Out of pasta shape?

Pasta Shape Substitutes

Use this

Ditalini Substitutes

Use the same amount (by volume) as the pasta shape you are replacing

Close matchBest for Pasta e fagioli

For small pasta shapes like ditalini, use orzo or acini de pepe. For tube shapes like cavatappi, use penne or rigatoni. For flat shapes like pappardelle, use fettuccine or tagliatelle. For shell shapes like orecchiette, use farfalle or small shells.

At a glance

Every option on one screen. Tap a name for detail.

Pasta Shape substitutes compared
#	Substitute	Instead of pasta shape, use	Result
1	Ditalini Substitutes	Same amount, (by volume)	Close match
2	Orzo Substitutes	Same amount, (by volume)	Close match
3	Cavatappi Substitutes	Same amount, (by volume)	Close match
4	Orecchiette Substitutes	Same amount, (by volume)	Close match
5	Pappardelle Substitutes	Same amount, (by volume)	Close match
6	Campanelle Substitutes	Same amount, (by volume)	Close match

Every pasta shape substitute

Ranked, with the exact amount and what changes

1. Ditalini Substitutes
Close match
Use the same amount (by volume)
Ditalini are small tube-shaped pasta perfect for soups and salads.
What changes
The best substitutes maintain the small size and tube shape for even cooking and sauce adherence.
Best for
Pasta e fagioli, Minestrone soup, Cold pasta salads, Mac and cheese
Small tube-shaped pasta, perfect for soups and pasta salads
2. Orzo Substitutes
Close match
Use the same amount (by volume)
Orzo's rice-like shape makes it perfect for pilafs and soups.
What changes
Substitutes should have similar size and cooking properties to work in the same applications.
Best for
Pilafs, Soups, Salads, Casseroles, Risotto-style dishes
Rice-shaped pasta, great for pilafs and soups
3. Cavatappi Substitutes
Close match
Use the same amount (by volume)
Cavatappi's spiral shape is excellent for holding sauces.
What changes
The best substitutes have similar ridges or shapes that help capture and hold sauce.
Best for
Chunky pasta sauces, Pasta salads, Baked pasta dishes, Creamy sauces
Corkscrew-shaped pasta, great for holding chunky sauces
4. Orecchiette Substitutes
Close match
Use the same amount (by volume)
Orecchiette's cup-like shape is perfect for holding chunky ingredients.
What changes
Substitutes should have similar size and shape to work in the same dishes.
Best for
Broccoli rabe pasta, Chunky vegetable sauces, Pasta salads, Mediterranean dishes
Small ear-shaped pasta, perfect for chunky sauces and vegetables
5. Pappardelle Substitutes
Close match
Use the same amount (by volume)
Pappardelle's wide, flat shape is perfect for rich, meaty sauces.
What changes
The best substitutes have similar width and thickness to work with the same sauce types.
Best for
Ragu, Bolognese, Creamy sauces, Mushroom dishes
Wide, flat pasta, perfect for rich, meaty sauces
6. Campanelle Substitutes
Close match
Use the same amount (by volume)
Campanelle's unique bell shape with ruffled edges is excellent for holding creamy sauces.
What changes
Substitutes should have similar texture and sauce-holding ability.
Best for
Creamy pasta sauces, Pasta salads, Baked dishes, Chunky sauces
Bell-shaped pasta with ruffled edges, great for creamy sauces

This page covers one situation. For the full ranked comparison, see all 6 pasta substitutes.

How it behaves in this recipe

Pasta shape matters because different shapes are designed to work with specific types of sauces and ingredients. Tube shapes hold chunky ingredients, flat shapes work with rich sauces, and small shapes are perfect for soups. When substituting, choose shapes with similar characteristics to maintain the dish's integrity.

Tips

For small pasta shapes, watch cooking time carefully as they cook faster than larger shapes
Tube-shaped pasta works best with chunky sauces that can get inside the tubes
Flat pasta shapes are perfect for rich, meaty sauces that can coat the wide surface
Shell-shaped pasta is ideal for holding small ingredients like peas or diced vegetables
When substituting shapes, consider the sauce type - some shapes work better with certain sauces
For pasta salads, choose shapes that won't break easily and can hold dressing well

Notes on pasta shape

Use rice or quinoa for orzo in pilaf-style dishes
Try spiralized vegetables for flat pasta shapes in lighter dishes
Use small pasta shapes in place of larger ones for quicker cooking
Consider the sauce type when choosing substitute shapes - some combinations work better than others

Questions

What can I substitute for ditalini pasta?

The best ditalini substitutes are orzo, acini de pepe, or small shells. All maintain the small size perfect for soups and pasta salads.

Can I use penne instead of cavatappi?

Yes, penne is an excellent substitute for cavatappi. Both are tube-shaped pasta that work well with chunky sauces, though penne has straight edges while cavatappi is spiral-shaped.

What's a good substitute for orecchiette pasta?

Farfalle (bow tie pasta) or small shells work well as orecchiette substitutes. They have similar size and shape that works well with chunky sauces and vegetables.

Can I use fettuccine instead of pappardelle?

Yes, fettuccine is a good substitute for pappardelle, though it's slightly narrower. Both are flat pasta shapes that work well with rich, meaty sauces.

What pasta shapes work best for pasta salads?

Short, sturdy shapes like penne, farfalle, rotini, and shells work best for pasta salads because they hold their shape and can capture dressing and mix-ins well.

More pasta substitutes

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At a glance

Every pasta shape substitute

1. Ditalini Substitutes

2. Orzo Substitutes

3. Cavatappi Substitutes

4. Orecchiette Substitutes

5. Pappardelle Substitutes

6. Campanelle Substitutes