Carrabba’s Pasta and Entrées: A Delicious Journey Through Italian Classics

Italian cuisine has a universal appeal, known for its warmth, richness, and soul-soothing flavors. When you think of Italian dining in the United States, Carrabba’s Italian Grill often tops the list. Among their menu offerings, Carrabba’s pasta and entrées stand out as the heart and soul of their culinary lineup. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes Carrabba’s pasta and entrées a true celebration of Italian-American cooking.

A Brief Introduction to Carrabba’s Italian Grill

Founded in Houston, Texas in 1986 by Johnny Carrabba and Damian Mandola, Carrabba’s Italian Grill brings the essence of family-style Italian cooking to the American dining scene. The restaurant chain quickly became popular for its authentic recipes passed down through generations, use of high-quality ingredients, and a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional Italian trattoria.

Over the years, Carrabba’s has expanded its menu to cater to a wide range of tastes, but their core strength remains the pasta and entrée offerings, which are crafted with the same love and care as a homemade meal in a Nonna’s kitchen.

Signature Carrabba’s Pasta Dishes

Carrabba’s pasta options are diverse, flavorful, and thoughtfully created. Whether you prefer creamy sauces, spicy seasonings, or seafood-infused plates, there’s something to satisfy every pasta lover.

1. Fettuccine Weesie

One of the most beloved items on the Carrabba’s pasta menu, Fettuccine Weesie features fettuccine tossed in Alfredo sauce with sautéed shrimp, garlic, mushrooms, and scallions. The rich, velvety sauce coats every strand of pasta, and the shrimp is perfectly cooked, making this dish a luxurious yet comforting option.

2. Linguine Positano

For those who prefer a lighter, Mediterranean-style pasta, Linguine Positano is a great choice. It features linguine noodles tossed in a vibrant, fresh tomato sauce with garlic, olive oil, and basil. Guests can add grilled chicken or shrimp to enhance the flavor and protein content.

3. Rigatoni Martino

Rigatoni Martino combines rigatoni pasta with sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken in a tomato cream sauce, finished with scallions and ricotta salata cheese. This dish is a perfect example of Carrabba’s creativity in blending traditional flavors with modern twists.

4. Lasagne

A timeless classic, Carrabba’s Lasagne is a multi-layered delight filled with pasta sheets, meat sauce, ricotta, Romano, and mozzarella cheese. Baked to perfection, this dish delivers a warm, cheesy, and hearty bite in every forkful.

5. Mezzaluna

This unique pasta dish features half-moon shaped ravioli stuffed with a rich mix of chicken, ricotta, Romano, and spinach, then topped with a tomato cream sauce. Mezzaluna is one of Carrabba’s standout pasta offerings for those who love filled pasta with robust flavors.

Entrées That Steal the Show

Carrabba’s entrées go beyond pasta, offering a wide variety of Italian-inspired meat and seafood dishes. Their entrées are well-portioned, expertly seasoned, and always served with a side of soup or salad and fresh bread.

1. Chicken Bryan

Arguably one of Carrabba’s most iconic dishes, Chicken Bryan is a grilled chicken breast topped with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and a tangy lemon butter sauce. It’s a flavorful combination of creamy, citrusy, and savory elements that delights the palate.

2. Veal Marsala

This classic entrée features tender veal medallions sautéed and topped with mushrooms and a rich, sweet Marsala wine sauce. Served with a side of your choice, Veal Marsala offers an elegant and satisfying meal for meat lovers.

3. Tuscan-Grilled Sirloin

Perfect for steak aficionados, this entrée features a USDA Choice sirloin seasoned with Carrabba’s signature grill baste and herbs. It's grilled over a wood fire, which infuses it with a delicious smoky flavor. You can pair it with garlic mashed potatoes or sautéed broccoli for a balanced meal.

4. Shrimp & Scallop Linguine Alla Vodka

This seafood entrée showcases linguine pasta in a vodka tomato cream sauce with shrimp and scallops. The sauce is smooth and tangy, while the seafood adds a fresh, briny sweetness that balances the dish perfectly.

5. Chicken Parmigiana

No Italian menu would be complete without Chicken Parmigiana. Carrabba’s version features breaded chicken breasts sautéed and topped with homemade pomodoro sauce, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Served with a side of spaghetti, this dish is a nostalgic favorite for many.

Fresh Ingredients and Traditional Techniques

One reason Carrabba’s pasta and entrées are so consistently delicious is the restaurant’s commitment to fresh, quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Many of their sauces are made from scratch daily. They use wood-fired grills to impart authentic flavor, and their dishes often reflect family recipes passed down from the founders' Sicilian and Southern Italian heritage.

Carrabba’s also allows guests to customize their meals. You can substitute different proteins, request gluten-free pasta, or adjust spice levels to suit your preferences. This flexibility ensures that everyone, from picky eaters to adventurous foodies, can enjoy a satisfying experience.

Family Bundles and Takeout Options

For families or groups, Carrabba’s offers “Family Bundles” of pasta and entrées that serve 4–5 people. These include crowd favorites like Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Lasagne, or Chicken Alfredo. It’s a convenient and budget-friendly way to enjoy restaurant-quality Italian food at home.

Their takeout and delivery services are also excellent, ensuring that your favorite pasta dishes and entrées arrive hot and fresh, ready to be enjoyed in the comfort of your home.

Vegetarian and Lighter Choices

Carrabba’s caters to different dietary needs as well. There are several vegetarian pasta options like Linguine Positano or Penne Pomodoro, and guests can ask for dishes to be modified for fewer calories or dietary restrictions. Carrabba’s also highlights gluten-free menu options, which include grilled meats and gluten-free pasta.

Why Customers Love Carrabba’s Pasta and Entrées

Here are a few reasons why Carrabba’s pasta and entrées continue to be a favorite:

• Consistency: Whether you're dining in Texas or Florida, the quality and taste are reliably excellent.

• Authenticity: Many of the recipes are inspired by family traditions and Sicilian cooking.

• Variety: There's something for everyone—pasta lovers, meat lovers, vegetarians, and seafood fans.

• Customization: Flexibility in ordering and customizing meals for dietary needs.

• Portion Size: Generous servings that leave you satisfied.

Conclusion

Carrabba’s pasta and entrées represent more than just a meal—they offer a journey through traditional Italian flavors with a modern twist. From creamy Fettuccine Weesie to savory Chicken Bryan and tender Veal Marsala, every dish is crafted with passion, quality, and authenticity. Whether you're planning a dinner out, hosting a family gathering, or craving comfort food at home, Carrabba’s delivers a truly satisfying Italian experience every time.

If you're a fan of hearty, delicious Italian food, you owe it to yourself to explore the wide variety of Carrabba’s pasta and entrées on their menu. One bite, and you’ll understand why it remains a go-to destination for Italian-American cuisine lovers nationwide.