Best Penne Pasta Substitutes for Baked Dishes and Pasta Salads
The best substitute for penne pasta is Rigatoni at a 1:1 ratio. It works best for baked pasta, meat sauces, hearty dishes. There are 4 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Rigatoni
1:1
Larger tubes with ridges. Holds even more sauce and is better for very chunky or meaty sauces.
What are the other substitutes for penne pasta?
Ziti
1:1
Smooth, straight-cut tubes. The classic choice for baked ziti and similar to penne without the diagonal cut.
Fusilli
1:1
Spiral-shaped pasta that catches sauce in its twists. Slightly different visual but similar sauce-holding ability.
Farfalle (Bow Tie)
1:1
Butterfly-shaped pasta with a different look but similar ability to hold chunky sauces.
Gluten-Free Penne
1:1
Made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour. Follow package directions as cooking times differ.
What should you know before substituting penne pasta?
Penne rigate (ridged) holds sauce better than penne lisce (smooth). For baked pasta dishes, slightly undercook penne by 2 minutes before assembling, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Reserve pasta water to thin sauces as needed.
How do you substitute penne pasta in a recipe?
A tube-shaped pasta with diagonal cuts at each end and a ridged or smooth exterior. Penne's hollow center and ridges are designed to trap and hold chunky sauces. It is one of the most versatile pasta shapes for baked dishes, salads, and hearty sauces.
The best substitute for penne pasta depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Rigatoni (1:1), which works well for baked pasta, meat sauces, hearty dishes.
If you need a different option, Ziti (1:1) is another reliable choice. Smooth, straight-cut tubes. The classic choice for baked ziti and similar to penne without the diagonal cut.
When substituting penne pasta, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What pasta shape is closest to penne?
Ziti is the closest pasta to penne, with a similar tube shape and size. The main difference is ziti has straight-cut edges and a smooth surface, while penne has diagonal cuts and is often ridged.
Can I use rigatoni instead of penne?
Yes, rigatoni is an excellent penne substitute at a 1:1 ratio. Rigatoni is slightly larger with wider ridges, making it even better at holding chunky, meaty sauces. It works in all the same dishes.
What is a gluten-free substitute for penne?
Gluten-free penne made from rice flour, corn flour, or chickpea flour is the most direct substitute. Chickpea-based penne holds its shape best and adds protein. Cook according to package directions, as timing differs from wheat pasta.