Gluten-Free Pasta Brands, Ranked Worst To Best

9. Molisana

At the bottom of our rankings is Molisana. Their gluten-free penne features a white-yellow hue reminiscent of traditional wheat pasta, but that's where the similarities largely end. The pasta's thick dough and prominent ridges indicate it can hold up to robust sauces, yet they also make it quite difficult to chew and enjoy. While it delivers a strong flavor, its tough texture may be overwhelming for some. This penne seems best suited for hearty, chunky sauces that can complement its robust structure. Although it may not be the most versatile choice, Molisana's gluten-free penne could appeal to those who prefer a firmer, more substantial pasta experience. However, we won't be returning to this option, even though it is one of the more budget-friendly gluten-free pastas available.

8. La Veneziane

La Veneziane's gluten-free penne is notable for its striking yellow hue, a clear indication of its corn base. The pasta features short noodles with medium grooves, striking a balance between smoothness and ridges. When cooked, this penne has a chewy texture that may appeal to fans of al dente pasta, though it didn't resonate well with our taste testers. Its substantial thickness suggests it can hold up nicely to rich sauces like bolognese. However, its bold flavor, texture, and color can overshadow more delicate tastes, making it less suitable for lighter, seafood-based dishes. While Veneziane presents an intriguing option for those in search of a distinctly corn-flavored, hearty gluten-free pasta, it falls short of being our top — or even second — choice.

7. Garofalo

Garofalo's gluten-free penne boasts thick walls and prominent grooves, giving it a robust presence. Among the options tested, it delivered one of the most intense flavors, likely due to its blend of corn, quinoa, and brown rice. This bold taste pairs well with hearty, vegetable-rich sauces that can stand up to the pasta's character. Its firm texture and deep ridges indicate that it would shine in chunky, flavorful gluten-free pasta dishes. While it may not be the most versatile choice, Garofalo's penne is ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced pasta experience in their gluten-free meals. As an Italian brand primarily found in specialty shops, this pasta comes with a higher price tag, making it somewhat less accessible. Additionally, the brand offers unique gluten-free shapes, such as artisanal rolled casarecce, for those willing to indulge.

6. Rummo

Rummo has emerged as one of the leading gluten-free Italian brands, and it's easy to see why. The brand features a range of pasta shapes, including large mezzi rigatoni and star-shaped stelline. With a moderate price point, it remains relatively accessible, though it doesn't quite make it to the top of our list. Rummo's gluten-free penne rigate boasts a clean, pale appearance reminiscent of traditional wheat pasta. Its firm texture and distinct grooves deliver a satisfying bite and indicate excellent sauce-holding ability. The pasta has a mild, neutral flavor, allowing sauces to take center stage. The texture strikes a balance between firmness and tenderness, making it adaptable for various recipes. However, we found it slightly too firm at the recommended al dente cooking time, falling just short of the typical Italian pasta texture. Rummo's product is ideal for those seeking gluten-free pasta that closely resembles traditional varieties, albeit on the firmer side.

6. Barilla

Landing right in the center of our rankings is Barilla, one of the most popular—and affordable—gluten-free pasta brands available. Despite our efforts to remain impartial, Barilla surprised us with a consistently reliable and surprisingly decent gluten-free penne. The Barilla penne has a distinctly pale, almost washed-out appearance. It cooked the quickest among the brands we tested, with a 10-minute cooking time resulting in very soft pasta that was nearly falling apart. The medium grooves add some texture, but the overall softness may not satisfy those who prefer a firmer pasta. Its rapid cooking time and tender outcome make it a practical choice for everyday meals, perfect for busy weeknights. While it may struggle with hearty sauces, its softer texture could be appealing to those who enjoy a more delicate pasta experience or lighter sauce dishes.

4. Campofilone

Ranked third, Campofilone's gluten-free penne delivers a refined yet hearty egg pasta experience. Its slender ridges, nearly smooth texture, and pale yellow-white hue create an authentic appearance that could easily compete in a blind taste test against a well-made Italian penne. The pasta boasts a chewy, springy texture that resists the fork while maintaining its structure. This blend of delicacy and durability makes it ideal for a range of sauces and dishes. Its ability to retain shape indicates strong performance in both light and hearty recipes. Campofilone's product strikes a balance between authenticity and versatility, making it an excellent choice for those in search of gluten-free pasta that closely resembles traditional wheat options. Additionally, they offer a variety of specialty pasta shapes for gluten-free diners, though these can be quite challenging to find outside of specialty shops.

3. Catelli

As you ascend our list, the price of pasta tends to increase, with one notable exception. Catelli's gluten-free penne stands out as one of the most affordable gluten-free options available, yet it received high marks from both adult and child taste testers. This noodle features a classic look, characterized by its white color and distinct ridges. Its thickness suggests a hearty bite and excellent sauce-holding ability thanks to those pronounced ridges. The pasta's mild flavor complements a variety of sauces and ingredients without overshadowing other tastes. Its versatility and neutral taste make it ideal for an array of recipes, ranging from light olive oil-based dishes to more robust meat sauces. Catelli's product strikes a balance between texture and adaptability, offering a neutral flavor that makes it a convenient and budget-friendly choice for a quick weeknight meal for the family.

2. Maidea

Our second favorite pasta was a strong rival to the first, prompting us to revisit both repeatedly. While our taste buds were satisfied, our waistlines might not be as forgiving. Maidea's gluten-free penne boasts slender noodles and a light texture, with a pale hue that closely resembles traditional wheat pasta. The subtle grooves provide a gentle texture without being overwhelming, creating a sensation more like a soft caress inside the tube rather than an obvious exterior. After 10 minutes of cooking, the pasta retains a perfect al dente bite, indicating that those who prefer a softer texture might want to cook it a bit longer. Its clean flavor, devoid of any aftertaste, serves as an ideal base for a variety of sauces without overshadowing them. Its delicate quality makes it particularly well-suited for specialty oil and cream-based sauces. Maidea's offering distinguishes itself as an elegant choice for those in search of a more gourmet gluten-free pasta experience, and its price reflects that quality.

1. Felicetti

Among the most costly pastas we sampled, the standout was undoubtedly the best, although it was a tight competition with the second priciest option. It seems that in the realm of gluten-free pasta, the adage "you get what you pay for" holds true. Felicetti's gluten-free penne took the lead with its distinctive features. This pasta boasts nearly imperceptible grooves, offering a subtle texture without any noticeable ridges. Its pale hue and elegant appearance lend it an authentic look and an ideal mouthfeel. During cooking, it released a considerable amount of starch, resulting in very clear cooking water — a trait often linked to high-quality pasta. The mild flavor is enhanced by a unique aftertaste, adding complexity to the overall pasta experience. Its delicate and refined nature pairs beautifully with oil and cream-based sauces, allowing its subtle qualities to truly shine.

How I ranked gluten-free pasta brands

To guarantee a fair and thorough evaluation, we implemented a rigorous set of criteria for our selection and testing process. Initially, we focused solely on standard gluten-free pasta, omitting specialty varieties such as keto or those made from beans and legumes. Our aim was to identify pasta that closely mimics traditional wheat pasta in both look and taste.

For consistency, we primarily chose penne pasta from each brand, as its shape and texture provide a solid basis for comparison. Each pasta was prepared according to the package instructions and served simply with olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, Maldon sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This straightforward preparation allowed us to focus on the pasta itself without the distraction of complex sauces or seasonings.

We assessed the pasta brands based on four main criteria: appearance, texture, taste, and price. We evaluated how closely the pasta resembles traditional wheat pasta, its mouthfeel and structural integrity when cooked, its overall flavor profile, and its cost. These criteria enabled us to develop a comprehensive ranking that will genuinely assist you in determining which gluten-free pasta is worth your investment of time and money.