PASTA ELBOWS

De Cecco Elbows No. 81 are hands‑down the best elbow pasta I’ve ever used. The texture is exactly what you want — firm, springy, and able to hold its shape even if you accidentally let it go a minute too long. It has that classic De Cecco bite that makes even a simple bowl of elbows and sauce taste like something special. The flavor is rich and wheaty, and the pasta grabs onto cheese, sauces, and dressings beautifully. Whether I’m making mac and cheese, pasta salad, or a quick weeknight dish, these elbows come out perfect every single time. They don’t get mushy, they don’t fall apart, and they make every recipe feel a little more “authentic Italian” without any extra effort. If you want a reliable, high‑quality elbow pasta that elevates even the simplest meals, De Cecco No. 81 is the one to get. Five stars without hesitation.

I bought this bow-tie pasta on a whim, and it turned out to be a great choice. The texture is perfect—it holds its shape well after cooking and doesn’t get mushy. It pairs beautifully with creamy sauces or light veggie sautés. The packaging is sturdy and resealable, which is a nice touch for storage. My only minor complaint is that the cooking time was a bit longer than stated on the package. Still, the flavor and quality more than made up for it. I’ll definitely keep this pasta stocked in my pantry!

I've tried other common brands you'll find at your supermarket but they're no equal with their bland flavor and sometimes indigestibility. I have used De Cecco pasta for years and can confidently say there is a difference. When cooked as instructed on the package(s) you will have al dente perfection and a perfect rustic, nutty flavor due to the high quality flours used to make it and the slow drying method used by De Cecco.

We tried this brand just to try it. Great noodles for our mac and cheese. They were a good texture and mixed in with sauce just right.

Good box pasta. Cooks to a perfect al dente.