Craving that luxurious feel of pappardelle noodles but stuck without them?
No sweat! Pappardelle, known for its wide, flat shape, plays a big role in making those hearty, sauce-clinging dishes truly memorable.
Yet, sometimes we find our pantry lacking this pasta powerhouse. Luckily, there’s no need to put a hold on your cooking plans.
We’ve rounded up the 5 best substitutes that will keep your meals exciting and delicious.
Each suggestion ensures you won’t miss a beat in the kitchen.
Ready to transform your dishes with these easy swaps? Keep reading to discover how!
The 5 Best Substitutes for Pappardelle Noodles
If you’re looking for something a little different from classic pappardelle noodles, there are plenty of other pasta shapes out there that can do the trick.
Here are five of the best substitutes for pappardelle noodles:
1 – Fettuccine
Fettuccine is a popular Italian pasta with a long, thin shape.
It’s made from egg and all-purpose flour, cooked to create the perfect textural delight.
The thinness of the strands allows for the sauces to coat them, making them incredibly savory nicely.
Fettuccine is even delicious when enjoyed plain, as its low-porosity structure ensures its great taste will be maintained even when unaccompanied by any type of sauce.
If you’re looking for a more substantial noodle than fettuccine, pappardelle noodles are an excellent substitute.
These wide and flat noodles provide an impressive textural contrast to dishes like ragu meat sauce or egg-based carbonara sauce due to their ability to soak up more liquid.
With the right touch in flavoring, they can easily become your favorite dish.
2 – Lasagne
Lasagne is an Italian dish made with flat, rectangular sheets of pasta.
It is a type of baked pasta that can take different forms depending on the region it comes from.
Usually, it is layered with sauces and several types of cheeses to give it a unique taste and texture, ranging from creamy and smooth to rich and savory.
For those who prefer something different than the traditional lasagne, they can substitute it with pappardelle noodles for a heartier, ribbony experience – simply layer the wide egg noodles with your favorite tomato sauce and cheese.
The result will be just as delicious but more substantial.
3 – Tagliatelle
Tagliatelle is a type of pasta that has been enjoyed by pasta connoisseurs in Italy for centuries.
Its unique shape and texture have made it a standout favorite among Italian pasta dishes.
Tagliatelle noodles are rolled into a ribbon-like shape, and the edges of the noodle are cut thinner than its middle, creating the familiar flat tributaries in the cooked Tagliatelle.
The captivating texture and taste make it a delectable choice for many different sauces or dishes.
Those looking to switch it up from their usual Pappardelle noodles should give Tagliatelle a try, as its thinner, flatter shape gives every plate an added layer of visual presentation.
Although its flat nature can be difficult to handle for those looking for thicker noodles on their plate, with some practice of twirling your fork faster, you’ll find yourself quickly settled with this delicious option.
4 – Penne
Penne is a classic and delicious Italian dish enjoyed across the family dinner table.
Composed of cylindrical cut pasta with diagonally angled ends, Penne is often compared to its close relative, Pappardelle noodles.
While both are delicious, Penne holds its own in terms of flavor.
Its ridges give the sauce something to hold on to, offering a delicious velvety texture with every bite.
The perfect balance between Al dente and softness rounds out this hearty dish perfectly.
For those looking for a Pappardelle substitution, Penne makes an excellent choice as it has long, shapely edges that will hug the sauce nicely like a thick ribbon.
Whether you’re looking for an Italian classic or want to try something different, Penne is always a delectable option.
5 – Rigatoni
Rigatoni has become a much-loved pasta option for its hearty size, ability to hold sauces, and bold flavor.
A tube shape with ridges on its surface, the walls of rigatoni offer an excellent grasp for thicker sauces.
The big tubes also make it easier to portion each bite of pasta, no matter what sauce or dish you’re having.
Rigatoni is known for its chewy yet al dente texture that hugs the sauces within its crevices, making it a popular choice for dishes like pesto, meaty ragùs, or eggplant alla parmigiana.
Those dishes are traditionally made with either pappardelle or Tagliatelle pasta but can be easily converted using rigatoni.
If you want a heartier bite than pappardelle, simply swap out the noodles and enjoy.
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