Italian Cuisine: 4 Best Mostaccioli Pasta Substitutes

We all love a good plate of mostaccioli pasta, right?

It’s a staple in Italian cuisine that never fails to hit the spot.

But, have you ever found yourself ready to whip up a dish only to realize you’re fresh out of mostaccioli?

We’ve been there too. No sweat, though.

We’ve got the scoop on the best alternatives to keep your pasta game on point.

Stick with us as we dive into the tastiest swaps for your next meal.

It’s all about keeping things simple, delicious, and oh-so-Italian, even when the exact pasta shape seems to play hide and seek in your kitchen.

What is Mostaccioli Pasta?

Mostaccioli pasta is a type of Italian pasta that is made from durum wheat flour and water.

It is shaped like a tube and has a ridged surface.

Mostaccioli pasta is traditionally made in the southern regions of Italy, such as Campania and Puglia.

The word mostaccioli comes from the Italian word for “mustache,” which is how the pasta got its name.

Mostaccioli pasta has a firm texture and a slightly nutty taste.

It pairs well with tomato-based sauces, as well as creamy sauces and meat dishes.

Mostaccioli can also be used in baked dishes, such as lasagne or cannelloni.

When cooked, mostaccioli pasta should be al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite.

The 4 Best Substitutes for Mostaccioli Pasta

If you can’t find mostaccioli pasta at your local grocery store, don’t worry – there are plenty of substitutes that will work just as well in your recipe.

Here are the four best substitutes for mostaccioli pasta:

1 – Penne Pasta

Penne pasta is a type of Italian pasta that is made from durum wheat flour and water.

It is typically tube-shaped, with ridges running along the length of the pasta.

Penne pasta has a slightly chewy texture and a nutty flavor.

It pairs well with hearty sauces such as ragu or bolognese.

Mostaccioli pasta is a type of Italian pasta that is made from durum wheat flour and water.

It is typically tubular in shape, with ridges running along the length of the pasta.

Mostaccioli pasta has a slightly chewy texture and a nutty flavor.

It pairs well with hearty sauces such as ragu or bolognese.

When substituting penne pasta for mostaccioli pasta, it is important to cook the penne for a slightly shorter amount of time to avoid overcooking.

2 – Rigatoni Pasta

Rigatoni pasta is a type of tube pasta that is wider than penne and has ridges running along the length of the tube.

Rigatoni is a very versatile pasta and can be used in a wide variety of dishes.

The taste and texture of rigatoni are slightly different than mostaccioli, but it can be used as a substitute in most recipes.

Rigatoni has a slightly chewy texture and a slightly sweeter flavor than mostaccioli.

When substituting rigatoni for mostaccioli, it is important to cook the pasta for one minute less than the recipe calls for.

This will ensure that the pasta is cooked al dente.

3 – Ziti Pasta

If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty pasta dish, look no further than ziti pasta.

This type of pasta is made from durum wheat semolina and has a signature tubular shape.

Ziti pasta is known for its firm texture and slightly chewy bite.

It pairs well with robust sauces and can easily be dressed up with additional ingredients like vegetables or meat.

If you can’t find ziti pasta at your local grocery store, don’t worry – mostaccioli pasta makes an excellent substitute.

Mostaccioli is very similar to ziti in terms of taste and texture, so it will work just as well in your favorite recipes.

Give ziti pasta a try the next time you’re in the mood for a comforting and filling meal.

4 – Shells Pasta

Shells pasta is a type of short, ridged pasta that is shaped like shells.

The pasta has a slightly chewy texture and a mild flavor.

Shell pasta pairs well with both light and heavy sauces, making it versatile for a variety of dishes.

Mostaccioli pasta is a type of tubular pasta that is similar in shape to shell pasta.

However, mostaccioli pasta is slightly thicker than shell pasta and has a more robust flavor.

Mostaccioli pasta pairs well with hearty meat sauces or cream-based sauces.

Substituting shells pasta for mostaccioli pasta in recipes will result in a dish that is slightly lighter in flavor and texture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many types of pasta that can be used as a substitute for mostaccioli pasta.

When substituting another type of pasta for mostaccioli, it is important to keep in mind the different flavor and texture profiles of each type of pasta.

Penne, rigatoni, ziti, and shells pasta are all excellent substitutes for mostaccioli pasta.

Each type of pasta has its own unique flavor and texture that will add something special to your dish.

So, the next time you’re looking for a delicious and hearty meal, give one of these substitutes a try.