We’ve all been there: you have a scrumptious recipe calling for linguine noodles, but when it comes time to make the dish, you realize your pantry is bare.
Well, don’t worry!
I’m here to help.
This list contains my nine favorite substitutes for linguine noodles—regardless of the type of recipe you’re making—so that no matter what you end up conjuring up in the kitchen, you can have an amazing dish anyway.
From spaghetti squash and fettuccine noodles, these options will keep things interesting in both taste and texture.
Happy culinary experimentation!
What Are Linguine Noodles?
Linguine noodles are a type of Italian pasta made from long, flat strips of dough.
They are thinner than fettuccine noodles and wider than spaghetti.
Linguine is traditionally served with seafood dishes or sauces that feature vegetables, herbs, olives, garlic and olive oil.
It is also used in many other types of recipes such as soups, salads and casseroles.
These noodles have a slightly chewy texture when cooked properly but still maintain their shape throughout the cooking process.
This makes them ideal for absorbing flavorful ingredients while still providing an enjoyable eating experience.
Linguine noodles can be found at most grocery stores either fresh or dried in packages ranging from 8-16 ounces depending on the brand.
The 9 Best Substitutes for Linguine Noodles
If you’re looking for a delicious alternative to traditional linguine noodles, there are several great substitutes available.
Here are the nine best substitutes for linguine noodles that can be used in a variety of recipes:
1. Fettuccine Noodles
Fettuccine noodles are a type of pasta that is wider than linguine and has a flat, ribbon-like shape.
Fettuccine noodles are great for dishes where you want to incorporate lots of sauce and create a hearty meal.
They hold up well when cooked, so they won’t get too soft or mushy like thinner pastas can.
Fettuccine can be used in many types of recipes such as baked casseroles, lasagnas, soups, stews, stir-fries and more.
It also makes an excellent alternative to linguine noodles for classic Italian dishes such as fettuccini Alfredo or carbonara.
The wide shape allows the sauce to cling better to the noodles for maximum flavor in every bite!
2. Spaghetti Noodles
Spaghetti noodles are a classic Italian pasta that are long, thin and cylindrical in shape.
They are made from durum wheat semolina flour and water, and they can be purchased in both dried or fresh varieties.
Spaghetti is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used to make a variety of dishes such as spaghetti bolognese, carbonara, or even served with butter and Parmesan cheese for a simple yet delicious meal.
When it comes to substituting linguine noodles for spaghetti noodles in recipes, the best option would be to use them interchangeably depending on the type of dish you’re making.
For example, if you’re making a seafood-based recipe like shrimp scampi or clam sauce then linguine may work better due to its wider shape which allows more sauce to cling onto it while cooking.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something hearty such as beef ragu then spaghetti noodles would make much more sense as their thinner profile allows them to cook faster and absorb the sauce more easily.
3. Fusilli
Fusilli is a type of pasta that has a corkscrew or spiral shape.
It is usually made from durum wheat flour and water, but can also be made from other grains such as semolina, spelt, or buckwheat.
Fusilli pairs well with heavier sauces such as pesto, carbonara, and Bolognese.
Its tight spirals help to hold onto the sauce better than other types of pasta.
It also works great in cold salads or warm dishes like soups and casseroles.
When substituting fusilli for Linguine noodles in recipes, keep in mind that because it is shorter than linguine its cooking time will be slightly less.
However, due to its shape it may need more sauce to ensure all the crevices are coated with flavor!
4. Capellini
Capellini, also known as angel hair pasta, is a type of Italian noodle.
It is thinner than spaghetti and wider than vermicelli.
Capellini has a mild flavor and creamy texture that makes it the perfect base for light sauces.
It can be used in many classic Italian dishes such as caprese salad or pesto sauce.
Capellini also pairs well with seafood, vegetables, and other lighter ingredients like olive oil or garlic.
Because of its delicate nature, capellini is best used in recipes where you don’t want to overpower the flavors of other ingredients.
For example, capellini would make an excellent substitute for linguine noodles in a seafood dish such as shrimp scampi or clams linguine.
It would also work well in soups or salads that feature light ingredients like tomatoes and herbs.
5. Bucatini
Bucatini is a type of pasta that is similar to spaghetti, but with a hollow center.
The long strands are perfect for soaking up sauces or broths and adding texture to dishes.
Bucatini has been enjoyed in Italy for centuries and can now be found in supermarkets around the world.
When cooked, it has an al dente texture and holds its shape well.
It is typically served with thick tomato-based sauces or creamy cheese sauces, such as carbonara. It can also be added to soups, salads, and baked dishes.
For recipes where linguine noodles would normally be used, bucatini makes an excellent substitute because of its hollow center which absorbs liquids more easily than other types of pasta.
Additionally, the thicker strands make it better suited for heartier sauces like meat ragus or pesto without becoming soggy before the dish is finished cooking.
6. Lasagne Noodles
Lasagne noodles are wide, flat sheets of pasta used in the classic Italian dish lasagne.
These noodles can be made from semolina flour and water, or they may also contain eggs.
Lasagne noodles are typically boiled before being layered with other ingredients and baked.
Lasagne is traditionally served with a tomato-based sauce, but other sauces such as pesto or cream sauces can also be used.
When substituting lasagne noodles for linguine, keep in mind that the cooking time will vary depending on the type of noodle you use.
Lasagne noodles take longer to cook than linguine due to its thicker shape.
Lasagne noodles make a great base for hearty casseroles and bakes, such as chicken parmesan or eggplant Parmesan.
It is also ideal for making vegetarian meals like spinach lasagna rolls or vegan “cheesecakes” layered with vegetables and tofu ricotta cheese.
7. Tagliatelle
Tagliatelle is a type of Italian pasta that resembles flat ribbons.
It is usually slightly wider than spaghetti and has a softer texture.
Tagliatelle can be used in many traditional Italian dishes, such as Bolognese sauce, pesto, and carbonara.
This type of pasta also pairs well with creamy sauces, such as alfredo or cheese-based sauces.
Tagliatelle can also be used to make salads or cold dishes like pasta salad.
It would make sense to use Tagliatelle instead of Linguine noodles when you want something heartier or if the dish needs a little more body.
For example, it could work well in lasagna recipes where you need lots of layers and structure to hold everything together.
8. Pappardelle
Pappardelle is a type of ribbon-shaped pasta that originated in Tuscany, Italy.
It is made with a simple dough of eggs and flour, and it can be cut into varying widths.
The most common width for pappardelle is one inch or wider.
This wide noodle shape makes it an ideal choice for hearty sauces such as ragù or Alfredo sauce.
It also pairs well with creamy seafood dishes like scallops and shrimp.
Pappardelle can also be used in salads, soups, casseroles, and other Italian favorites such as lasagna or baked ziti.
When using pappardelle instead of linguine noodles in recipes, you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly due to its wider size.
To avoid overcooking the pasta, start tasting it about two minutes before the indicated cooking time on the package has elapsed.
With its unique texture and flavor profile, pappardelle adds delicious variety to any meal.
9. Angel Hair Pasta
Angel hair pasta is a type of long, thin noodle made from durum wheat semolina flour.
It is commonly used in Italian and Mediterranean cooking, often in soups and salads.
Angel hair pasta has a delicate texture that cooks quickly, making it ideal for light sauces or dishes that require minimal cooking time.
It can also be served cold with oil-based sauces such as pesto or vinaigrette.
When substituting angel hair pasta for linguine noodles, keep in mind that the thinner shape of the angel hair will result in a quicker cook time.
It is best to adjust your recipe accordingly to ensure the angel hair does not become overcooked and mushy.
Additionally, due to its delicate texture, angel hair should not be cooked at too high of a temperature as this can cause it to break apart easily when stirred or mixed into other ingredients.
Angel hair makes a great addition to recipes like shrimp scampi, garlic butter sauce over vegetables and rice dishes such as risotto where it can add a delicate texture.
The 9 Best Substitutes for Linguine Noodles
Ingredients
- Fettuccine Noodles
- Spaghetti Noodles
- Fusilli
- Capellini
- Bucatini
- Lasagne Noodles
- Tagliatelle
- Pappardelle
- Angel Hair Pasta
Instructions
- Pick your favorite substitute from this list.
- Prepare the rest of your tasty meal.
- Enjoy in no time!