The Most Popular Pasta Shapes in Every State — And It's Not All Spaghetti
A new map of America's pasta preferences is stirring the pot—literally. Inspired Taste just dropped a state-by-state breakdown of the most searched pasta shapes across the U.S., and while spaghetti still holds the national title, the local picks get way more interesting. We're talking regional loyalties to rigatoni, cult followings for fettuccine, and one surprising state that gave rotini the majority of its vote. And sorry to elbows—no state gave the mac-and-cheese classic their top spot. Regardless it's fresh pasta or dried, here's what stood out.
Idaho: Rotini Rules
With 44% of Idahoans choosing rotini, the Gem State showed the strongest loyalty to any pasta shape nationwide. It makes sense: rotini's spiral shape is a red sauce magnet, ideal for hearty meat sauces or creamy ranch pasta salads—two staples in cold-weather comfort food culture.
Both states crowned rigatoni as their favorite—a tube-shaped pasta known for its ridged exterior and sturdy structure. It's a natural pick for baked pasta dishes and rich Southern-style casseroles, offering plenty of bite and sauce-holding power.
These states might not seem similar on the surface, but all three share a love for fettuccine. Long, flat, and famously paired with Alfredo sauce, fettuccine holds up well to cream- and seafood-based sauces, both of which are popular in coastal cuisines.
The Great Elbow Snub
Elbow macaroni—despite ranking #4 overall—wasn't the top pick in any single state. A surprise, considering its role in iconic dishes like mac and cheese and pasta salad. It's beloved, but not enough to be anyone's number one.
Orzo and Angel Hair: Least Loved Nationwide
At the bottom of the barrel? Orzo and angel hair, with 18% of respondents naming them their least favorite pasta types. Orzo's rice-like shape can be confusing to some eaters, and angel hair often gets knocked for turning mushy too fast.
National Winner: Spaghetti Still Reigns
Despite all the regional quirks, spaghetti held onto its crown as the country's favorite shape, topping the list in 20 states. Its classic status and versatility make it a crowd-pleaser—equally at home in a quick weeknight dinner or a long-simmered Sunday sauce.
Pasta is more than just pantry stock—it's identity food. The shape you reach for reflects how you cook, what you crave, and what recipes feel like home. A box of penne might mean baked pasta passed down from grandma. Spaghetti might mean Tuesday night comfort or a go-to cheap dinner.
And that state loyalty? It says a lot. New Jersey going hard for penne? Feels on brand. Idaho's love for rotini? Unexpected but kind of charming. These picks reveal little snapshots of how Americans really eat.
How to See Your State's Pick
Check out the full pasta shape map at Inspired Taste or search your state's breakdown online. Then look at your pantry—are you in the pasta majority or marching to your own noodle beat?
Whether you're team spaghetti or flying the rigatoni flag, there's no wrong answer—just more excuses to boil some water.
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