Best Short Pasta of 2025

Kiera Browne Avatar
Kiera Browne
Last Updated: 2 Feb 2025

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Short pasta is a versatile and delicious food that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Made from durum wheat semolina, short pasta comes in a range of shapes and sizes, including penne, fusilli, rigatoni, and macaroni. Whether you prefer it with a classic tomato sauce, a creamy cheese sauce, or mixed with vegetables and herbs, short pasta is a convenient and satisfying meal option. It can also be used in salads, soups, and casseroles for added texture and flavour. With so many options to choose from, short pasta is a great pantry staple to have on hand for quick and easy meals.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Garofalo Ditaloni Rigate Vegan Pasta 500g Cover #TOP 1
Garofalo Ditaloni Rigate Vegan Pasta 500g
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Garofalo Ditali Soup Pasta, Vegan, 500g Cover #TOP 2
Garofalo Ditali Soup Pasta, Vegan, 500g
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Garofalo Riccioli Pasta 500 g - Premium Quality Cover #TOP 3
Garofalo Riccioli Pasta 500 g - Premium Quality
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Short Pasta

Garofalo Ditaloni Rigate Vegan Pasta 500g

500 g (Pack of 1)
Garofalo Ditaloni Rigate Vegan Pasta 500g Cover
Garofalo Ditaloni Rigate Italian Soup Pasta - Vegan and Small Pasta Shapes, 500g (Pack of 1)

Garofalo Ditaloni Pasta is a premium choice made by the renowned pasta maker from Gragnano, Italy. Since 1789, they have been crafting high-quality pasta, and the Ditaloni shape is perfect for holding onto rich sauces, making your meals more enjoyable. With its ridged pattern, this pasta works wonderfully in lighter dishes and minestrone soup as well. It boasts Pasta di Gragnano IGP status, ensuring that you receive the best quality. Made from 100% durum wheat semolina, it is high in protein and cooks to a delightful al dente texture.

What We Like
High-quality Italian pasta
Great for rich sauces
High in protein
Vegan and egg-free
#TOP 2

Garofalo Ditali Soup Pasta, Vegan, 500g

500 g (Pack of 1)
Garofalo Ditali Soup Pasta, Vegan, 500g Cover
Garofalo Ditali Italian Soup Pasta - Vegan and Small Pasta Shape, 500g (Pack of 1)

Garofalo Ditali Pasta is a premium offering from a renowned Italian pasta maker, known for its quality since 1789. Made from 100% superior quality durum wheat semolina, this pasta provides a satisfying al dente texture that enhances your meals. It is perfect for soups, making it a great choice for families with young children. Additionally, being both vegan and egg-free, it caters to various dietary preferences. With a quick cooking time of just 9 minutes, you can enjoy delicious pasta dishes in no time.

What We Like
High-quality Italian pasta
Great for soups and sauces
Vegan and egg-free
Quick 9-minute cooking time
High in protein
#TOP 3

Garofalo Riccioli Pasta 500 g - Premium Quality

500 g (Pack of 1)
Garofalo Riccioli Pasta 500 g - Premium Quality Cover
Garofalo Riccioli 500 g

Garofalo Riccioli Pasta is a premium offering from an esteemed Italian pasta maker, renowned since 1789. With its Pasta di Gragnano IGP status, you can trust the exceptional quality that comes from Gragnano, the birthplace of pasta. The twisted curls of riccioli are perfect for holding sauces, allowing you to create imaginative and delightful dishes. Made from 100% superior quality durum wheat semolina, this pasta ensures a high protein content and an al dente texture that elevates your meals.

What We Like
High-quality Italian pasta
Pasta di Gragnano IGP status
Holds sauces well
Vegan and vegetarian friendly
Egg free and nutritious

Garofalo Farfalle Dry Pasta 500g

500 g (Pack of 1)
Garofalo Farfalle Dry Pasta 500g Cover
Garofalo Farfalle Dry Pasta, 500g

Garofalo Farfalle Pasta is a premium choice for pasta lovers, crafted by a renowned Italian maker since 1789. The unique bow-tie shape, reminiscent of butterflies, is perfect for pairing with simple sauces or adding to cold pasta salads. Made from 100% superior quality durum wheat semolina, it ensures a high-protein content and a delightful al dente texture when cooked. Plus, being suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets means it caters to a wide range of dietary preferences.

What We Like
High-quality Italian pasta
Ideal for various dishes
Vegan and vegetarian friendly
Al dente texture
Perfect for sauces and salads
#TOP 5

Garofalo Paccheri Pasta, High Protein, 500g

White
500 g (Pack of 1)
Garofalo Paccheri Pasta, High Protein, 500g Cover
Garofalo Paccheri Pasta, 500 gram

Garofalo Paccheri Pasta is a premium option for anyone looking to elevate their pasta dishes. Made from 100% superior quality durum wheat semolina, this pasta boasts a high protein content, ensuring a satisfying meal. Its unique rough surface allows sauces to cling wonderfully, enhancing each bite. As a traditional pasta from the Campania region, it is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets. Simply cook it in boiling water for a delightful al dente texture that will impress family and friends.

What We Like
High protein content
Made from superior durum wheat
Rough surface for better sauce adhesion
Suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets
Traditional Campania pasta

Garofalo Organic Moon and Star Pasta

81825
500 g (Pack of 1)
Garofalo Organic Moon and Star Pasta Cover
Garofalo Moon and Star Kids Organic Pasta 500g

Garofalo Kids Pasta is a delightful choice for children, featuring fun star and moon shapes that make mealtimes enjoyable. Made from high-quality organic Italian durum wheat semolina, this pasta not only ensures a healthy meal but also caters to vegan and vegetarian diets. You can feel good about serving this nutritious option to your little ones, knowing it is specially designed for their tastes while being both fun and wholesome.

What We Like
Fun shapes for kids
Made from organic ingredients
Suitable for vegans
Healthy meal option
High-quality pasta

Garofalo Fusilli Dry Pasta, 500g Pack

500 g (Pack of 1)
Garofalo Fusilli Dry Pasta, 500g Pack Cover
Garofalo Fusilli Dry Pasta, 500g

Garofalo Fusilli Pasta is a premium product from a renowned Italian pasta maker, established since 1789. This pasta boasts the prestigious Pasta di Gragnano IGP status, ensuring top-notch quality. Its spiral shape is perfect for holding a variety of sauces, whether you're opting for something rich or a simple tomato sauce. Furthermore, it is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets, making it an excellent choice for diverse meal preparations.

What We Like
High-quality Italian pasta
Holds sauces well
Vegan and vegetarian friendly
Made from durum wheat semolina
Rough texture for better sauce adherence

by Amazon Durum Wheat Macaroni Pasta, 1kg

by Amazon
PASTA_AND_NOODLES
1 kg (Pack of 1)
by Amazon Durum Wheat Macaroni Pasta, 1kg Cover
by Amazon Durum Wheat Macaroni, 1kg

The by Amazon Macaroni Pasta is a versatile choice for your kitchen. These durum wheat tubes are perfect for adding to soups, salads, or baked dishes, making meal preparation a breeze. Being suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets, it accommodates a variety of dietary preferences. Made from high-quality durum wheat semolina, this dried pasta ensures a delightful texture and taste. With approximately 13 servings in a 1kg pack, you can easily cater for family meals or gatherings.

What We Like
Versatile for various dishes
Suitable for vegans and vegetarians
High-quality durum wheat
Generous serving size
#TOP 9

De Cecco Stellette n.75 Durum Wheat Pasta

0SX0
500 g (Pack of 1)
De Cecco Stellette n.75 Durum Wheat Pasta Cover
De Cecco Stellette n.75 (500g)

The De Cecco Stellette Pasta is made from high-quality durum wheat semolina, ensuring a rich taste and excellent texture in your dishes. Its traditional processing follows a recipe that has been perfected over 125 years, giving you a product that embodies authenticity. This pasta is crafted using the De Cecco Method, which enhances its ability to absorb sauces, making every bite flavourful. The wheat used for this pasta is sourced from both EU and non-EU countries, and it is milled in Italy, guaranteeing a premium product that you can trust.

What We Like
High-quality durum wheat
Traditional processing method
Absorbs sauces well
Authentic Italian taste
Reliable milling in Italy

Barilla Fusilli Pasta, Vegan Friendly 500g

8076809047890
500 g (Pack of 1)
Barilla Fusilli Pasta, Vegan Friendly 500g Cover
Barilla Fusilli Pasta, Italian Pasta for Pasta Dishes, Vegan & Vegetarian Friendly 500g

Barilla Fusilli Pasta is an authentic Italian delight that brings the taste of Italy to your kitchen. Cooking in just 11 minutes, it offers the perfect al dente texture, making it a quick and convenient option for busy meal times. Its unique shape pairs beautifully with a variety of sauces, from rich and hearty to light and simple. This pasta is incredibly versatile, allowing you to enjoy it in numerous ways, including as a refreshing cold dish with pesto and cherry tomatoes.

What We Like
Authentic Italian taste
Cooks in just 11 minutes
Versatile for various dishes
Great source of energy
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a short pasta?

Short Cuts: Penne, Rigatoni, Farfalle, Orecchiette, etc. Short cuts are made to capture hearty ragùs and chunky vegetable sauces in their sturdy hollows and ridges, giving satisfying bursts of flavor as you eat. As a general guide, choose a pasta shape that has the right size hollow to catch the pieces in your sauce.

2. What is the smallest size pasta?

Orzo. Orzo is often mistaken for a grain, but it's a type of pasta, possibly the smallest of the small pasta shapes. It resembles rice, and it's often used to make orzo pasta salads. It can also add great texture to soups.

Editor's Notes

During our short pastum research, we found 232 short pastum products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 19,950 customer reviews through our big data system to write the short pasta list. We found that most customers choose short pasta with an average price of £2.18.

The short pasta are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of short pasta, including Garofalo, De Cecco, Barilla.

Written by
Kiera Browne Avatar

Kiera Browne served as chef and caterer in Purslane Restaurant for three years before establishing her restaurant. Kiera now owns two restaurants and a culinary school all over the United Kingdom. Kiera has featured in magazines and editorials, providing recipes for various dishes. Using her skills and knowledge in the culinary field, Kiera has published few pamphlets on preparing various cuisines.