Massachusetts: New Study Shows We Really Love Pasta

National Pasta Day is right around the corner (October 17). In celebration, Betway has compiled a report highlighting the most searched pasta dish in each state. In Massachusetts, the most popular pasta is one that adds a little meat to the dish.

Is there a such thing as a "bad" pasta? Probably not. However, there are certain plates (or bowls) that, when prepared right, are a step above the rest. Pasta has the ability to be a feel-good meal wherever you choose to eat it. Whether you dig into pasta dinner on Sunday nights, filled with family, friends, bread, and wine, or head out to your favorite Italian restaurant.

For Betway to compile their report, they analyzed Google search data in every state. The pasta types that had the highest search volume then ranked highest on their corresponding list.

The short answer is: a lot. "Lasagna is the most popular pasta dish in the U.S., followed by gnocchi carbonara, ragu, bolognese, and alfredo," Betway's report states. With the exception of Alfredo, all of those aforementioned pastas are tomato sauce based. In addition, this report shows that pasta is most popular in the Northeast and Midwestern.

Betway explained that Massachusetts is in the top five states searching for pasta dishes. What pasta dish are they searching for, and is the most popular in Massachusetts? That would be Ragu. This meat-style pasta sauce style was the top selection in the Bay State by far. It was then followed by linguine and Pomodoro. Evidently, Massachusetts pasta lovers are not in favor of white sauces, with alfredo and carbonara ranking among the least favorites.

Now that you are in the mood for a fresh plate of linguine, here are a few options. Best Things Massachusetts recently detailed the ten best pasta restaurants in the state. This lists everything from pappardelle wild boar in Cambridge to great linguine and clams in Western Massachusetts.

Throughout New England, I've recently noticed the tag of  "Nashville" has been applied to many chicken sandwiches. No matter if I am in a local pub or tavern, barbeque establishment, or really a restaurant of any kind, this menu item is everywhere. Here, I've highlighted four great places to get a tasty Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich in Massachusetts today.

First, what exactly does this term refer to? "Nashville chicken's signature heat comes from a spice blend that usually includes cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and other secret ingredients," Main Bird Hot Chicken explains.

So, in short, we are talking about a piece of buttermilk fried chicken sandwiched between a bun (typically, brioche). However, it needs to have the aforementioned spice rub. Then, add in some slaw or pickles to take the sandwich to the next level.

Although it appears to be more on-trend and ubiquitous now in Massachusetts, Mashed explained this style has a history going back over 75 years. In their 2021 story that specifically profiled the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, they say, "This fiery brand of fowl, which originated at a Tennessee institution with a royal name, marries a southern classic with a hit of tongue-tingling heat."

Mashed explains that a historical Nashville establishment named Prince's Hot Chicken can be pointed to for serving up one of the first memorable of these spicy fried chicken sandwiches.

The Massachusetts establishments that have mastered the craft of this sandwich have a few things in common. First, they don't overdo it with the toppings. That can take away from the mixed spice flavor. Next, they pair the sandwich with a side, but not one that takes the attention of the main act. Lastly, they include an option to make it unique. That can be a spicy mayo, ketchup aioli, or fried pickles.

Here are four great places in Massachusetts you need to know about, to get a great Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich.

I'll start with the most recent one I've had. The Buckley Kitchen keeps it perfectly basic. There's a significant crunch, but the chicken is not overly fried. The only challenge is whether you pick the seasoned fries or homemade tater tots to pair with it. The Buckley also has an extensive beer and wine list. The Maine Lunch IPA sounded the part, as a pint that would pair perfectly with their Nashville Hot, and it did not disappoint.

This restaurant now has two locations for you to pick from to grab their mouth-watering Nashville Hot. You have to search for it on the menu. The Buttermilk Fried Chicken "House Special" comes with the option to add Nashville Hot. Then, if you have room, throw in a baked mac and cheese to share, and thank me later for a meal you will be burning to return for. Buttermilk & Bourbon has two restaurant locations in Massachusetts. There's the Boston spot, at 160 Comm. Ave. Then, in Watertown, you can find this establishment in the Arsenal Mall (100 Arsenal Yard Blvd.) Both are open seven days per week.

This establishment is only about two years old, but they have already made quite a name for themselves. Flanders Field not only serves an authentic Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, they also have 100 beers on tap. Each of them is served in the glass or mug that it is meant to pair with. Furthermore, Flanders Field often holds beer pairing events where they take you through some of their items on tap and what they pair well with in the given the season.  They describe their style as, "Farm fresh, locally sourced, in-house prepared food with a Northern European and American influence."

There's a Nashville Hot all over the menu at Lily P's. The "Lower Broadway" is the most traditional Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich item. However, there's also the "Hot N' Honey" which simply adds black pepper honey to the party. Then, you can order your tenders, fried chicken pieces or an entire bucket in a Nashville style. Equally as interesting here, is that Lily P's is also well known for their Oysters. They offer traditional Wellfleet Oysters, or a Roasted and Fried style. Lastly, while you are waiting for your main course, grab their cheddar popcorn app to hold you over.  The only catch here is that in late September they will not be open on the weekends.