4 Best Store-Bought Pasta Brands, According to Food Experts
FOODEDITOR'S PICKSTASTING NOTES
These chef-approved picks prove that great pasta doesn’t only come from scratch. It can also come from the supermarket aisle.
Pasta may be one of the simplest pleasures in the kitchen, but choosing the right box can make all the difference. The best store-bought pasta brands don’t just fill the pantry, they bring the character of Italian tradition, the craft of small-batch makers, and the kind of texture that makes sauces cling like couture fabric. To discover which ones truly stand out, we asked chefs and food experts for their favorites.
Their answers prove that great pasta doesn’t always come from scratch. It can also come straight from the shelf, ready to elevate weeknight cooking or a Sunday table.
Anna by Cento: The Reliable Italian Classic
“Anna By Cento. Hands down.
Why? Because it tastes like fresh pasta. It has a clean, toothy bite and holds sauce as if it were made for it—because it was. It has that honest, old-world semolina snap that doesn't turn mushy after five minutes. You can build a proper plate around it, whether you're preparing a simple aglio e olio or a Sunday gravy that's been simmering since sunrise.
And it cooks consistently. No surprises. No slipping past al dente because you blinked. Just reliable pasta that does the job right every time.
Look—there are flashier brands with louder packaging and bigger price tags, but Anna? Anna's like that quiet kitchen veteran who just shows up and excels, without any drama.
That's why it's always on our shelf."
Justin Meadows, Chef/ Owner, Block & Rooster Provisions
Northern Pasta Co: Small-Batch Spelt with Sustainability in Mind
“I recently discovered Northern Pasta Co., a Cumbrian husband-and-wife team making small-batch, British-made pasta from regeneratively farmed spelt. It's sustainably sourced, slow-dried, and the flavour and texture are genuinely next-level: nutty, light, and great at holding sauce. I love how it brings real craft and integrity to something that's usually just thrown in a basket.”
Halle Faraj, Co-Founder, Chef & Spice Alchemist, Camelēr Spice Co.
De Cecco and Crosta & Mollica: Italian Icons for Every Pantry
“De Cecco is a workhorse in any kitchen. Made with 100% Abruzzese semolina and bronze-die extrusion, it creates ridges that grip sauce perfectly. Its slow, cold drying process locks in a reliable al dente bite every time - even when your sauce game gets a little wild. And that iconic blue-and-yellow pack transports you straight to a dusty Italian alimentari, as if you've just picked it off a wooden shelf in Naples.
Crosta & Mollica, on the other hand, feels like rediscovering pasta's artisanal roots. They use heritage Puglian wheat, micro-milled and bronze-die extruded for a slightly rough texture that clings to both hearty ragus and light emulsions. Their commitment to regenerative farming and compostable packaging adds genuine eco-chic credibility to your pantry. While De Cecco nails consistency and classic performance, Crosta & Mollica brings extra flavor complexity and planet-friendly credentials - making it my go-to for home cooks who care about taste and sustainability.”
Jasmine Kharod, Co-founder & Plant-based chef, Wild Chai
Rummo: Bronze-Die Pasta That Resists Overcooking
“My favorite brand of store-bought pasta is Rummo.
I prefer this brand due to its perfect resistance to overcooking.
Even when overcooked, the pasta stays firm and not mushy, and it's perfect for sauces.
All these points are because Rummo uses bronze dies, while most other brands use Teflon dies.
The brand was founded more than 150 years ago, which means the brand has a long-time pasta-making tradition.
And to finish, even if they're not my favorite products from Rummo, you have a lot of other options such as vegan or kosher, for example. This means I can align with various dietary requirements for my guests without altering the quality.”
Baptiste Beaumard, Chef Sommelier, Restaurant Daniel
From a quiet classic like Anna to a sustainability-forward innovator like Northern Pasta Co., these brands prove that boxed pasta can stand proudly in any kitchen. Whether you’re craving a rustic Sunday ragu or a quick weeknight bowl of pesto, the right pasta makes all the difference, and chefs know exactly which ones to trust.
Disclaimer: The recipes and food recommendations in this article are for general inspiration and enjoyment. Since dietary preferences and restrictions vary, we recommend consulting with a nutritionist or dietitian if you have specific dietary concerns or health conditions.. Please note that ingredient availability and cooking times may also vary based on location and personal preferences. This article may also contain affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them at no cost to you. We are also part of the Amazon Associates program.