If you’re out of ziti, don’t worry!
You can easily substitute any of the following pasta types in its place. Each one has a unique flavor and texture that will pair well with your favorite sauce.
Since it’s pasta, you can use the same amount so you don’t have to worry about changing the recipe.
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Substitutes for Ziti
- Penne
- Rigatoni
- Mostaccioli
- Macaroni
- Sedani
- Bucatini
- Ditali
Penne
Penne is a type of pasta that is cylindrical in shape and has ridges all along its length. Penne is similar in structure to ziti pasta, but the former has curved-sliced ends and more interior space than the latter.
Penne can be used as a substitute for ziti pasta in any dish where the pasta will be visible, such as in a baked casserole or Penne Alla Vodka.
The biggest benefit of using penne as a substitute for ziti is that the ridges on the penne will hold the sauce better than the smooth surface of ziti.
When using penne as a substitute for ziti, it is important to cook the pasta for one minute less than the recommended cooking time for ziti, as penne takes less time to cook than ziti.
Rigatoni
Rigatoni is a type of pasta that is tubular in shape and comes in various sizes. These noodles have ridges on the outside, which helps the sauce to cling to them.
Rigatoni pasta is also thinner than ziti noodles, so it cooks more quickly. It can be used as a substitute for ziti in many dishes.
Rigatoni’s tube shape makes it well suited for baked dishes, and its smaller size means that it doesn’t need to be cooked as long as ziti.
It also works well in Mac & Cheese because its ridges help the cheese cling to the pasta. In addition, Rigatoni’s thinner shape allows the cheese to penetrate the noodle more easily, making for a more flavorful dish.
Mostaccioli
Mostaccioli noodles are very similar to penne noodles – they have the same length and shape, but they don’t have the ridges.
The best thing about this kind of pasta is that you fill it up with your favorite ingredients.
We’ve used mostaccioli noodles in a few of our recipes, and we love them!
Mostaccioli is perfect for a heartier dish like pasta with sausage. This pasta is also great in casseroles or as a side dish.
Macaroni
Macaroni is a very famous type of pasta that originates in Italy. It is made of durum wheat and is strong, tubular, and has a small width of 2-3 cm.
Macaroni is usually used in soups or baked dishes. It can be a great substitute for ziti pasta because it is similar in shape and can be used in the same way. It is also stronger and more resilient, so it holds up well in soups and casseroles.
The small width also allows it to absorb flavor better, making it a delicious addition to any dish.
When cooked properly, macaroni is tender and full of flavor. It is also a good choice for dishes where you want the sauce to be the star, such as mac & cheese or macaroni salad.
Sedani
Sedani is a type of pasta that is made from durum wheat semolina. It is a long, slender pasta that is gently curved and has ridges on both sides.
It is typically 5 cm long and 1 cm wide. It can be used in a variety of dishes, including baked dishes, soups, and salads.
Sedani is a good substitute for ziti pasta because it is similar in shape and can be used in similar dishes. The main benefit of using Sedani as a substitute is that it is less likely to overcook and become mushy. This is because it is a shorter, thinner pasta than ziti.
Additionally, Sedani has ridges on both sides, which help to hold the sauce and other ingredients in place. As a result, Sedani is an ideal pasta for dishes that are heavy on sauce or vegetables.
Bucatini
Bucatini, also known as perciatelli, is a type of pasta that is straight and thick, with a long tubular shape. It is typically 25-30cm long and 3mm wide.
It is made from durum wheat flour and water and is traditionally cooked in a sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs.
Bucatini can be used as a substitute for ziti pasta in various recipes. When cooked, it has a firm texture and hearty flavor that pairs well with robust sauces.
Additionally, its long shape helps it to hold onto sauce better than other types of pasta, making it an ideal choice for sauce-heavy dishes.
Ditali
Ditali is a type of pasta that is very small and is characterized by its ring shape. It is typically 5 mm long and 5 mm wide but the size can vary.
It can be used as a substitute for ziti pasta in soups and baked dishes. It is cooked like any other pasta, but it takes less time to cook than ziti pasta because it is smaller. Ditali can also be used in cold salads.
It is a good substitute for ziti pasta because it has a similar texture and shape.
FAQs
Are penne and ziti pasta the same?
Penne and ziti pasta are not the same. Ziti is a type of spaghetti that is thicker and has ridges on it. Meanwhile, penne is also made from durum wheat, but it is shaped like a tube with ridges on the sides.
They can be used interchangeably in recipes, but ziti pasta will take longer to cook because it is thicker.
What is the best substitute for ziti pasta?
The best substitute for ziti pasta depends on what you are looking for. If you want pasta that is similar in shape and texture, sedani or ditali would be a good choice.
If you are looking for pasta that will hold onto sauce better, then bucatini or elicoidali would be a good choice.
What are the similarities and differences between ziti pasta substitutes?
Ziti pasta substitutes are similar in that they are all made from durum wheat flour and water. They all have different shapes and sizes, which affects how they cook and how well they absorb flavors.
The main difference between ziti pasta substitutes is their shape. Ziti pasta is thick and has ridges on it, while other pastas like sedani or ditali are thinner and have a different shape. Additionally, ziti pasta is typically longer than other types of pasta.
Conclusion
There are a variety of substitutes for ziti pasta that can be used in recipes.
The most important factor to consider when choosing a substitute is what you are looking for in terms of shape, size, and texture.
Just make sure you choose wisely and whatever substitute you choose, make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package.