Pasta for all! Or — maybe not

As a vegetarian and a pasta lover, I find myself struggling with the selection of pasta dishes in the Anchorage restaurant scene. In my experience, some complex pasta dishes simply do not seem to exist within Anchorage — or even Alaska.

Despite a thorough search, I may be missing a hidden gem that serves favorites like penne alla vodka, pasta alla Norma, creamy Tuscan pasta —  without the chicken — and more. 

Sure, fellow vegetarians and I can order a macaroni and cheese or a simple spaghetti with marinara from a local pizza place. However, vegetarian options are often not on the menu or limited at most restaurants, as pasta offerings are riddled with meat-based sauce variants and meat toppings. 

There’s also a barrier for people who are allergic to dairy or lactose intolerant. They can always order a simple red sauce with pasta, but more often than not, it comes with meat or cheese. It’s almost impossible to find a vegan option. 

Regardless, the restaurant with the most versatile pasta options in Anchorage has to be Olive Garden, a chain restaurant, with its “create your own pasta” feature. This dish allows diners to choose from five different types of pasta and three vegetarian sauce options. 

I’ll be honest, while it has the most selection, it isn’t always my first pick. I feel like I would much rather enjoy something I could make at home. 

This type of selection is the foundation of a dream I have for an Italian restaurant in Anchorage. I genuinely wish there were more vegetarian — and dairy free — options for pasta in Anchorage.  

Local restaurants of Alaska, please hear my humble cry for more pasta dish varieties that accommodate all vegans and vegetarians in the great state of Alaska. We exist — and among the ever-developing scene of vegan and vegetarian options within Alaska, we love pasta too.