Pasta Dishes For Every Italian Food-Lover This Fall
“Life is a combination of magic and pasta.” ― Federico Fellini
Truer words have never been spoken. Pasta is one of the greatest things in life, especially when you’re looking for a comforting meal on a cool evening out. Fall is unofficially pasta season, and October is officially National Pasta Month. So many reasons to enjoy a food you already love… in all its varying styles and sauces. But where should you go in our city that’s chalk full of amazing Italian spots? We have your list of must-try dishes at all the best restaurants…
Osteria via Stato’s Cacio e Pepe: It’s a classic for a reason! Sometimes you just need a good ole’ bowl of spaghetti after a long day and Osteria via Stato will be ready and waiting. Their service is impeccable and they’ll make you feel like family from the minute you walk through the door. Plus, their happy hour is amazing!
Marchesa’s Butternut Squash Gnocchi: Nothing says “fall” like the flavors of a rich squash. It’s a seasonal favorite and Marchesa doubles down with more fall flavors like brown butter and sage. You’ll want to lick the plate!
Formento’s Spaghetti & Meatballs: The Formento’s meatball is amazing on it’s own, but when paired with pasta, it’s perfection. The fresh basil on top just adds another layer of amazing flavor, and it pairs well with a glass of rich red wine on a chilly fall evening.
Macello Cucina di Puglia’s Cavatelli Cozze e Fagioli: Mussels and Cannellini beans might seem like an unconventional pairing, but boy is it a delicious one. The spicy white wine sauce will give you a bit of heat too! It’s great for sharing so bring your family and order a few pastas for the table.
Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar’s Bucatini Amatriciana: The saltiness of guanciale and pancetta, combined with red pepper and tomato, then topped with the layered flavors of garlic and pecorino romano. It’s one of those dishes you’ll return to again and again!
Pacino’s Linguini Neri con Capesante: Squid ink pasta is a delight to the taste buds and will also be a gift to your Instagram feed. It’s pretty and delicious, especially when you add a seafood feast of scallops, shrimp, crab meat. Head to the South Loop and dine under the twinkle lights on their patio for a fall date night before it gets too chilly!
La Barra Ristorante’s Four Cheese Tortellini: Because there’s no such thing as too much cheese! And when three isn’t enough, this pasta comes in HOT! There’s even a parmesan cream sauce to really get cheese-lovers excited ;)
Eduardo's Enoteca’s Bolognese: Every detail is thought through with this traditional dish that’s long been a family favorite. From the fresh house-made pappardelle to the pork & veal ragu, every bite is rich and packed with flavor.
Labriola Chicago’s Eight Finger Cavatelli: Say it with us “Whipped Ricotta.” That’s really all you need to know. There is also vodka sauce and basil and delicious imported pasta, but the star of this dish is all that glorious cheese baby!
Joe’s Import’s Raviolo: Pasta and truffle is a match made in heaven, and this dish is the ideal example of why. Top it with a duck egg and ricotta, plus a bit of spinach for green goodness, and you’ve got your dream dinner out.
If all of these tasty tidbits aren’t enough to have you running out the door for a bowl of pasta, there’s more! All of these restaurants are in our 2021/2022 Culinary Guide, which means when you dine with them, you can get your meals two-for-one when you use our Guide! Dine, dine well, and dine at a discount this fall!
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor