Let's talk Gluten Free Pasta...
I have tried A LOT of gluten free pasta varieties, and they are NOT all created equally. Some turn to mush and others become slimy when you cook them. The main thing to keep in mind when cooking gluten free pasta is to follow the package directions and not overcook it. Don't let the bad ones deter you from trying other brands, because there are a lot of excellent gluten free pasta options out there!
These are my tried and true recommendations and the ones my whole family enjoys!
Barilla: Barilla pasta is a staple in most households, but did you know they make a variety of gluten free pastas that taste just as yummy?! They have gluten free penne, spaghetti, and elbows that don't get mushy or slimy and your family won't be able to tell they aren't eating the gluten-containing variety! They also make chickpea and red lentil pastas that are gluten free and come in different shapes, including rotini and penne. And if you're in the mood for lasagna, they've got you covered with their flat oven-ready lasagne noodles!
Ronzoni: Ronzoni is another household brand with a great tasting gluten free pasta that passes the texture test. Whether you want rotini, penne, elbows, spaghetti, or thin spaghetti, Ronzoni has you covered. They also have a cauliflower pasta that I haven't tried yet, but if it's anything like their other gluten free pastas, it will be delicious!
Tinkyada: Gluten free pasta that is made with brown rice...yes please! They have a variety of shapes, including lasagna noodles that pass the taste and texture test! For lasagna rollups and a traditional lasagne noodle look, Tinkyada is the brand to reach for. If you're looking for a whole grain gluten free pasta, this is one of the best brands on the market!
Trader Joe's: Speaking of whole grain gluten free pasta, TJ's brown rice and quinoa fusilli pasta is must try! It is al dente perfection and a favorite in the gluten free community!
CoraBella: This was an accidental find last summer that has become a pantry staple in my house! I loved the shape of the red lentil strozzapreti pasta, so I bought it on a whim and quickly fell in love with it's texture and taste! CoraBella also makes green pea, chickpea, and 3-beans pasta varieties if you're looking to shake up your flavor palate!
Jovial: I accidentally stumbled upon Jovial Gluten Free Manicotti at Walmart, and it turned out to be an amazing find! While I haven't tried all Jovial pastas, there are a few I do like, and the manicotti is one of the keepers! Boil them for 4 minutes and then stuff them with whatever you like and finish cooking them in the oven! The egg tagliatelle and shells are also great! My hubby said the shells taste so much like regular pasta he never would have guessed they were gluten free! And don't forget to grab some of the lasagne noodles if you're planning to make a lasagna soon. I've learned that the trick to Jovial pastas is to cook them exactly as directly because they can become "gummy" if cooked too long.
Explore Cuisine: This brand really has some unique pasta options that are delicious! The edamame spaghetti is low carb, full of fiber, loaded with protein, and tastes really good. And the oven-ready green lentil lasagne noodles make an incredible lasagna that your whole family will love! My hubby said he never would have known it was gluten free if I hadn't told him! We used the green lentil penne for a delicious Greek pasta salad that tasted even better the next day!
Heartland: The only thing I've tried from this brand is the gluten free oven-ready lasagne noodles. You can pick them up at Walmart or on Amazon, and they cook to the perfect texture, just like regular pasta!
Dining Out: If you find yourself craving pasta and not wanting to cook, Olive Garden, Carrabba's, and Romano's Macaroni Grill have delicious gluten-sensitive pasta dishes on their menus!
If I didn't mention a brand, chances are they didn't pass the taste and texture test, which is really important in gluten free cooking. If there's a brand you love that I didn't talk about, let me know so I can give it a try!