the arrival of tomatoes that made their journey from America to Europe in the early 16th century. According to Britannica references, it wasn’t until the 1880s that tomatoes appeared in a lasagna recipe and according to Italy magazine it is a creation dating back to Naples. And it turns out that it was largely from Naples that pasta as we know it today reached the United States, it was in that same period, at the end of the 19th century, when a large number of emigrants from Naples and the rest of Italy reached the States. United and brought his favorite foods with him.
While it is a fact today that pasta is an immensely versatile, complete food enjoyed throughout the U.S., recently a data analysis conducted for Shane Co.’s The Loupe found that the preferred pasta dish it tends to vary from state to state. Using Google Trends, analyzed the search volume of 27 pasta dishes during the last 12 months to find the most popular pasta dish in every state. Based on that these are the most popular pasta dishes in all states according to search trends.
1. Fettuccine Alfredo: The # 1 Pasta, in 14 States
An impressive 28% of states prefer Fettuccine Alfredo. And the truth is that there are powerful reasons for this, it is a rich and creamy pasta that is always a real treat to enjoy. Not in vain is it the winning dish in 14 states, alphabetically they are the following: Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, and West Virginia. The original recipe is iconic and is made with butter, cream, cheese, and egg. It is extremely rich and generous, not to mention caloric: there are some versions of popular restaurants with more than 1,200 calories, what is a fact is that enjoying a good pasta Alfredo is always a real treat.
2. Gnocchi: Pasta made with potato # 1, in 5 states
We would probably all think that other options are in the # 2 place of the most liked pastas, but gnocchis swept the poll. It is a potato-based dough ball that does not require a pasta machine and this makes it not only a very artisan dish, it is perfect for beginners. Best of all, it can star in many types of dishes, from creamy to tomato-based, stews and more. Among its great qualities, it stands out for its immense versatility and a unique texture of the most satisfactory, powerful reasons that make it clearer why it is the most wanted pasta in five states these days: Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota and Oregon.
3. Spaghetti: The # 1 most classic pasta, in 5 states
When we think of raisins, it is very likely that the most classic version of spaghetti comes to mind. It is a staple that lends itself to combining with all kinds of sauces and combinations, making it the favorite alternative in 5 iconic US regions. It is the most popular pasta in: Alabama, Arizona, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.
4. Tortellini: The # 1 filled pasta, in 4 states
There are those who are lovers of stuffed pasta and they are a true delight, the most comforting and satisfying. In 4 states, tortellini are the favorite pasta: Iowa, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, or South Dakota, and it is typical to consume them with different types of fillings and quite original sauces. Although the most traditional version are tortellini filled with cheese, accompanied by tomato sauce and basil.
5. Spaghetti with meatballs: # 1 in 3 states
There are people who simply do not envision a spaghetti with tomato sauce, without a generous portion of meatballs and it is a famous dish throughout the world, as well as being exquisite. In fact it could be said that it is the most iconic Italian-American dish of all. According to the survey, it is the pasta dish of choice for people in three states: Hawaii, Kentucky and Vermont.
6. Squid ink paste: A very original variant, the # 1 in 3 states
This variant of pasta might be strange and unpopular for some, however for those who love sea food and seafood it is the preferred option. According to the information provided by the study, people in Illinois, Maryland, and New York seem to not have enough squid ink pasta. Squid ink pasta is a traditional pasta that has been darkened with ink sourced from a squid (or cuttlefish). This colorful product is known to add a tasty flavor to pasta and may also have some medicinal benefits.
7. Cannelloni: An irresistible classic, the # 1 in 2 states
Cannelloni are another very liked stuffed pasta and they stand out for having the immense versatility of being filled with all kinds of ingredients such as different types of cheeses, vegetables and meats, they are also perfect with sauces and delicious gratin cheeses. Although, many of us loved it in the survey, it was not one of the most popular versions and it is only the most liked in Missouri and Nevada.
8. Lasagna: The traditional one, the # 1 in 2 states
We can’t leave without talking about the lasagna, which honestly revealed data that surprised us and Garfield would surely be quite disappointed to learn this. It is only the most popular dish in Alaska and Wisconsin, according to the survey. It is probably related to the climate of the places and also to the meat theme; It is well known that every day more people are committed to following a diet low in products of animal origin and rather they are committed to following a plant-based diet.