The 10 Best Substitutes for Bucatini Pasta

Looking for substitutes for bucatini pasta?

You’ve come to the right place!

Bucatini is a thick, hollow spaghetti-like pasta with a delicious flavor.

But not everyone likes its particular texture—or maybe you just don’t have any on hand.

That’s why I’m excited to share these 10 great substitutes.

These can all be used in your favorite recipes but will give you an entirely different taste and experience.

From long spaghettinis to small elbow macaronis and beyond, there are loads of delicious alternatives that never disappoint!

So if you need some inspiration for dinner or just want something unique tonight, check out my list of substitution options for bucatini.

What is Bucatini Pasta?

Bucatini pasta is a long, hollow tube-shaped Italian pasta.

It is similar in shape to spaghetti, but has a larger diameter and looks like thick straws with a hole running through the center.

It is traditionally served with heavier sauces such as carbonara or amatriciana, which can sit inside the hollow tubes and cling to the ridges on the outside of the noodles.

The sauce also helps fill out what would otherwise be too much space between each piece of bucatini.

Bucatini pasta provides an interesting contrast to other flat pastas since its round shape allows it to hold onto more sauce than regular spaghetti does, making every bite flavorful and delicious.

The 10 Best Substitutes for Bucatini Pasta

Bucatini pasta is a great choice for making hearty and delicious dishes, but it can be hard to find in some areas.

Fortunately, there are several substitutes that will work just as well.

If you’re looking for an alternative to bucatini pasta, here are ten of the best options:

1. Fettuccine

Fettuccine is a type of pasta made from flat ribbons of egg-based dough.

It has a thick, chewy texture and can be used in many different dishes.

Fettuccine is often used in soups, casseroles, and pasta salads.

It can also be used as an alternative to bucatini pasta in Italian recipes such as carbonara or cacio e pepe.

Fettuccine is especially well suited to heavier sauces because of its wide surface area that holds onto the sauce nicely.

2. Spaghetti

Spaghetti is a type of long, thin pasta that can be used as an excellent substitute for bucatini.

It has a thinner diameter than bucatini and is less dense, making it ideal for light sauces or creamy dishes.

Spaghetti pairs well with many flavors, including garlicky olive oil-based sauces, rich tomato-based sauces, and even pesto.

You can also try adding vegetables to your spaghetti dish for added flavor and texture.

For some extra crunchiness in your dish, you can even add some diced nuts or croutons to the top of the finished product.

No matter what sauce you choose to pair with your spaghetti dinner, you’re sure to enjoy this classic Italian staple!

3. Linguine

Linguine is a type of long, thin pasta that is similar in shape to spaghetti but slightly wider.

It has a flat and slightly curved surface, which helps it hold sauces better than other types of pasta.

It cooks quickly and holds sauce well, making it ideal for dishes such as carbonara or pesto-based sauces.

In addition, linguine can also be used in soups or cold salads.

Overall, linguine is an incredibly versatile pasta that can be substituted for other types of noodles with ease.

4. Tagliatelle

Tagliatelle is a type of pasta that originated in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.

It is long, flat noodles made from durum wheat and egg.

Tagliatelle has an earthy flavor and a slightly chewy texture.

You can use tagliatelle instead of bucatini in dishes such as carbonara or cacio e pepe.

You can also use it to make classic Italian dishes like lasagne or linguine alla puttanesca.

Tagliatelle can also be added to soups, salads, casseroles, and more for an extra dose of texture and flavor.

5. Penne

Penne is a type of pasta that has a cylindrical shape with ridges on the outside.

This pasta is usually cut at an angle and can have either smooth or ridged edges.

Penne is most commonly used in baked dishes such as lasagna, but it can also be used for soups and salads.

It holds its shape well when cooked, making it a great substitute for bucatini pasta in many recipes.

Penne cooks quickly and absorbs flavors easily, allowing you to create delicious meals with ease.

It pairs especially well with tomato-based sauces, cream sauces, pesto, meats, seafoods, and vegetables.

With its versatile flavor profile and variety of cooking methods available – there’s no doubt that this delicious pasta will make your meal complete!

6. Rigatoni

Rigatoni is a type of Italian pasta that looks like large tubes or cylinders.

It has ridges on the outside and a hollow center, making it ideal for holding sauces.

Rigatoni is usually made with durum wheat semolina flour, water, and sometimes egg.

The dough is then cut into tubes or cylinders and dried until firm before being cooked in boiling water.

Rigatoni pairs well with hearty tomato-based sauces such as Bolognese, creamy sauces such as carbonara, vegetable-based sauces such as pesto, and seafood dishes such as shrimp scampi.

Its hollow center makes it perfect for holding thick sauces without becoming soggy or mushy.

It also works great in baked pasta dishes like lasagna and baked ziti—the ridged sides help keep the layers from sticking together while baking!

7. Farfalle

Farfalle is a type of pasta that is shaped like bow ties.

It comes in various sizes and shapes, ranging from large to small.

The name “farfalle” means “butterflies” in Italian and refers to the shape of this type of pasta.

Farfalle is often used in salads, soups, casseroles, or as part of an entrée dish. It pairs well with light sauces such as pesto or tomato sauce.

This versatile pasta can also be served cold for summer dishes or hot for winter meals.

Farfalle takes about 9 minutes to cook al dente, so it’s a great option for quick meals!

8. Macaroni

Macaroni is a type of pasta that has been around for centuries. It is made from durum wheat, which gives it its signature chewy texture.

Macaroni comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, making it extremely versatile. Popular shapes include elbow macaroni, shells, penne rigate, and fusilli.

Macaroni pairs well with heavy sauces such as Alfredo or Bolognese.

It also works well in soups and casseroles like macaroni and cheese or tuna noodle casserole.

For those looking to lighten up their meals, whole grain varieties are available as well as gluten-free options.

No matter the shape or flavor profile you’re looking for, there’s a type of macaroni that can suit your needs!

9. Cavatappi

Cavatappi is a type of pasta that resembles a hollow tube.

It has ridges on its surface which helps it to hold sauce better than other types of pastas.

The name cavatappi comes from the Italian word for “corkscrew,” in reference to its unique shape.

Cavatappi can be used as a substitute for bucatini pasta in many dishes, including baked and saucy casseroles, soups, and salads.

When cooked correctly, cavatappi noodles are tender and light with an al dente texture perfect for absorbing sauces or gravies.

They also work well when tossed with vegetables, meats, cheeses or herbs for added flavor and texture.

10. Rotini

Rotini is a type of pasta that resembles corkscrews.

It has a cylindrical shape with ridges along the outside. Rotini is usually made from durum wheat, though it can also be made from other types of flour such as semolina or spelt.

It has a similar shape and texture, but its smaller size makes it easier to cook evenly and quickly.

Rotini can be dressed with any type of sauce or ingredients, making it an excellent choice for those looking for quick and easy meals or side dishes.

Additionally, rotini is great for cold salads because its tight spirals help hold dressing better than other pastas do.

Try using rotini in place of bucatani when preparing your next salad!