One traditional comfort food is pasta. There is a recipe for every occasion—from lasagna to alfredo to spaghetti and everything in between—and they are a weekly staple in many homes. However, people who are intolerant to gluten may not always be able to consume pasta manufactured from wheat. That is why gluten-free pasta was made. Gluten-free pasta noodles are ones that have been created without using wheat or any other components that contain gluten by substituting maize, rice, or even potato flour. They come in all the popular pasta shapes and sizes that one adores.
Is Gluten-Free Pasta Healthier?
Although there is some dispute over these pasta’s potential health advantages, they can all be part of a balanced diet. The healthiest choice is dependent upon you and your own dietary requirements. Brown and white rice pasta, for instance, are both beneficial to your digestive system. While typically advantageous, those whose digestive systems are mending as a result of recently discovered Celiac disease or another similar digestive condition may find it more difficult to digest the brown rice until they are fully recovered. The ideal option can also change depending on how well a person tolerates certain beans and legumes. Overall, all gluten-free noodles are nutritious as long as they can be quickly and easily absorbed.
Top Picks of Gluten-Free Pasta
1. Tolerant Organic Green Lentil Pasta
Our top pick for gluten-free pasta is made exclusively from organic green lentil flour and is USDA organic. Each 3-ounce portion of this pasta contains 21 grams of protein and 9 grams of fiber, demonstrating lentils’ high protein and fiber content. This pasta may be a complete, substantial meal by simply adding your favorite sauce for taste and healthy fat like olive oil due to the high protein and fiber content.
2. Barilla Red Lentil, Rotini
Products that are gluten-free can cost more than regular goods. An example of excellent gluten-free pasta with a lot of nutritional content is Barilla Red Lentil Rotini. This gluten-free pasta is made by Barilla using red lentil flour as its only ingredient. In a 2-ounce serving, there are 13 grams of protein and 6 grams of dietary fiber. Additionally, it’s a good provider of several micronutrients including potassium and iron.
3. Garofalo Gluten Free Penne Rigate
Our top option for pasta that resembles authentic Italian pasta in terms of appearance, texture, and flavor is Garofalo Gluten-Free Penne Rigate. It is created with a specially chosen mixture of quinoa, brown rice, and maize flour. It is Non-GMO Project Verified and Certified Gluten-Free. The nutritional value of Garofalo’s gluten-free pasta is comparable to that of ordinary pasta; a serving size (2 ounces) has 1 gram of fiber and 3 grams of protein.
4. ZENB Yellow Pea Penne Pasta
The nutritious advantages of pasta made from beans are also present in ZENB Yellow Pea Penne. It cooks up perfectly al dente and resembles conventional wheat pasta in both color and texture. This gluten-free pasta has yellow pea skin and is made entirely of yellow peas, making it a fantastic source of dietary fiber. 7 grams of fiber and 12 grams of protein are present in a 2-ounce serving of ZENB penne.
5. Bionaturae Rice and Lentil Spaghetti
Grab a package of Italian-made Bionaturae pasta when you have a longing for traditional spaghetti and meatballs but are trying to avoid gluten. This certified organic and non-GMO pasta is also certified gluten-free. It is manufactured in a special kitchen free of gluten, tree nuts, peanuts, shellfish, fish, and milk, making it allergen-friendly. Brown, white, and lentil flours are used to make Bionaturae spaghetti. 2 grams of fiber and 8 grams of protein are present in each 2-ounce serving.
6. Jovial Grain-Free Cassava Penne Rigate
Jovial Cassava Pasta is allergen-friendly because it only contains cassava flour. It is entirely devoid of milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soy, and is produced at a factory that is solely dedicated to producing gluten-free products. South American starchy vegetable cassava is free of gluten. Cassava provides a wonderful base for many gluten-free items, such as chips and tortillas, due to its high starch content. The USDA has certified Jovial Cassava Pasta as organic, gluten-free, non-GMO, and grain-free. A 2-ounce portion has no protein but 4 grams of fiber.
7. Palmini Hearts of Palm Pasta
Hearts of palm, a vegetable taken from the inner core of some palm trees, are used to make Palmini Low Carb Linguine. They are low in calories and carbohydrates naturally, making them an excellent substitute for pasta for people reducing their intake of carbohydrates. Palmini includes only 18.6 calories per serving, 4 grams of total carbs, and 2 grams of fiber. It is best coupled with protein, healthy fats, and other veggies to make it a more hearty meal because it is so low in calories and low in protein, and fiber.
8. Banza Chickpea Mac and Cheese
One of the pioneers in gluten-free pasta, Banza creates a variety of noodle shapes using chickpeas. Their pre-made mac and cheese contain 15 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per dish. This gives you a quick and simple meal choice because it cooks and looks like traditional mac & cheese from a box.
9. Cappello’s Almond Flour Fettuccine
This pasta is made from high-quality ingredients, such as cage-free eggs and almond flour, and is frozen while it is at its freshest to preserve flavor and texture. With only 2 grams of fiber per serving, combine it with sautéed veggies for a filling meal. Cappello’s Fettuccine is not only free of gluten, but also of grains, soy, and dairy, as well as is non-GMO. However, people who are allergic to tree nuts or eggs should avoid them.
Make a note of the base ingredient(s), as there are many different ingredients that can be used to make gluten-free pasta. Make sure that pasta is free of allergens by carefully reading the ingredients list if one has food allergies or intolerances other than to gluten.