Finding Gluten-Free Pastas

Everybody loves pasta with it's varies shapes and sizes. The high fiber and high protein of pasta makes it a wonderful addition to most meals. However, many of us are looking for an alternative to the standard semolina spaghetti or the whole-wheat penne that we so often used in our meals. Now there are several gluten-free pasta options available for those trying to avoid gluten in their diet.

1. Gluten-Free Potato Pasta

Gluten-free potato pasta is compact but tender textured pasta. Gluten-free potato pasta has a very neutral flavor so look for a brand that also blends the potato with either rice or corn. Gluten-free potato pasta is best in long strands such as spaghetti or fettuccine. Long strands help the tender texture of the gluten-free potato pasta. Toss the gluten-free potato pasta with a broth like sauce that will coat the pasta and keep it from sticking together.

2. Gluten-Free Rice Pasta

Gluten-free rice pasta is also mild and neutral flavored. However, gluten-free rice pasta is a bit more firm than potato pasta and a bit more grainy texture. That grainy texture will allow the rice pasta to absorb more flavors. The best gluten-free rice pastas are those that have a firm shape like penne or fettuccine for example. Gluten-free rice pasta is delicious in tomato-based sauces the will stick to the pasta.

3. Gluten-Free Corn Pasta

Many have said that gluten-free corn pasta has a taste much like pop corn. Corn-quinoa pasta is the best for its texture. Most who like gluten-free corn pasts usually choose rotelle or elbows for pasta shapes. Baked pasta dishes such as macaroni and cheese are best with gluten-free corn pasta. This is a pasta that is great with cream, cheese or pesto type sauces. The gluten-free corn pasta is not a good choice for pasta salads as it has a tough texture when cooled.

4. Gluten-Free Buckwheat Pasta

The gluten-free buckwheat pasta is the boldest when it comes to taste. Buckwheat pasta has a nutty taste wit a chewy and solid texture. Gluten-free buckwheat pasta is best in spirals and spaghetti shapes as they hold their shapes well and will not tend to stick together. Buckwheat pasta is great in many Asian-styled dishes and stir-fries, or cheese sauces.

5. Gluten-Free Quinoa Pasta

The gluten-free quinoa pasta is made from a grain native to South America. It is a whole grain and is the closest in texture to the whole-wheat pasta. The gluten-free quinoa pasta is best in pasta shell, rotelle, or pagodas shape. Many who enjoy gluten-free quinoa pasta serve it with bold or spicy flavors that can stand up to the whole-grain flavor it has.