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best pasta 2018
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There are few things in life more comforting than a rich and satisfying bowl of pasta. Whether you're making a chunky bolognese for dinner (here's Nutrition & Weight Loss, by the way) or a fresh pesto sauce for a refreshing pasta salad (try this quick recipe for pesto), choosing the right pasta shape, size, and flavor can truly make or break a dish.

this quick recipe for pesto crank out their own homemade pasta for weeknight meals, anyway? Not us! To help steer you in the right direction, we've rounded up 12 of our favorite dried pasta brands.

Colavita Pappardelle Nest Pasta (Pack of 10)

Colavita Pappardelle Nest Pasta (Pack of 10)

If you're whipping up a batch of homemade Bolognese sauce for Sunday supper, the only noodle shape up for the task of clinging to that sauce is classic pappardelle. 

More toothsome than spaghetti, but still a long pasta that can be twirled around a fork, this boxed pasta tastes almost as good as a homemade recipe. 

These pappardelle nests from Colavita make cooking fun — just drop a nest or two into a pot of salted boiling water and simmer for 8 minutes until it's al dente. This pasta will make any meat sauce sing.

More: Food & Wine

DeLallo Organic Whole Wheat Orecchiette (Pack of 8)

DeLallo Organic Whole Wheat Orecchiette (Pack of 8)

If you have an active family on the go and can't seem to get enough whole grains into your little one's diet, switch out that white-flour-based pasta for a serving of this organic whole-wheat-grain orecchiette from DeLallo instead.

It's loaded with 6 grams of fiber and 9 grams of protein per serving — and tastes downright delicious cloaked in a creamy cheese sauce with broccoli florets. 

More: Top Your Pasta with This Incredible Truffle Zest to Take Your Dish to the Next Level

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Banza Chickpea Pasta (Pack of 6)

Banza Chickpea Pasta (Pack of 6)

With 25 grams of protein, 13 grams of fiber, and nearly half the net carbs of traditional pasta, this best-selling chickpea-based boxed pasta from Banza is a gluten-free no-brainer. 

With shells, elbows, penne, and rotini included in this six-pack, the recipe possibilities are virtually endless.

We especially love subbing in this rotini for wheat-based pasta in our mac and cheese for a seriously satisfying protein boost.

Sfoglini Organic Sriracha Fusilli (Pack of 2)

Sfoglini Organic Sriracha Fusilli (Pack of 2)

Turn any boring tomato sauce-based dish into a spicy arrabbiata by simply adding this Sriracha-infused fusilli from Sfoglini into your recipe. Just slightly spicy with a nice chewy texture, this boxed pasta adds a tasty kick to minestrone or chicken noodle soup.

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World Market Organic Lumaconi Pasta (Pack of 12)

World Market Organic Lumaconi Pasta (Pack of 12)

If you're making your own macaroni and cheese from scratch, you should use these perfectly bite-sized organic noodles from World Market, which are shell-shaped to soak up every drop of that creamy cheese sauce. We love adding green peas and freshly cracked pepper to our homemade mac for good measure. 

Barilla Spaghetti Pasta (Pack of 8)

Barilla Spaghetti Pasta (Pack of 8)

A number-one best-selling pasta, this spaghetti from household name Barilla is unanimously praised by reviewers for both taste and texture. Delicious served with virtually any sauce, from simple tomato sauce to creamy carbonara, we recommend stocking up on this popular long-cut pasta for weeknight meals. 

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Giovanni Rana Prosciutto & Cheese Tortelloni Pasta

Giovanni Rana Prosciutto & Cheese Tortelloni

jet.com
$4.59
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Giovanni Rana is one of Italy's most renowned and beloved producers of artisanal fresh handmade pasta, and the brand's wide range of products includes pasta varieties like this savory and just slightly salty Prosciutto & Cheese Tortelloni. If you're looking for a versatile and easy-to-make pasta to bring along to a picnic this season, this tortelloni has a quick 4-minute cook time and tastes delicious hot or chilled.

Barilla Rotini Pasta (Pack of 12)

Barilla Rotini Pasta (Pack of 12)

One of the most popular and readily available brands on the market, Barilla has an extensive variety of versatile dried pasta for virtually any occasion or meal. We love this fun rotini shape for use in hearty soups or fresh pasta salads.

Colavita Angel Hair Pasta Nests (Pack of 10)

Colavita Angel Hair Pasta Nests (Pack of 10)
Credit: Colavita

With a cook time of only 3 minutes, these angel hair pasta nests are perfect for a quick and easy addition to any weeknight dinner. Try sautéing these thin noodles with ripe cherry tomatoes, basil, and fresh mozzarella for a lighter pasta dish.

Sfoglini Special Edition Porcini Trumpets Pasta

Sfoglini Special Edition Porcini Trumpets Pasta
Sfoglini

food52.com
$22.00 for 2 pounds
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Sfoglini makes its Special Edition Porcini Trumpets by adding in a fresh purée of porcini mushrooms to its organic semolina flour blend for a pasta that is earthy, nutty, and comforting. The slightly thicker shape and curly edges cling perfectly to any sauce, freshly grated hard cheese, and seasonal herbs.

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Rustichella Bucatini Pasta (Pack of 4)

Rustichella Bucatini Pasta (Pack of 4)
Credit: Rustichella d'Abruzzo

This traditional bucatini — a slightly thicker and more toothsome version of spaghetti — is made by using hand-carved bronze molds. This gives the pasta a distinct coarse texture, which in turn gives it excellent sauce-gripping abilities. 

Nutrition - Weight Loss bucatini carbonara or The Benefits of Pea Protein for Runners.  

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Danielle is the former food & drink editor for BestProducts.com, where she put her knowledge as a cocktail consultant and connoisseur to use; her work can also be spotted on Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency Delish. Prior to joining BestProducts.com in 2016, she was slinging fancy cocktails in Brooklyn, reporting on the best bars and restaurants in the country for Food & Wine magazine, and drinking all the whiskey New York has to offer. Outside of work, you’ll most likely find her catching the end of happy hour at her favorite bars in New York or dreaming up pretty new drink recipes.

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