6 Easy Substitutes for Campanelle in Recipes

We've all had that moment. You're ready to whip up a pasta dish, and the box of Campanelle you thought was there?

Nowhere to be found. We've been through it, too, and trust us, there's no need to call off dinner plans.

Campanelle's fun, curly shape can be swapped out easily with other pasta types - Campanelle is a bell-shaped Italian pasta (named for "little bells") typically made from durum wheat semolina. Some might not look the same, but they work just as well-or maybe even surprise you.

We've tried a few different options to fix this hiccup ourselves. With the right substitute, no sauce is left behind, and every bite stays just as satisfying.

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6 Quick Substitutes for Campanelle

Here are six substitutes to consider when your recipe calls for Campanelle, but you're fresh out in the pantry.

1 - Farfalle (Bow Tie Pasta)

If we're out of Campanelle, Farfalle (Bow Tie Pasta) works well. Its flat, pinched shape holds sauces nicely, making it a solid substitute, particularly for cream- and tomato-based sauces.

Use a 1:1 ratio. The structure is firm and does a great job in baked or heavily sauced dishes.

It's not curly like Campanelle, but the broad surface carries flavors effectively. The texture holds up to boiling and tossing without breaking apart.

Farfalle might not look the same, but it brings the same functionality. It keeps everything cohesive, so nothing feels missing in the dish.

2 - Cavatappi

For pasta nights without Campanelle, Cavatappi (a spiral-shaped Italian pasta) works as a handy alternative.

Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting. The sturdy build of Cavatappi makes it a great fit for baked meals or anything with a heavier sauce.

It's not the same in appearance, but it delivers on texture and usability. Learn more about other Cavatappi pasta replacements that can save the day when you're out of options.

3 - Orecchiette

Next time we're out of Campanelle, Orecchiette (a small, ear-shaped pasta from Puglia, Italy) works as a great alternative.

Use a 1:1 ratio for swapping these two pastas. Orecchiette's sturdy texture makes it ideal for both baked dishes and stovetop recipes.

While it's smaller in size, it captures flavors just as well. Its shape cradles everything from hearty sauces to smaller vegetables without falling apart.

4 - Penne

When Campanelle is out, Penne steps in like a pro and pairs well with penne side dishes for vodka sauce.

Stick to a 1:1 ratio for an easy swap. Penne's firm structure makes it perfect for baked casseroles or pastas loaded with hearty ingredients.

It might not have Campanelle's fluted edges, but it still does the job, thanks to its hollow tube that lets sauces cling.

5 - Rotini

The spiral shape of Rotini makes it a solid stand-in for Campanelle. It holds sauces well, especially thick and chunky ones.

Use a 1:1 ratio to keep things simple. Rotini's twists trap smaller ingredients like veggies or bits of meat, making sure every bite hits the spot.

It's not as wide or decorative as Campanelle, but it gets the job done, with tight spirals that trap chunky sauces.

6 - Fusilli

Last option for missing Campanelle? Fusilli does the trick. Its tight spirals grip sauces really well, letting flavors stick to every strand, especially pesto and oil-based sauces.

Swap it at a 1:1 ratio for simplicity. Fusilli's shape keeps smaller bits like diced veggies or ground meat in place, making the dish feel complete.

It's thinner than Campanelle, but it holds its own in both baked and quick recipes. The texture stays firm, even with heavier sauces.