13 Store-Brand Pastas at Aldi, Ranked So You Don’t Waste Your Money

Shopping the pasta aisle at Aldi can be tricky, especially with so many options ranging from gluten-free choices to filled ravioli and bronze-cut favorites. Some of these noodles taste amazing and are worth buying again, while others fall short and might leave you disappointed at dinner. To save you the guesswork, we ranked 13 of Aldi’s store-brand pastas from the worst to the very best. Whether you want a quick weeknight option or something that feels closer to restaurant quality, this list will help you know exactly which pastas deserve a spot in your cart.

13. Simply Nature Chickpea Penne

Chickpea pasta has grown in popularity, but Aldi’s version doesn’t quite deliver. The penne tends to overcook quickly, leaving you with mushy edges or noodles that collapse when tossed in sauce. Even at the right cooking time, the texture is gritty, and the bean-forward flavor overwhelms the dish. It’s higher in protein than wheat pasta, but that benefit doesn’t make up for the odd mouthfeel. This could work in a cold pasta salad with bold flavors, but it’s tough to enjoy in a warm entrée.

12. Priano Spinach & Cheese Manicotti

Manicotti is usually a comforting, hearty meal, but this frozen Priano version is underwhelming. The pasta tubes are thick and a bit chewy, even when fully baked. The filling of ricotta and spinach is too dry, lacking the creamy richness you’d expect. Extra sauce and mozzarella can improve it, but the base product still feels lackluster. If you love manicotti, you might prefer making it from scratch or looking for a fresher alternative.

11. Priano Tri-Color Three Cheese Tortellini

Visually, this colorful pasta is inviting, but the flavor doesn’t quite follow through. The pasta itself cooks evenly and has a nice bite, yet the filling leaves much to be desired. The promised ricotta, mozzarella, and asiago blend is so faint that it’s easy to miss. With such a low filling-to-pasta ratio, most bites taste like plain dough. A heavy sauce can help, but for cheese lovers, there are better stuffed options at Aldi.

10. Simply Nature Organic Brown Rice & Quinoa Penne

Among Aldi’s gluten-free offerings, this penne is one of the more reliable choices. It cooks quickly, though it tends to fall apart if left in boiling water too long. The flavor leans nutty with a slight bitterness from the quinoa, which some find appealing in lighter dishes. Texture-wise, it holds up better than many gluten-free pastas but still lacks the elasticity of traditional wheat. It pairs best with roasted vegetables or pesto rather than heavier sauces.

9. Priano Ricotta & Spinach Ravioli

This ravioli has potential but doesn’t quite hit the mark. The pasta dough cooks up nicely, keeping a firm bite that holds well under sauce. The ricotta filling dominates, leaving only a whisper of spinach flavor, which makes the balance feel off. While not bad with a tomato basil sauce, it misses the complexity that comes from a well-rounded filling. For a quick dinner, it works, but it won’t impress pasta purists.

8. Priano Mushroom Tortelloni

Mushroom fans may find this tortelloni appealing, but it’s not without flaws. The filling is a purée with a pleasant earthy flavor, though many pieces feel under-stuffed. The aroma is inviting, and the pasta cooks to an al dente texture within minutes. With a creamy sauce, the mushrooms taste richer, but on their own, the filling seems thin. It’s good enough for a weeknight meal but doesn’t stand out among Aldi’s stuffed pasta lineup.

7. Simply Nature Organic Spaghetti

For an organic pantry staple, this spaghetti is solid and reliable. It cooks in about 10 minutes and delivers a mild nutty taste that pairs well with classic red or olive oil-based sauces. The noodles maintain a firm bite, and they don’t clump easily if stirred properly. While versatile, the flavor isn’t as rich as some of Aldi’s higher-end pastas. It’s a dependable option, but it doesn’t shine above the rest.

6. Simply Nature Organic Whole Wheat Spaghetti

Whole wheat pasta often divides opinions, but Aldi’s version finds a nice middle ground. The texture is chewier than regular spaghetti, making it satisfying in heartier recipes. Its flavor has a toasty depth that works especially well with garlic-heavy sauces or a creamy peanut-based dressing for an Asian twist. The higher fiber and protein content add some nutritional value, which makes it worth considering. For those who enjoy nuttier, earthy flavors, this is a strong option.

5. Priano Lobster Ravioli

Few budget stores attempt lobster ravioli, so Aldi deserves credit here. The red-and-yellow striped pasta looks attractive on the plate, and the filling has a sweet seafood flavor. Unlike the crab ravioli, this one is packed with more actual meat, giving it a more satisfying bite. It could use extra seasoning, but paired with a simple butter or cream sauce, it makes for a restaurant-style meal at home. While not flawless, it’s an ambitious product that works for seafood fans.

4. Priano Bronze Cut Penne

The bronze-cut line is where Aldi’s pastas start to shine, and the penne is a standout. Its ridged surface clings beautifully to sauces, from vodka cream to chunky marinara. The noodles stay firm even when baked into casseroles, avoiding the mushy fate of many store brands. There’s also a subtle wheat-forward flavor that complements hearty dishes. For those who make baked ziti or penne alla vodka often, this is a worthwhile choice.

3. Priano Bronze Cut Fettuccine

Fettuccine fans will love Aldi’s bronze-cut version, which feels close to artisanal pasta. The flat, wide noodles are ideal for creamy sauces, especially Alfredo, where the texture holds up perfectly. Each strand has enough surface starch to bind with sauce without becoming gummy. The flavor is slightly nutty, which adds depth to rich dishes. It’s hearty, satisfying, and one of the strongest fresh-tasting pastas in Aldi’s lineup.

2. Priano Bronze Cut Rigatoni

Rigatoni’s size and ridges make it perfect for chunky meat sauces, and Aldi nails this shape in its bronze-cut line. The pasta holds up incredibly well, even in oven-baked dishes layered with cheese and tomato sauce. Its hollow tubes trap sauce inside, delivering flavor in every bite. The chewiness is spot on, offering a restaurant-quality experience at a budget price. For anyone who loves Bolognese or baked rigatoni, this is a must-buy.

1. Priano Bronze Cut Conchiglie

The shell-shaped conchiglie takes the crown as Aldi’s best pasta offering. Its shape is ideal for holding creamy sauces, cheese, or even bits of meat, making every bite flavorful. The texture is perfectly balanced between tender and firm, maintaining integrity whether boiled or baked. These shells shine in mac and cheese, where the sauce seeps into every fold. Affordable, versatile, and consistently delicious, this is the pasta worth stocking up on every trip.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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