What is gluten free pasta?

Gluten free pasta is pasta that has been created from ingredients that are naturally gluten free. Using a gluten free pasta allows people with Celiac disease or related disorders consume dishes like macaroni and cheese, spaghetti, and lasagna without triggering symptoms later.

Gluten free pasta can be made from rice, tofu, quinoa, and corn. Look for gluten free pasta that has been prepared in a gluten free environment for best results. If you are just starting a gluten free diet plan, try a few different types first, and see if you have a favorite.

How do you use gluten free pasta?

You can use gluten free pasta just like you use regular pasta. Add to boiling water, and cook for the recommended amount of time. Cooking time will vary, depending on the ingredients your gluten free pasta is made from. Pastas made from tofu cook in a minute or two, pastas made from quinoa or rice need to cook a little longer. Experiment until you find a cooking time you like, gluten pastas are just like the real thing, so they can be served either al dente or fully cooked.

Different gluten free pastas are better for different uses:

Quinoa pasta: This is a sturdy pasta that is good for most Italian style dishes, and stands up well to baked dishes too.

Whole Grain Quinoa: You can also use whole grain quinoa as a pasta substitute in soups or couscous style side dishes. As an added bonus, quinoa is packed with protein and fiber as well.

Rice or corn pasta: This can be more fragile, so doesn’t perform as well in baked dishes. You can use these in dishes that you add sauce to just before serving, or that will be topped with other ingredients.

Tofu based pasta: Tofu based pasta, also called shirataki, can be a little rubbery, so it performs best alongside other ingredients. You can add this type of pasta to a stir-fry, or use for Asian cooking for best results. You can find shirataki in the refrigerated tofu section of your supermarket.

No matter what type of gluten free pasta you prefer, by including pasta as part of your gluten free dining plan will give you many more options to choose from, and allow you to mimic normal recipes with ease. Keeping gluten free pasta on hand in your pantry ensures that you can quickly assemble a meal that suits your dietary needs, without sacrificing taste.

Tags | pasta, quinoa