The New $4 Box of Pasta I’m Stocking in My Pantry Forever (It’s That Good)

I’m a pasta equal opportunist. I love rigatoni just as much as I love angel hair because, at the end of the day, all pasta is good pasta. But when it comes to bread, I’m a sourdough fan all the way. I got swept up in the sourdough baking fervor during the COVID-19 pandemic, and I haven’t left. The slight sour tang from the strong, active sourdough culture of wild yeast is unmatched. So earlier this year, when I heard Bionaturae, the family owned brand that makes organic Italian pantry staples, launched a line of sourdough pasta, I knew I had to try it. 

As a groceries editor, I’m well aware of the constant changes and innovations — ingredients, shapes, and flavors — in the pasta world. My favorite by far has been Bionaturae sourdough pasta. After months of eating it, I can confidently say that it’s my latest (and greatest) pantry staple. 

Sourdough is one of the oldest forms of bread, with origins dating back to as early as 2000 B.C. in ancient Egypt. Beyond its signature tangy flavor, sourdough is also celebrated for its health benefits, particularly for gut health, thanks to the fermentation process, which involves wild yeast and beneficial bacteria. Bionaturae is the first brand to make a sourdough pasta, and it knocked it out of the park. 

Sourdough starter is the second ingredient on the two-ingredient list for this pasta (the first is organic durum wheat semolina). The line includes spaghetti, fusilli, and penne; I love a pasta that twirls, so I stock my shelves with boxes of spaghetti.

The first time I tried the pasta I opted to enjoy it with minimal frills; no sauce, just butter and salt. It was divine and almost tasted like I was eating buttered sourdough toast (in the best way possible!). It’s slightly sour and savory, and it holds its shape when you reheat it and eat it even days later. 

Since trying it for the first time, I’ve introduced it to my friends and family — and now they are also devoted sourdough pasta fans. 

This pasta cooks and works like any other noodle would, so enjoy it as you would enjoy any pasta. The slight tang almost acts like a flavor enhancer akin to a feta, and does wonders in a sauce! I used the fusilli pasta shape in a macaroni and cheese once for a family gathering, and that just WOWED everyone. It was tangy, creamy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious. 

For more day-to-day eating, my favorite way to eat it is with a classic marinara or creamy pesto — but, like I said, there’s really no wrong way to eat it.

Buy: Bionaturae Sourdough Pasta, $3.99 for 12 ounces at Thrive Market

Have you tried this new sourdough pasta? Tell us about it in the comments below.