The 9 Best Substitutes for Fettuccine Pasta

We’ve all been there – you want to make a favorite pasta dish, but can’t find Fettuccine at the store.

Don’t fret!

You don’t have to scrap your plans; the key is discovering new and tasty substitutes for fettuccine pasta that will still make your meal shine.

I’m here with nine of my favorites because I’m confident these alternatives will be almost as delicious as traditional Fettuccini.

From thin-cut pastas to heartier noodles, this list features something for everyone.

Ready for some sparkly new ideas?

Let’s get started!

What is Fettuccine Pasta?

Fettuccine pasta is a type of flat, thick noodle made of egg and flour.

It originated in Italy but has become popular worldwide due to its versatility and ease of preparation.

Fettuccine noodles are usually cut into ribbons that measure about 1/8 inch wide and 8-10 inches long.

The edges may be scalloped or simply straight, depending on the variety.

This pasta pairs well with creamy sauces such as Alfredo or pesto, as well as heartier red sauces like marinara or Bolognese that can cling to the noodles for maximum flavor impact.

It also makes for a great base for dishes featuring vegetables and proteins – from stir-fries to casseroles – due to its ability to hold up against heavier ingredients without breaking apart easily.

The 9 Best Substitutes for Fettuccine Pasta

Fettuccine pasta is a classic Italian dish, but it can be difficult to find.

Fortunately, there are plenty of other options available if you’re looking for an alternative to fettuccine.

Here are nine great substitutes that you can use in place of traditional fettuccine pasta:

1. Lasagna Noodles

Lasagna noodles are wide, flat sheets of pasta that are often used in Italian lasagna dishes.

They can also be used as an alternative to fettuccine pasta in a variety of recipes.

Lasagna noodles are typically made with durum wheat semolina flour and water, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Lasagna noodles have a slightly chewy texture, making them perfect for hearty casseroles and baked dishes.

They also absorb sauces well, allowing you to create creamy lasagnas or bakes without having the sauce run off onto the plate.

Lasagna noodles can be boiled or baked as desired; however, if baking them directly into your dish, it is best to pre-cook them first so they don’t get too hard during baking.

Lasagna noodles work well in all sorts of recipes besides just lasagnas – such as mac & cheese bakes, enchiladas, vegetable tarts, layered salads, and even soups!

When using lasagna noodles instead of other types of pasta, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Linguine

Linguine is a type of pasta that is long and thin, similar to spaghetti but with a flat shape.

It has been crafted by Italian artisans for centuries, and its name comes from the word “lingua,” which means tongue in Italian.

Linguine can be used in many dishes such as salads, soups, casseroles, and baked pastas.

Its wide surface area makes it great for absorbing sauces.

It pairs exceptionally well with pesto, seafood-based sauces or cream-based sauces like Alfredo.

You can also make a delicious stir fry with linguine noodles as the base ingredient – just toss your favorite vegetables and proteins into the pan!

When substituting linguine for fettuccine pasta in recipes, remember that linguine cooks faster than fettuccine so you’ll want to adjust your cooking times accordingly.

Additionally, its thinner form may require more sauce than traditional fettuccini would since there’s less surface area to absorb the flavors.

3. Buckwheat Noodles

Buckwheat noodles, or soba noodles, are a type of Japanese noodle made from buckwheat flour and wheat flour.

These thin, chewy noodles have a slightly nutty flavor and can be used in both hot and cold dishes.

Buckwheat noodles are perfect for adding texture to soups, stir-fries, salads, and more.

They also make an excellent substitute for fettuccine pasta in recipes such as Asian-inspired egg drop soup or cold sesame noodle salad.

For vegan dishes, try using buckwheat noodles instead of fettuccine when making pesto or Alfredo sauce – the nutty flavor will add an extra depth of flavor that regular pasta can’t match!

4. Rice Noodles

Rice noodles are a type of thin, translucent pasta made from rice flour.

Unlike regular wheat-based pasta, rice noodles are gluten-free and have a subtly sweet flavor.

They can be used in many dishes that call for fettuccine pasta, such as soups, stir-fries, and salads.

Rice noodles also make an excellent base for curries or other Asian-inspired dishes.

When cooking with rice noodles, it’s important to remember that they cook very quickly—so keep an eye on them!

To avoid overcooking the noodles, add them to boiling water and then turn off the heat immediately after adding them.

The noodles will continue to cook in the hot water until they reach desired tenderness.

5. Egg Noodles

Egg noodles are a type of pasta made with eggs and flour.

The dough is rolled out and then cut into long, thin strips.

Egg noodles have a slightly yellow hue due to the egg in their recipe.

Egg noodles are often used in traditional dishes such as chicken noodle soup or stroganoff.

They also work well when served with creamy sauces, such as alfredo or carbonara sauce.

They can also be added to stir-fries for an extra crunchy texture.

When using egg noodles instead of fettuccine pasta, keep in mind that they will cook faster since they’re thinner than fettuccine.

It’s best to add them directly to boiling water and cook until just tender—about 2 minutes for most brands of egg noodles—before serving them with your favorite sauce or topping them off with cheese and herbs for an easy yet delicious meal!

6. Ramen Noodles

Ramen noodles are a type of Japanese noodle made from wheat flour, salt, and water.

Most commonly known for their role in the popular instant ramen dishes found in grocery stores, authentic ramen noodles have become increasingly available at specialty food markets.

Ramen noodles usually come dried or pre-cooked and have an alkaline taste that enhances many types of Asian dishes.

Since they can be cooked quickly, ramen noodles make an ideal substitute for fettuccine pasta in stir-fries, soups, and other quick recipes such as pad Thai.

They also hold up well to long simmering times without becoming mushy or breaking apart like traditional pasta would.

Ramen noodles can add a unique flavor and texture to your dish while still providing the convenience of using boxed pastas.

7. Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash is a unique vegetable that, when cooked, turns into strands resembling spaghetti.

It has a mild and slightly sweet flavor with a firm texture.

This makes it a great alternative to traditional pasta dishes that require boiling water or baking time.

Spaghetti squash can be roasted in the oven or microwaved for up to 8 minutes until it’s cooked through and soft.

Once cooked, use two forks to pull each half of the squash apart which will create long strands of ‘spaghetti’ like noodles.

Using spaghetti squash instead of fettuccine pasta is an excellent way to reduce calories while still enjoying delicious Italian cuisine!

Spaghetti squash pairs well with classic tomato-based sauces as well as creamy Alfredo sauce.

It also works well with pesto, olive oil and garlic, and various vegetables such as zucchini and mushrooms.

8. Zucchini Noodles

Zucchini noodles, or zoodles as they are sometimes called, are a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional pasta.

Made from spiralized zucchini squash, these noodles have a slightly sweet flavor and light texture that makes them perfect for a variety of dishes.

Zucchini noodles can be used in many of the same recipes as regular fettuccine pasta.

For example, you could use them in your favorite Alfredo sauce or garlic butter recipe.

You can also create lighter versions of classic Italian dishes such as lasagna by substituting layers of zucchini noodles for the traditional pasta sheets.

Another great way to enjoy zucchini noodles is to use them in stir-fries and soups.

Zoodles add bulk and texture without adding too many calories, making them an ideal addition to any meal.

They are also very easy to cook with just a few minutes on the stovetop or even in the microwave!

Finally, don’t forget about salads!

Zucchini noodles make a great addition to any salad and can be dressed with a variety of sauces or dressings to give it more flavor.

9. Acini di Pepe

Acini di Pepe, also known as Italian pastina, is a small type of pasta shaped like tiny pebbles.

It’s often used in soups and salads but can also be served alone with butter or cheese.

Acini di pepe has a slightly chewy texture and mild flavor that makes it perfect for absorbing sauces and other flavors.

This pasta would make sense to use instead of fettuccine pasta in recipes such as minestrone soup, macaroni salad, or even cold noodle dishes like Asian-style slaws.

It adds an interesting texture to any dish while still being light enough not to overpower the other ingredients.

For something more substantial, try using acini di pepe in baked dishes like casseroles and lasagna; its small size allows it to cook quickly without becoming overcooked or mushy.