Best Penne Pasta of 2026

"I'm really impressed with the quality and organic ingredients in this penne pasta. It always turns out delicious and I feel good about serving something healthy to my family."

"This organic penne is now a pantry staple for us. My kids enjoy it with butter or marinara, and it consistently cooks perfectly. I appreciate knowing it’s organic and free from pesticides, making it a better choice for frequent pasta nights."

"These penne cook up in about ten minutes, coming out chewy, nutty, and sturdy enough for thick sauces. I’ll definitely be reordering—this is now my preferred pasta!"

"I was really impressed by how BARILLA Protein+ Penne Pasta delivers both great flavor and impressive nutritional value. The texture is just like traditional pasta, and I love the slight nutty hint from the lentils and chickpeas. With 17g of plant-based protein per serving and being allergy-friendly and vegan, it's a staple for anyone looking to eat healthier without compromising taste."

"My family struggles with texture issues and getting enough protein, but this pasta cooked up just like regular penne and has become a staple in our home. It's perfect for casseroles or with a little sauce, and even the pickiest eaters enjoy it!"

"Honestly, I was expecting a grainy texture, but I was pleasantly surprised by how closely this pasta mimics traditional pasta. The taste and texture are spot on, and it holds up well with any sauce for a healthy, protein-packed meal."

"I've made this pasta a household staple because my family loves both the taste and the texture. It’s not weird or mushy, and the generous amount in each box means we always have leftovers. The extra protein makes it an even better deal for us."

"Since starting my weight loss journey, I rely on this pasta for the added protein. Honestly, if it wasn’t labeled, I wouldn’t even know it was protein pasta—it tastes just like the real thing. I use it in casseroles, and it’s now my go-to for upping my daily protein."

"I was pleasantly surprised that this pasta holds its texture and doesn’t get mushy, unlike some other brands. My kids can’t tell the difference from regular noodles, and I love that it’s a healthier option for our family."

"I always keep De Cecco Orecchiette No. 91 in my pantry because the ear-shaped pasta is perfect for soups, holding broth and veggies in every bite. Even after simmering, it remains pleasantly al dente and never gets mushy. The texture and size are spot on, making any dish—from simple veggie soups to hearty broths—taste elevated and satisfying."

"After trying this brand, I can say the quality is top-notch and the price is fair. This has become my go-to pasta shape for all kinds of meals. The pasta grips sauces really well and the texture is exactly what you'd expect from premium pasta. Highly recommend it to anyone new to orecchiette!"

"I followed a recommendation for De Cecco and was not disappointed. The pasta is truly restaurant quality—no gummy texture, just perfect bite. It was easy to cook and my family loved it. Our dinners have definitely improved since we started using this pasta."

"I've spent years searching for a truly satisfying gluten-free pasta, and this one finally checks all the boxes for me. The taste and texture are spot on, the price is reasonable, and it’s just as delicious reheated as it is fresh! I use it in everything from simple dishes to baked pasta, and it always holds up beautifully. I genuinely can't recommend it enough."

"As someone with gluten intolerance, I keep coming back to this brand. It cooks up perfectly, tastes fantastic, and is indistinguishable from regular pasta. Even my picky Italian husband enjoys it!"

"I’ve tried countless gluten-free pastas, and most fall apart, but this one is different. The noodles remain firm, hold their shape, and don’t crumble, making them my go-to choice."

"I use this pasta for our weekly family dinners and have been impressed by its sturdy shape, clean wheat flavor, and ability to hold sauce well. The portion size is generous and the price is fair. It’s not artisanal, but it’s reliable for everyday meals. There were a few broken pieces and the suggested cooking time was a bit off, but I’d definitely buy it again for its overall quality."

"Switching to Rao’s Penne was a game-changer—I didn’t expect it to be so different from regular pasta. The texture is spot on: firm, never mushy, and it actually tastes like pasta, not just a bland base for sauce. It cooks evenly and makes my simple weeknight dinners feel special. It does cost more than generic brands, but the quality is absolutely worth it."

"One thing I really like about this pasta is that it’s made with 100% semolina and no synthetic vitamins, so there’s no weird aftertaste. It’s easy to get that perfect 'al dente' texture, unlike many mass-market brands. For a premium dried pasta, it’s definitely a step up and worth trying."

"I've tried a lot of gluten-free pastas, and this is hands down the best. Even the pickiest eaters in my family couldn’t tell the difference from regular semolina pasta. The texture is perfect—neither mushy nor gritty—just the right amount of toothiness."

"I love this gluten-free pasta because it cooks up nearly identical to regular pasta. The taste and texture are so close to the real thing that I wouldn’t know it was gluten-free if I hadn’t bought it myself. It's a game changer for my gluten-free diet."

"This is my favorite gluten-free pasta. It doesn’t get mushy and the flavor is great. I also appreciate that it holds up well for leftovers, which is rare with gluten-free options."

"I picked this up because I wanted a healthier pasta with more protein. Normally, I don’t eat anything made from chickpeas, but honestly, I couldn’t tell the difference between this and classic pasta. No weird flavor, just good pasta!"

"Let me tell you, Barilla Chickpea Rotini isn’t your average pasta—it’s a plant-powered game changer. I expected a bland, healthy substitute, but what I got was incredible texture and flavor. Whether tossed with pesto or marinara, it holds up beautifully. Vegan, gluten-free, and packed with protein—it makes me feel like I could move mountains. If traditional pasta is a Corolla, this is the electric supercar of legumes. I’m hooked."

"It doesn’t cook like ordinary pasta, so keep an eye on it, but if you’re searching for a delicious, healthier alternative that won’t spike your blood sugar, this is it. The texture is spot on (not mushy or too firm), but I’d be careful about using it in salads or casseroles, as it might not hold up for long periods. Great for immediate eating with sauce."

"As someone who always looks for convenience, I find this pasta incredibly easy to prepare—just a minute in the microwave and it’s ready to eat. No pots to wash and the texture is satisfyingly dense. It’s great for quick meals, and I love that I can add sauce or use it in a chilled salad. The price is reasonable, and I’d recommend it to anyone who values speed and simplicity in the kitchen."

"For me, making pasta used to be a hassle, but these pouches have changed everything. Portion control is perfect, no mess, and no wasted leftovers. In just 60 seconds, I have al dente pasta that’s so easy to customize with sauce, cheese, or veggies. It’s ideal for single servings, and I appreciate that I can just eat out of the pouch if I want—no dishes required!"

"Barilla Ready Pasta Rotini is honestly a game changer for my busy lifestyle. It’s the ultimate in edible efficiency—tear, microwave, and done. The texture rivals freshly made pasta, and the taste holds up whether I add olive oil, parmesan, or just keep it plain. It’s the perfect solution for a fast meal or snack, and I only wish it came in even bigger packs, since I go through them so quickly!"

"I was really impressed by how much this gluten-free pasta tastes like regular pasta. With just some seasoning and butter, you can hardly tell the difference. Even my partner, who usually avoids gluten-free options, was completely satisfied. Just watch the cooking time—it’s a bit different."

"After trying several gluten-free brands, I can confidently say Barilla is my go-to. Their elbows are hard to find, so I was thrilled to get them. The noodles are always delicious and never gritty or rubbery, even the next day."

"I was surprised at how great the flavor and texture are for a gluten-free noodle. The only downside was that the packaging was pretty beat up when it arrived."