10 Texas Chains Serving Spaghetti And Meatballs You Have To Try
Texas knows how to put its own spin on classic comfort food.
These chains serve spaghetti and meatballs that go beyond ordinary, with perfectly cooked pasta, savory sauces, and meatballs bursting with flavor.
From family-friendly spots to hidden local favorites, each bite offers a hearty, satisfying experience that keeps diners coming back.
Get ready to twirl, savor, and enjoy plates that prove Texas takes its Italian-inspired comfort food seriously.
1. Olive Garden’s Never-Ending Pasta Bowl
Unlimited pasta? Count me in! Olive Garden’s spaghetti and meatballs come with their famous house-made marinara and perfectly seasoned meat spheres that would make any Italian grandmother nod in approval.
The breadsticks alone are worth the trip, but pair them with their classic spaghetti and you’ve got comfort food heaven. Their meatballs strike the perfect balance between hearty and tender.
2. Carrabba’s Italian Grill’s Mama Mandola’s Recipe
Family recipes shine at Carrabba’s where the spaghetti and meatballs taste like they’ve been perfected over generations. The sauce simmers for hours, creating depth that chain restaurants rarely achieve.
Founded in Houston, this Texas-born Italian spot serves meatballs made from a blend of beef, pork, and veal for maximum flavor.
Their al dente pasta holds the perfect amount of their rich, herb-infused pomodoro sauce.
3. Maggiano’s Little Italy’s Family-Style Feast
Bring your appetite! Maggiano’s massive family-style portions mean you’ll be taking home tomorrow’s lunch too. Their spaghetti arrives topped with meatballs the size of tennis balls – no exaggeration.
The warm, dimly lit atmosphere makes this chain feel like an authentic old-world Italian restaurant.
Their sauce has a sweetness that balances perfectly with the savory, herb-packed meatballs that practically melt when you cut into them.
4. Romano’s Macaroni Grill’s Rustic Kitchen Approach
Crayons on the table paper aren’t the only fun thing at Macaroni Grill! Their spaghetti and meatballs feature a rustic, chunky tomato sauce that tastes homemade in the best way possible.
The open kitchen concept lets you watch as chefs toss pasta and craft meatballs by hand.
Their recipe includes a splash of wine in the sauce, giving it a sophisticated flavor profile that elevates this classic dish beyond basic chain restaurant fare.
5. Buca di Beppo’s Massive Meatball Mountain
Holy meatball! Buca di Beppo serves a half-pound meatball that towers over their spaghetti like a meaty Mount Vesuvius.
The family-style restaurant’s walls covered in vintage Italian photos add to the experience. Their authentic recipes come straight from Italian immigrants, with a sauce that’s both tangy and sweet.
The pasta comes perfectly cooked, providing the ideal foundation for their legendary meatballs that have become Instagram-famous across Texas locations.
6. North Italia’s Farm-to-Table Spin
Foodie alert! North Italia takes spaghetti and meatballs upscale with locally-sourced ingredients and house-made everything.
Their meatballs contain a blend of beef and pork with surprising hints of lemon zest. The bright, modern restaurant atmosphere matches their fresh approach to Italian classics.
Their pasta is made in-house daily, giving it a texture and taste that mass-produced noodles simply can’t match, while the sauce balances perfectly between acidic tomatoes and sweet basil.
7. Johnny Carino’s Country Italian Comfort
Garlic lovers rejoice! Johnny Carino’s isn’t shy about flavor in their robust spaghetti and meatballs. The Texas-sized portions come with their signature garlic bread that’s almost as famous as the main dish.
Started in Austin, this chain brings together Italian tradition with Texas hospitality.
Their meatballs are packed with Parmesan and fresh herbs, creating a flavor explosion that pairs perfectly with their slightly spicy marinara sauce and perfectly al dente spaghetti.
8. Russo’s New York Pizzeria’s Brooklyn-Style Pasta
New York meets Texas at Russo’s, where the founder brought his family’s 100-year-old recipes straight from the Big Apple.
Their spaghetti sauce simmers for hours with imported San Marzano tomatoes. The cozy neighborhood vibe makes this chain feel like a local joint.
Chef Anthony Russo personally developed the meatball recipe using premium beef and his grandmother’s secret blend of spices, resulting in a taste that transports you straight to Little Italy.
9. Palio’s Pizza Cafe’s Hidden Italian Gem
Surprising pasta prowess from a pizza place! Palio’s might be known for their pies, but their spaghetti and meatballs deserve serious attention.
The sauce has a distinctive sweetness from a secret ingredient (rumor has it it’s a touch of honey). This Texas-grown chain keeps things casual and family-friendly.
Their hand-rolled meatballs are generously sized and seasoned with a Mediterranean spice blend that sets them apart from other Italian spots around the Lone Star State.
10. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse’s Craft Beer Companion
Beer and pasta make perfect partners at BJ’s, where you can pair their hearty spaghetti and meatballs with house-brewed craft beers.
Their Deep Dish Ziti – essentially a spaghetti and meatball casserole – offers a unique twist. The sports bar atmosphere might seem unexpected for Italian food, but it works!
Their meatballs are surprisingly authentic, made with a blend of beef and Italian sausage that gives them a distinctive flavor profile that stands up beautifully to their robust marinara.