Helpful Tips for Buying and Making the Best Gluten-Free Pasta

Gluten-free pasta has come a long way, and many varieties perform just as well as traditional wheat pasta. Here are some of our favorites.

If a loved one has gluten sensitivity and you're new to the gluten-free pasta world, it might not seem easy to choose which brand and pasta type to buy to make your favorite recipes. Our Test Kitchen has insights on some of the best gluten-free pasta options to look out for the next time you're at the store. And since gluten-free pasta cooks a bit differently than wheat-containing pasta, follow our tips for cooking it to a perfect al dente (and not mush).

Passing a big bowl of pasta around the dinner table is a classic meal in households everywhere, and gluten-free pasta makes it possible for everyone to enjoy.

layout of dried gluten free pasta noodles
From left to right, top to bottom: chickpea pasta, red lentil pasta, black bean pasta, green lentil pasta, quinoa blend pasta, buckwheat pasta, mung bean pasta, edamame pasta, lasagna rice noodles. Jason Donnelly

Gluten-Free Pasta Types

Since gluten-free pasta can't have wheat flour (the main ingredient in regular pasta), many creative ingredients are used for making allergy-friendly noodles. Bonus: many are packed with more nutrients, such as protein and fiber. Keep an eye out for the best gluten-free pastas and the brands sold at stores.

  • Chickpea Pasta: Made from chickpea flour, brands such as Banza or Barilla come in many shapes. There's even a delicious gluten-free boxed macaroni and cheese.
  • Red Lentil Pasta: The tiny nutrient powerhouse legumes are turned into red lentil flour and can be found in grocery stores under the popular pasta brand Barilla ($3, Target) or Tolerant.
  • Black Bean Pasta: Look for brands such as Explore Cuisine ($23, Amazon) or Trader Joe's.
  • Green Lentil Pasta: Like the red lentil pasta above, lentils are made into flour for one of the best gluten-free pasta options. You'll find it under the Ancient Harvest brand.
  • Quinoa Blend Pasta: The tiny seed known for making healthy grain bowls is an excellent foundation for gluten-free pasta. You'll find it sold under brands such as Ancient Harvest ($8, Amazon) or Trader Joe's.
  • Buckwheat Pasta: Yes, it has wheat in the name, but as long as it's not contaminated, buckwheat is naturally gluten-free. Look for certified gluten-free brands such as Felicia Organic.
  • Mung Bean Pasta: Newer to the gluten-free scene, this pasta is made from mung bean flour and can be found in the Explore Cuisine brand and specialty grocers such as Whole Foods Market.
  • Edamame Pasta: Those little green soybeans go great in a salad, but also make a fiber-rich, reduced-carb, gluten-free pasta. Look for brands Liviva and Explore Cuisine. You may even spot the Simply Nature brand at Aldi.
  • Lasagna Rice Noodles: Made from rice flour, gluten-free lasagna noodles can substitute the pasta in all your favorite lasagna recipes. Look for brands Deboles or Tinkyada, or try one of our best gluten-free pasta recipes, roasted vegetable lasagna (pictured below).
piece of roasted vegetable lasagna served out of white pan
Andy Lyons

How to Cook the Best Gluten-Free Pasta

Keep the cooking time on your box's instructions in mind, as not every gluten-free pasta will cook in the same amount of time. Then follow these steps to ensure you have the best gluten-free pasta results—the full, non-mushy noodles they were intended to be.

  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water, keeping the water at a controlled boil at all times.
  2. Stir the pasta immediately after adding it to the pot and often throughout cooking to prevent sticking.
  3. Overcooking can cause gumminess or result in the pasta breaking apart, so taste-test pasta 2 to 3 minutes before the minimum suggested cooking time for the best gluten-free pasta.
  4. Drain in a colander and rinse if desired. For best results, sauce the pasta and eat immediately.

Gluten-free pasta varieties typically don't hold well after cooking, so they aren't the best choice for make-ahead pasta salads.

Making Homemade Gluten-Free Pasta

It's totally possible to make the best gluten-free pasta from scratch. Use our gluten-free flour mix to substitute the flour in our homemade pasta recipe. All you'll have to do is figure out which shape you want to make and how to enjoy them. Try using them to make some delicious gluten-free stroganoff or chicken noodle soup.

For ideas on how to use those boxes of gluten-free pasta, check out some of our favorite pasta dishes, such as gluten-free baked ziti (with three cheeses!) or asparagus tuna noodle casserole.

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