Can I substitute egg noodles for pasta?

Quick Answer

Yes, you can substitute egg noodles for pasta in most recipes. Egg noodles have a similar shape and texture to pasta and can be used in place of dried pasta shapes like penne, rotini or spaghetti. The main difference is that egg noodles tend to be a bit richer and have more egg flavor. For best results, stick to recipes where the pasta is sauced or baked, rather than delicate pasta salads or dishes where the pasta is the star. Consider the extra egg flavor egg noodles will impart and adjust any seasoning accordingly.

Egg Noodle Basics

Egg noodles are a classic pasta shape made from wheat flour and eggs. The egg gives the noodles their distinctive yellow color and adds richness and flavor.

There are a few key things that distinguish egg noodles from regular dried pasta:

Higher egg content – Pasta is made just with flour and water. Egg noodles also contain eggs.
Richer flavor – The eggs lend a richness that regular pasta lacks.

Yellow color – The eggs make egg noodles yellow rather than white.
Tender texture – The eggs give egg noodles a softer, more tender texture.
Wider, flatter shape – Egg noodles are usually a broad, flat shape like fettuccine.

Within the broad egg noodle family, you’ll find wide noodles, narrow noodles, flat ribbons and crinkly shapes. Common types include:

Fettuccine – Flat, ribbon-like noodles approximately 1⁄4-inch wide.
Linguine – Flat, narrow noodle strands around 1/8-inch wide.

Lasagna – Wide, flat noodles from 1-3 inches wide.
Pappardelle – Broad, flat noodles like very wide fettuccine.
Wavy egg noodles – Crinkly noodles that are thick and ruffled.

Substitution Ratio

When substituting dried egg noodles for regular pasta, use the same quantity called for in the recipe.

For example, if the recipe calls for 8 ounces of pasta like rotini or farfalle, use 8 ounces of egg noodles instead.

The noodles may absorb a bit more liquid during cooking than regular pasta. Add the egg noodles to boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente, tender yet still pleasantly firm.

Best Recipes for Substitution

Egg noodles make an excellent substitute for pasta in casseroles, baked pasta recipes, pasta salads with zesty dressings and heavily sauced pasta dishes. The extra richness pairs well with cream or cheese-based sauces.

Here are some great options for recipes where you can swap in egg noodles:

Baked ziti, lasagna or baked pasta recipes

Macaroni and cheese
Pasta tossed with Alfredo, bolognese or creamy mushroom sauce
Chicken, tuna or egg salad with pasta

Pasta primavera or pasta with vegetables
Creamy tomato soup with noodles
Beef stroganoff over egg noodles

For dishes where the delicate flavor of the pasta takes center stage, like cacio e pepe, pesto pasta or pasta tossed in olive oil, stick to regular dried pasta. The richness of egg noodles may overpower subtle ingredients.

Adjusting Flavor

When swapping egg noodles for regular pasta, consider the added egg flavor and make any needed seasoning adjustments:

Add a bit more salt, herbs, spices or acid to balance the extra richness.

For baked recipes, reduce any cream or cheese slightly.
Cut back on butter or olive oil to prevent the dish from becoming too heavy.
Dial back especially delicate ingredients like lemon juice or herbs so they don’t get lost.

Take care not to over-season hearty, tomato-based sauces.

Start by making smaller adjustments to prevent over-correcting. You can always add more seasoning if needed.

Other Considerations

Here are a few other tips for substituting egg noodles:

Stick to recipes that call for short dried pasta like penne, farfalle or cavatappi. Long strands like spaghetti or linguine won’t work as well.
Reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes. Egg noodles tend to get tender a bit faster than regular pasta.
Rinse cooked egg noodles with cold water if using for pasta salads. This helps prevent them from getting sticky.

Look for egg noodles fortified with vitamins and minerals for an added nutritional boost.
Whole wheat or spinach egg noodles can be used to add extra nutrients and fiber.

Storage

Store unused egg noodles in an airtight container at room temperature up to one year. For best quality, use within 2-3 months.

Cooked egg noodles will keep refrigerated 3-5 days. They tend to get mushy if stored too long.

Fresh vs. Dried Egg Noodles

This article is focused on substitution using dried egg noodles, which have a similar texture to boxed pasta.

Fresh egg noodles made from just eggs and flour have a much softer, more delicate texture. They contain no added water like dried pasta does. Fresh noodles work well in dishes like chicken noodle soup or lo mein but are not the best substitute for recipes calling for dried pasta.

Egg Noodle Recipes

Here are some popular recipes that put egg noodles to delicious use:

Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Egg Noodles

Ingredients:

8 oz uncooked egg noodles

3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups milk
2 large eggs

2 tbsp butter
1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook egg noodles al dente according to package directions. Drain and return to pot.
Add shredded cheese, milk and eggs to noodles. Mix well until cheese melts. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish.

In a small bowl, melt butter. Mix in breadcrumbs. Sprinkle over the top of the pasta.
Bake 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Chicken Alfredo with Egg Noodles

Ingredients:

8 oz uncooked egg noodles
2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
1 1/2 cups Alfredo sauce

1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain.
Add diced chicken and Alfredo sauce to noodles. Toss to coat.
Serve chicken Alfredo over egg noodles. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley.

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Ingredients:

8 oz egg noodles
2 (5 oz) cans tuna, drained

10 oz frozen peas
1 cup shredded cheddar
10 oz cream of mushroom soup

1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Prepare egg noodles according to package directions. Drain.
In a bowl, mix tuna, peas, cheese, soup and milk. Add cooked egg noodles and toss until combined. Transfer to prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top. Bake 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.

FAQs

Can you use egg noodles instead of spaghetti?

Yes, egg noodles can substitute for spaghetti or other long strand pastas in most recipes. The egg flavor pairs nicely with hearty or creamy sauces. Break the noodles into smaller pieces if needed to fit the dish.

Is there a difference between egg noodles and pasta?

Egg noodles contain eggs while regular dried pasta just uses flour and water. This gives egg noodles a richer flavor and yellow color. Egg noodles also have a slightly softer texture. Both can be used interchangeably in recipes, but the egg taste will come through.

Are egg noodles gluten free?

No, traditional egg noodles are not gluten free. They are made from wheat flour containing gluten. There are some gluten free egg noodle options made from rice flour, tapioca or lentil flour for people who cannot tolerate gluten. Check the label to see if a brand is certified gluten free.

Can I use egg noodles for pasta salad?

You can use egg noodles for pasta salads, but the texture may become overly soft. Rinse the cooked noodles well under cold water to help minimize sticking.Bold flavors like zesty dressing work best to stand up to the egg taste. Go easy on delicate ingredients like fresh herbs.

How do you cook egg noodles?

Cook egg noodles just like regular pasta by boiling in salted water until al dente. Remove from heat 1-2 minutes earlier than package directs since they become tender quickly. Drain noodles well and rinse with cold water if using for salads or toss with sauce.

Conclusion

Egg noodles can be an excellent substitute for regular dried pasta like penne or rotini in many recipes. Keep in mind the extra richness and egg flavor they will impart and adjust seasonings accordingly. Egg noodles work best in baked dishes, pasta salads with bold dressing and heavily sauced pastas. Avoid using them for delicate recipes where the pasta itself takes center stage. With a few simple considerations, you can successfully use egg noodles in place of standard pasta.