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. 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.
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.
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 works as a handy alternative. Its spiral shape holds sauces well, making it a reliable pick for a variety of dishes.
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 works as a great alternative. Its small, bowl-like shape holds sauces beautifully and pairs well with chunky ingredients.
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. Its tube-like shape holds sauces and works well in both light and rich dishes.
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. The hollow center lets sauces cling, so every bite stays flavorful.
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, ensuring every bite hits the spot.
It’s not as wide or decorative as Campanelle, but it gets the job done. Its sturdy texture works for anything from baked dishes to quick stovetop meals.
6 – Fusilli
Last option for missing Campanelle? Fusilli does the trick. Its tight spirals grip sauces really well, letting flavors stick to every strand.
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.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.