Pasta is everyone's favorite comfort food. Whether it's dressed up in fancy sauces, or just heaped in a delicious, steaming mound on mom's kitchen table, nothing satisfies like a mouthwatering serving of pasta. Check out these Italian places across the state that take their pasta dishes to the next level.

Please note that restaurants are not ranked here, merely listed.

1. Viva Fresh Pasta, Northampton

Viva Fresh Pasta in Northampton celebrates southern European cuisine that is infused with the flavors of the world. This small neighborhood restaurant serves delectable dishes in an atmosphere that strikes the perfect balance between comfortable and classy. The portions are excellent (especially for such elegant fare) and the pasta is perfect. Trey the sweet potato ravioli with maple walnut sauce or their unparalleled carbonara. (249 Main St. Northampton)

2. Pasta E Basta, Amherst

Pasta E Basta has pasta right in the name, so you know they’re not going to let you down in that department. The atmosphere is unfussy, and you have the option of seating yourself downstairs or heading upstairs for a more formal experience. The angel hair with garlic wine cream sauce, chicken, broccoli basil and sun-dried tomato is divine, but you can’t go wrong with a classic like veal marsala. (26 Main Street, Amherst)

3. Eataly, Boston

Eataly is a wonderland of Italian cooking, and offers multiple shops and restaurants that churn out all the classics. It’s bright, lively and full of fresh pasta options. La Pizza & La Pasta makes their pasta minutes before serving it, so every bite is guaranteed to be heart-stoppingly yummy. This place even has a fresh pasta deli where you can pick up delicious nests of homemade pasta to go. Seeing the lovely lumps of pasta lined up behind the glass is truly a wonderful sight. (800 Boylston Street,

Boston)

4. Elizabeth's, Pittsfield

Elizabeth's is a tiny, cozy restaurant housed inside a nondescript blue building that looks more like your aunt's house than a fabulous dining destination. However, this place serves some of the most amazing pasta in the Berkshires. While the cuisine leans towards the Italian side of things, they also add in a bit of French and Caribbean flavor for good measure. Try the rigatoni with pulled pork and sausage, or the gorgonzola stuffed shells (pictured). This place is cash or check only, so come prepared! (1264 East Street, Pittsfield)

5. Alinas, Hadley

Alinas is a classic Italian spot with flavor to spare. It won Advocate magazine's Best of the Vally reader's poll in 2013, and nothing has changed since then in terms of taste and experience. It's not uncommon to have to wait a few minutes for a table on the weekends, so plan accordingly. (96 Russell Street, Hadley)

6. Giacomo’s Ristorante, Boston

Pasta E Basta has pasta right in the name, so you know they’re not going to let you down in that department. The atmosphere is unfussy, and you have the option of seating yourself downstairs or heading upstairs for a more formal experience. The angel hair with garlic wine cream sauce, chicken, broccoli basil and sun-dried tomato is divine, but you can’t go wrong with a classic like veal marsala. (26 Main Street, Amherst)

7. Alberto's Restaurant, Hyannis

Alberto’s is a classic, family-owned Italian restaurant that has been charming the Cape with its fresh ingredients and traditional dishes since 1984. The pasta here is homemade and everything is prepared in-house, from the soups to the desserts. Alberto’s delivers casual elegance and affordability with no sacrifice in flavor. Don’t pass up the pappardelle with plum tomato, garlic and basil sauce or the lobster ravioli with ricotta cheese and saffron cream sauce. The Boston Globe and the New York Times rave about this place. (360 Main Street, Hyannis)

8. La Familia, Taunton

La Familia is a casual and classy Italian restaurant in Taunton. They specialize in a mix of classic Italian comfort food with a dash of contemporary American fare. If you stop by for lunch, you can get a delicious and authentic chicken picatta alongside some savory onion rings. It’s the perfect spot for pleasing everyone. (431 Winthrop Street, Taunton)

9. Frankie's Ristorante Italiano, Lenox

Frankie’s Ristorante Italiano serves up house-made Italian meals in an atmosphere that is all about family. The service is old-fashioned and attentive while the menu is filled with modern twists on classic dishes. Try the penne vodka in Frankie’s house sauce or indulge in a starter of butternut squash ravioli.

(80 Main Street, Lenox)

10. Giuseppe's Fresh Pasta & Fine Food, Newburyport

This place is a real local gem. Giuseppe's Fresh Pasta & Fine Food in Newburyport is a no-frills family kitchen that specializes in fresh pasta paired with flavorful ingredients. The dining room is small but the service is unbeatable, and you'll definitely be asking for take-away containers. If you want an artistically arranged plate of three ravioli, go elsewhere. If you want a hearty meal that your Italian grandmother would be proud of, definitely stop in.

There's almost nothing that a hot plate of pasta can't fix. What's your favorite place to go for comfort food? For more amazing dining across the state, check out our picks for the best hidden gem restaurants around.

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