Let’s face it — sometimes all you need is a big ol’ bowl of pasta to set everything right in the world. Whether it’s a steaming plate of spaghetti marinara, a rich chicken Alfredo, or a gooey mac and cheese, pasta is one of America’s go-to comfort foods. And with pasta chains dotting strip malls and food courts across the country, you’re never far from your next carb fix.
But not all noodles are created equal.
Some pasta chains deliver authentic Italian flavors and handmade sauces, while others offer… well, soggy noodles and uninspired marinara. To help you decide where to twirl your fork next, we’ve taste-tested and ranked America’s most popular pasta chains — from the absolute best to the ones you might want to skip.
Welcome to Noodle Nirvana — your official guide to the best (and worst) pasta chains in the USA.
15. Sbarro – The Pizza Chain That Dabbles in Pasta
The vibe: Mall food court nostalgia.
The reality: Pizza is the star; pasta is the understudy.
Sbarro’s pasta isn’t bad, but it’s nothing to write home about either. Often kept under heat lamps, their ziti and spaghetti dishes lack the texture and flavor you want from a proper pasta dish. Still, if you’re already grabbing a slice, the pasta can serve as a carb-y sidekick.
14. Fazoli’s – Fast Food, Italian-Style
The vibe: Drive-thru Italian with unlimited breadsticks.
The reality: Convenient, but not quite crave-worthy.
Fazoli’s gets props for trying to bring Italian to the fast-food format — and those unlimited breadsticks are addicting. But the pasta dishes themselves tend to be over-sauced, overcooked, and a little too salty. It’s decent if you’re in a rush, but it won’t be your first choice for date night.
13. Macaroni Grill – A Chain That’s Lost Some Shine
The vibe: Casual dining with a once-upscale feel.
The reality: Inconsistent execution drags it down.
Macaroni Grill used to be a staple for family dinners and cozy dates, but it’s struggled to keep up with the competition. While some dishes like the Penne Rustica still hit the spot, others fall flat. Plus, the ambiance has started to feel a bit dated.
12. Johnny Carino’s – Big Flavors, Bigger Portions
The vibe: Southern Italian-American fusion with flair.
The reality: Tasty but not exactly refined.
Johnny Carino’s is all about bold flavors — think spicy sausage, gobs of cheese, and creamy sauces. It’s not authentic Italian, but it knows what it’s doing when it comes to comfort food. Expect generous portions and a flavor punch, though sometimes it leans a little too hard into heavy.
11. Bertucci’s – Brick Oven Meets Bolognese
The vibe: Cozy East Coast chain with hearty dishes.
The reality: Solid, but a little hit-or-miss.
Bertucci’s brings charm and warmth to the table, with some standout pasta options like their rigatoni abruzzese. The brick oven flair adds a unique touch, and the rolls are hard to resist. Still, the quality can vary by location, which knocks it down a few notches.
10. Buca di Beppo – Fun, Loud, and Loaded with Pasta
The vibe: Retro family-style chaos (in the best way).
The reality: A good time, and a good amount of food.
This isn’t your quiet Italian trattoria. Buca is bold, quirky, and perfect for groups. The massive portions and shareable plates make it a hit for parties, and some pasta dishes — like the baked ziti and linguine with clams — are surprisingly tasty. You’re not here for subtlety, and that’s okay.
9. Olive Garden – America’s Comfort Chain
The vibe: Casual Italian with endless salad and breadsticks.
The reality: Surprisingly satisfying… if you order right.
Say what you will, but Olive Garden delivers comfort food that keeps people coming back. Sure, it’s Americanized, but that never stopped anyone from devouring a creamy plate of chicken Alfredo. Bonus points for the Tour of Italy combo and that legendary breadstick basket.
8. Carrabba’s Italian Grill – The Underrated Gem
The vibe: A slightly more upscale Olive Garden.
The reality: Better flavors, less hype.
Carrabba’s flies a bit under the radar, but it shouldn’t. The pastas are generally fresher, the sauces more balanced, and the menu leans a little more authentic. Try the Fettuccine Carrabba or the Lasagne — rich, hearty, and full of flavor.
7. Bravo! Italian Kitchen – Clean, Modern, and Flavorful
The vibe: Stylish, family-friendly with a modern twist.
The reality: Great balance of quality and approachability.
Bravo! Italian Kitchen nails the middle ground — it’s not too fancy, not too casual. The pasta is well-prepared, with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Their Campanelle Carbonara and lobster ravioli are standout items, and the cocktails pair well with a carb-heavy meal.
6. Noodles & Company – Not Just Italian, But Worth It
The vibe: Global noodles with fast-casual convenience.
The reality: Delicious, diverse, and customizable.
While not strictly Italian, Noodles & Company earns its place for being innovative and consistent. You can go classic with Penne Rosa or try something adventurous like their Japanese Pan Noodles. Plus, their mac & cheese options are dangerously good.
5. Maggiano’s Little Italy – Old School Done Right
The vibe: Italian-American comfort, big portions, warm vibes.
The reality: Familiar, rich, and reliable.
Maggiano’s is everything you want from a traditional Italian-American restaurant: generous portions, flavorful sauces, and that just-like-nonna-made-it energy. The Rigatoni “D” and Four-Cheese Ravioli are crowd favorites. And let’s not forget — you get a second pasta dish to take home free. Yes, really.
4. Brio Italian Grille – Elegant Yet Accessible
The vibe: Stylish dining with a focus on freshness.
The reality: Balanced, flavorful, and just fancy enough.
Brio offers handcrafted pasta in a setting that feels like a night out — without blowing the budget. Dishes like their Pasta Alla Vodka and Shrimp & Lobster Fettuccine are made with finesse. It’s not revolutionary, but it’s reliably delicious and well-executed.
3. North Italia – Artisan Pasta with a Cool Edge
The vibe: Hip, urban, and handmade.
The reality: Some of the best pasta you’ll find at a chain.
If you’re looking for handmade pasta with upscale vibes, North Italia is it. The Bolognese is rich and slow-cooked, the Short Rib Radiatori is packed with flavor, and the vibe is effortlessly cool. It feels like a local gem — even though it’s part of a national group.
2. Eataly’s Pasta Bar – Authenticity, Imported
The vibe: A little piece of Italy in a bustling food hall.
The reality: Fresh pasta, high-end ingredients, and total immersion.
Eataly’s pasta bar isn’t your everyday chain experience, but it’s accessible enough to count. The quality here is next level — handmade pasta, DOP-certified ingredients, and perfect technique. It’s pasta for purists, and worth every penny.
1. Il Fornaio – Regional Italian Done Right
The vibe: Elegant, authentic, and rooted in tradition.
The reality: The gold standard in chain Italian dining.
Il Fornaio stands above the rest thanks to its dedication to regional Italian cooking, rotating menus, and an emphasis on fresh, handmade pasta. The Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, Lasagna Verdi, and seasonal specials show the kind of care you’d expect at a boutique trattoria — not a chain. It’s refined, flavorful, and consistently excellent.
Final Thoughts: The Great Pasta Divide
From fast-casual to full-service elegance, America’s pasta chains offer something for every kind of noodle lover. Whether you’re a garlic bread devotee, a truffle mac enthusiast, or just someone craving a giant plate of spaghetti, there’s a spot on this list for you.
At the top of the noodle pyramid, Il Fornaio and North Italia deliver true culinary experiences. In the middle, Olive Garden and Carrabba’s bring the comfort. And at the bottom, well — they still have their place… usually near a food court.
So next time you’re dreaming of a pasta paradise, you’ll know exactly where to go. Because in the end, every forkful brings us one step closer to Noodle Nirvana.