Finding high-quality gluten free pasta can be a challenge, as many varieties lack the satisfying texture and flavour of traditional pasta.
Fortunately, there are some standout brands that have mastered the craft, offering products that replicate the beloved characteristics of classic pasta.
In this review, we’ll highlight some of the best gluten free pasta options on the market, focusing on both taste and texture.
Pour in the water and heat up your pans. Let's dive in!
The Best Gluten Free Spaghetti
Rummo Lenta Lavorazione Spaghetti – 500g
Rummo's gluten free spaghetti won us over the first time we tasted it. It holds that authentic Italian taste and texture. It offers a firm bite and a rich flavour that doesn’t turn mushy after cooking.
It has the ability to hold sauces well, making it a perfect choice for classic spaghetti dishes.
Rummo ensures that the pasta strands remain intact, offering a satisfying chew just like traditional pasta.
Its artisanal, slow-drying process seems to be the secret behind the perfect al dente texture that we have come to expect from this pasta.
Its smooth yet hearty consistency makes it a versatile choice for a variety of spaghetti recipes, from simple marinara or pesto to more complex sauces such as a bolognese sauce, with its combination of slow-cooked meat, tomatoes, and aromatics.
Ingredients
The spaghetti is made up of brown rice, yellow corn, white corn, rice, potato starch, and the stabilisers mono and diglycerides (which help oil and water to blend).
The Best Gluten Free Linguine
Garofalo Gluten Free Linguine Italian Dried Pasta – 400g
Garofalo’s gluten free linguine has earned high marks for its excellent flavour and smooth texture. Known for being thinner and flatter than spaghetti, this linguine impresses with its ability to remain firm after cooking while maintaining a delicate chew.
It pairs wonderfully with lighter sauces like garlic and olive oil or seafood dishes, as it doesn’t overpower the accompanying flavours.
The linguine feels light on the palate, with a smooth finish that works well in a variety of meals.
Its thin, flat shape provides an excellent base for dishes that don’t need a heavy pasta, making it a go-to for those who enjoy alternative flavours in their meals.
For example, a lemon garlic shrimp linguine allows the pasta to soak up the bright, zesty sauce without overwhelming the flavour, or a linguine with roasted cherry tomatoes and basil, where the pasta pairs with the sweetness of the roasted tomatoes and the fresh, aromatic basil, which creates a lighter dish.
Ingredients
The linguine is made up of corn flour, brown rice flour, rice flour, potato starch, quinoa flour, and the stabilisers mono and diglycerides (which help oil and water to blend).
The Best Gluten Free Penne
Barilla Gluten Free Penne – 340g
Barilla’s gluten free penne is a standout for its sturdy, ridged texture and versatility. It has a firm yet tender bite, making it ideal for thicker sauces like arrabbiata or creamy alfredo.
The ridges capture sauce beautifully, ensuring each piece is coated with flavour. Whether tossed in a simple tomato sauce or baked in a casserole, this penne holds its shape well and doesn’t become overly soft after cooking.
Its slightly hearty texture and neutral flavour make it a solid choice for a wide range of pasta dishes.
Ingredients
The penne is made up of corn flour and rice flour. It also contains the stabilisers mono and diglycerides (which help oil and water to blend).
The Best Gluten Free Mezzi Rigatoni
Rummo Gluten Free Mezzi Rigatoni – 400g
Mezzi rigatoni (or ridged mezzi) is a typical type of pasta from southern Italy. Rummo’s mezzi rigatoni is an excellent gluten free option, particularly for dishes with rich, creamy, or chunky sauces.
The pasta’s ridged exterior and shorter, tubular shape make it perfect for holding onto sauces, and it delivers a satisfying, firm bite with every forkful.
Whether paired with a vegetable ragu or a mushroom cream sauce, this mezzi rigatoni provides a robust texture that enhances the overall eating experience.
It stays intact during cooking and reheats well, making it a reliable choice for meal prepping or leftovers.
Ingredients
The mezzi rigatoni contains wholemeal rice, yellow corn, white corn, rice, potato starch, and the stabilisers mono and diglycerides (which help oil and water to blend).
The Best Gluten Free Mafalda
Garofalo Gluten Free Mafalda Corta – 400g
Mafalda is a type of pasta that originates from Naples, and named after Princess Mafalda of Savoy, the second daughter of King Victor Emmanuel III. She is said to have beautifully curly hair, just like these wavy ringlets of pasta.
Garofalo’s mafalda is a fun and versatile pasta, with the unique shape adding a nice visual element to any dish.
The ruffled edges are not just decorative but functional, as they help to trap thicker sauces and chunky bits of ingredients, making each bite more flavourful.
This pasta works particularly well in baked dishes or hearty sauces where the texture can shine. Its mild flavour pairs easily with both light and rich sauces, making it a versatile gluten free option.
Key note
Of all the gluten free pastas on this list, the mafalda is the one that can get very soft very soon. So make sure you keep an eye on it while it's in the water and aim for al dente for the ideal texture.
Ingredients
The mafalda contains corn flour, brown rice flour, rice flour, potato starch, quinoa flour, and the stabilisers mono and diglycerides (which help oil and water to blend).
Storage tips
To keep gluten free pasta fresh and maintain its quality, storing it properly is essential. Airtight glass storage jars are ideal for this purpose, as they prevent moisture and air from affecting the pasta's texture.
Glass jars also protect the pasta from absorbing odors from other pantry items, ensuring its flavour stays intact. We use this Kilner 3-litre glass jar, which is a decent size and fits the style of our kitchen.
Keep the jars in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, to preserve the pasta's freshness for longer.
These gluten free pastas deliver on both taste and texture, offering a wide variety of shapes and options for different dishes. From spaghetti to mafalda, each pasta holds up well in cooking and complements a range of sauces. That's why we have chosen these as the best gluten free pasta.