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7 Easy Pappardelle Noodle Substitutes to Save Your Dish

Pappardelle noodles missing from the pantry? We’ve scrambled through that exact moment—recipe set, ingredients ready, and then… no pappardelle! It’s like hitting pause right when you’re all pumped.

Good thing there are substitutes that actually do the job. We’ve tested and tasted some options, and they work amazingly at saving meals without skipping a beat.

From wide pasta shapes to other creative swaps, these picks saved us more than once. And, trust us, it’s not just about looks—they bring serious flavor and texture too.

7 Easy Substitutes for Pappardelle Noodles

Here are 7 easy substitutes for pappardelle noodles that can save your dish and keep it delicious:

1 – Fettuccine

It all started when we ran out of pappardelle and grabbed fettuccine instead. It’s wider than spaghetti but thinner than pappardelle, so it works in a pinch. Fettuccine holds sauces like a pro, especially creamy or meaty ones.

The texture is smooth but firm, giving it a decent chew. Use it at a 1:1 ratio for pappardelle in most recipes. It’s not as wide, so some dishes may feel less hearty, but it gets close.

You can find fettuccine almost anywhere, which is a bonus. Boil it just until al dente for the best results. It might not be pappardelle, but it still brings bold flavor and works in a variety of meals without any fuss.

2 – Tagliatelle

For a bit of variety, try tagliatelle as a substitute for pappardelle. It’s just slightly thinner and more delicate than fettuccine, with those iconic ruffled edges. They hold sauces beautifully and the texture is spot on.

Use it at a 1:1 ratio in most recipes, or cut it into shorter pieces if needed. This pasta shape can be found in most grocery stores, usually in the pasta aisle or international foods section.

It may not have the same width as pappardelle but it adds an elegant touch to your dish. If you want to impress your dinner guests, tagliatelle is the way to go.

3 – Lasagna Sheets (Cut Into Strips)

This one substitute will save your recipe if you’re out of pappardelle. Lasagna sheets cut into strips are a fantastic stand-in. The wide, flat shape matches pappardelle’s vibe nicely. Cut the sheets into one-inch wide strips for the best results.

It holds thick sauces like a pro. Creamy or meaty sauces cling to it perfectly. The texture is smooth yet firm enough. Use it in equal amounts, 1:1, with no extra prep needed.

Lasagna sheets are easy to find at almost any grocery store. They’re also sturdy, so they won’t fall apart while cooking. It’s versatile and adapts to most dishes without any weird texture. Simple, effective, and practical.

4 – Wide Egg Noodles

Wide egg noodles are a solid option if you’re fresh out of pappardelle. Their slightly thick, flat texture makes sauces cling like it’s their job. They’re easy to cook and work in most recipes asking for wide pasta.

You can swap them in using a simple 1:1 ratio. No complicated adjustments are needed. Just boil, toss, and you’re good to go.

They bring a smooth bite with that familiar eggy taste. This keeps the flavor profile close to what you’d expect. They’re also effortless to find at grocery stores, saving time.

Wide egg noodles hold their shape well, even with heavy sauces. That makes them a legit replacement to soak up chunky or creamy sauces like a champ. Definitely worth a try when you’re improvising!

5 – Pasta Sheets (Homemade or Store-Bought)

What if I told you that pasta sheets can pinch-hit for pappardelle? These wide, flat sheets are typically used for lasagna, but we can cut them into thick strips to nail that pappardelle vibe. Their size and texture make them ideal for heavy, saucy dishes.

You can grab them fresh or dried, no problem. Cook times depend on the type, so keep an eye out for package directions. Use a simple 1:1 swap, cutting them into strips of similar width.

Fresh pasta sheets bring a soft, chewy bite, while dried ones hold up for ultra-saucy recipes. They’re flexible and easy to customize based on the dish. Plus, they add a fresh touch if homemade. That’s multitasking on a plate.

6 – Linguine (Thicker Option)

You’ll never believe how easy it is to swap linguine for pappardelle. The longer, thicker strands of linguine hold sauces well, making dishes just as hearty.

Cut it to length if needed. It’s sturdy and works for creamy or chunky sauces. Use a 1:1 swap without cutting corners.

Cook it al dente to avoid a mushy outcome. Adjust boiling time based on the sauce type. Thin cream sauces love softer pasta, while thick meat sauces need sturdier bites.

Linguine is foolproof for pasta nights. Its texture plays nicely with nearly any topping. Fresh or dried, it delivers every time.

7 – Ribbon Zucchini (For a Low-Carb Option)

Some recipes insist on pasta, but who says it can’t be made from veggies? Ribbon zucchini is the ultimate low-carb substitute for pappardelle.

Slice zucchini thin with a peeler to get broad, flat strips. Use a 1:1 swap in your dishes. Its mild flavor soaks up all the sauce goodness, giving you bursts of flavor in every bite.

It cooks super fast. Toss it in the pan for a quick sauté or blanch it briefly. Too much cooking turns it mushy, so keep an eye on it. It’s perfect for light tomato sauces, olive oil dressings, or fresh herbs.

Zucchini strips work best for anyone looking to keep it light yet satisfying. Everyone at the table wins with this veggie twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which pasta is closest to pappardelle in texture and width?

Fettuccine is the closest match, offering a similar flat, ribbon-like shape with a slightly narrower width.

Can I use lasagna sheets instead of pappardelle?

Yes, cutting lasagna sheets into wide strips creates a great homemade alternative to pappardelle noodles.

What’s the best low-carb option to replace pappardelle?

Ribboned zucchini works as a great low-carb substitute, offering a similar wide noodle shape.

Are wide egg noodles a good pappardelle substitute?

Yes, wide egg noodles provide a similar texture and thickness, though they have a slightly softer bite.

Is linguine too thin to replace pappardelle?

While thicker than spaghetti, linguine is much narrower than pappardelle, so it may not hold sauces as well.

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