The gluten-free world is growing daily. There are increasing choices of gluten-free bread but what do you do when you just need a giant bowl of gluten-free fusilli to tell your troubles to? Gluten-free pastas may be grain-based like rice flour, corn, buckwheat, or quinoa. Grain-free versions include chickpea, red lentil, black bean, mung bean, potato, and new ones by the day.
You used to have to shop around at health food stores for gluten-free options. But now easily found grocery store brands like Barilla have a Barilla gluten-free line of pastas. Even mainstream Walmart is in the game!
What Is Gluten Anyway?!
Gluten is a family of proteins that are naturally found in a family of grains including wheat, barley, and rye. Gluten is what gives grain-based food that delicious chewy "bready" texture.
When heated up, gluten proteins turn stretchy and elastic. That change traps gas and creates leavening in food. But that gas is also trapped inside our bellies which is not always a good thing for those who need to or choose to follow a gluten-free diet like those with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity.
Gluten-Free Is Not Always Low Carbs
Many gluten-free pastas are still high in carbs, but the exact number will depend on what the pasta is made from. The carb range can be huge. Thrive Market Organic Brown Rice Penne has 43 grams of carbs per serving. But the Palmini Hearts of Palm Linguine only has 4 grams of carbs per serving. So don't assume the carb grams. Like Felix Ungar said on The Odd Couple "When you assume, you make an ass out of you and me."
How do you cook gluten-free pasta?
Most gluten-free pasta is cooked the same way as regular pasta in boiling water for about 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the pasta type. Whichever gluten-free pasta you chose, make sure you follow the cooking instructions exactly since these noodles can overcook quickly, becoming mushy and gummy.
5 Gluten-Free Pastas To Try
1. Le Veneziane - Italian Fettucee [Gluten Free]
The Amazon reviews rave about this 100% Italian corn flour pasta. The texture and taste is a great switcheroo for regular pasta. Tasting close to semolina wheat pasta, choose your pasta shape of spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or fettuccine. Use it for cold pasta salads with tons of crunchy veggies as well as your favorite hot pasta recipes.
2. Palmini Low Carb Linguine | 4g of Carbs | As Seen On Shark Tank | Hearts of Palm Pasta
So I'm not a vegan or on a gluten-free diet myself but this Linguine has been showing up in all the feeds of my friends who do follow the gluten-free world. Plus it was featured on Shark Tank which adds intrigue. Made out of hearts of palm, this comes already cooked. Just rinse the noodles in water and add your sauce or use in any traditional pasta recipe. There's the fun linguine shape make friends and use the lasagna sheets for an easy weeknight meal. Vegan, sugar-free, low-carb. and high fiber.
3. Banza Chickpea Pasta, Variety Pack (2 Penne/2 Rotini/2 Shells) - Gluten Free Healthy Pasta, High Protein, Lower Carb and Non-GMO
These orange boxes always jump out to me at the grocery store. Banza's Chickpea Pasta is made of chickpeas, tapioca, and pea protein.
The texture is thicker and ideal for us in the "I like it al dente" club. Are you responsible for feeding kids who are picky eaters? Cover this pasta in sauce and parmesan cheese and giggle while they scarf down 5 grams of fiber and 13 grams of protein without even knowing it.
4. Annie Chun's Brown Rice Noodles, Maifun | Vegan, 8-oz (Pack of 6) | Whole Grain | Gluten-Free Alternative to Angel Hair Pasta
Who doesn't love stir-fry? Well, I'm sure there's some weirdos who don't but most of us do! Annie Chun's brown rice noodles are what you need for all those veggies and protein thrown into your wok/giant pan. They cook in just 5 minutes and they're also fat-free, cholesterol-free, dairy-free, vegan, and contain no preservatives. soup or a cold noodle salad. eat them hot or cold standing in front of the refrigerator in the middle of the night.
5. HEARTLAND Gluten & Wheat Free Penne 12 Ounce
Anyone with gluten sensitivity knows that specialty items can be more expensive. Heartland fans rate this as one of the best gluten-free pasta brands since it's inexpensive as well as delicious. There's penne, lasagna, gluten-free spaghetti, and fusilli shapes to choose from. Whip up some fragrant basil pesto to make this an extra fresh pasta meal.
