Out of Pasta, one case
Pasta shape substitutes
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Ditalini substitutes
Same amount as the pasta
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.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- Pasta e fagioli
One casethe full pasta card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of pasta | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ditalini substitutesPasta e fagioli | Same amount by volumeWorks | Works |
| 2 | Orzo substitutesPilafs | Same amount by volumeWorks | Works |
| 3 | Cavatappi substitutesChunky pasta sauces | Same amount by volumeWorks | Works |
| 4 | Orecchiette substitutesBroccoli rabe pasta | Same amount by volumeWorks | Works |
| 5 | Pappardelle substitutesRagu | Same amount by volumeWorks | Works |
| 6 | Campanelle substitutesCreamy pasta sauces | Same amount by volumeWorks | Works |
Ditalini substitutes
similar taste and texture
Ditalini are small tube-shaped pasta good for soups and salads. 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, good for soups and pasta salads.
Orzo substitutes
similar taste and texture
Orzo's rice-like shape makes it good for pilafs and soups. 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.
Cavatappi substitutes
similar taste and texture
Cavatappi's spiral shape is excellent for holding sauces. 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.
Orecchiette substitutes
similar taste and texture
Orecchiette's cup-like shape is good for holding chunky ingredients. 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, good for chunky sauces and vegetables.
Pappardelle substitutes
similar taste and texture
Pappardelle's wide, flat shape is good for rich, meaty sauces. 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, good for rich, meaty sauces.
Campanelle substitutes
similar taste and texture
Campanelle's unique bell shape with ruffled edges is excellent for holding creamy sauces. 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.
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 good for soups. When substituting, choose shapes with similar characteristics to maintain the dish's integrity.
Tips for substituting pasta
6 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 good 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
- 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
5 questionsWhat can I substitute for ditalini pasta?
The best ditalini substitutes are orzo, acini de pepe, or small shells. All maintain the small size good 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.