21 BEST Lasagna Noodle Substitute Ideas (6 NEW Options!)

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Last Updated on March 27, 2023 by Toya

Check out the best lasagna noodle substitute ideas that you can use in a pinch in the event you’re out of lasagna sheets or don’t want to use the stuff anymore.

 

This list includes gluten-free, keto, low-calorie lasagna sheet substitutes as well as some other forms of pasta such as penne pasta. Use any of these if you realize you’ve run out of noodle sheets in the middle of making your lasagna dish! This list truly has something for everyone! 

I put this list together because so many people often wonder if one can make lasagna without noodle sheets. Sometimes, a simple swap can make all the difference in your recipe. And, I’m sharing 21 of the best ideas to replace lasagna noodle sheets easily!

What are the best lasagna noodles substitutes?

The short answer is:

• Penne pasta
• Spaghetti noodles
• Elbow macaroni 
• Manicotti
• Fettuccine
• Farfalle
• Brown rice lasagna noodles
• Egg noodles
• Prosciutto
• Sliced ham
• Sliced chicken breasts
• Sliced turkey
• Sliced pastrami
• Sliced bologna
• Zucchini noodle sheets
• Cabbage lasagna sheets
• Sliced eggplants
• Sliced squash
• Palmini lasagna sheets
• Almond flour lasagna noodle sheets
• NO noodles 

I’ll share a little more about these lasagna sheet substitutes below.

Common ways to substitute for lasagna noodles

Penne pasta

Don’t have lasagna sheets? No worries, penne pasta can take its place easily.

If you’re following a lasagna recipe, follow the steps to make your red meat sauce. However, instead of cooking the lasagna sheets, then setting them aside to make a separate cheese sauce for 3 different lasagna layers. You’ll be using just two layers. 

This is achieved by cooking your penne pasta until al dente. Once cooked, mix the penne pasta with the cheese sauce ingredients — typically ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, a beaten egg, chopped basil, and parsley. 

To assemble the lasagna, start with your meat sauce, then layer your penne pasta cheese mixture. Continue this process 3 or 4 times until you’re done with all the layers. Top with shredded cheese and bake for a simple penne pasta lasagna.

Spaghetti noodles

Follow all the steps to make a lasagna recipe. Usually, this includes cooking a red meat sauce, mixing ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, eggs, and fresh herbs, and cooking your noodles sheets. until al dente before assembling the lasagna.

If you’re looking to use spaghetti noodles, as a replacement for lasagna noodles, simply cook the spaghetti noodles until al dente instead. Then toss them with some olive oil to prevent sticking. Then assemble the lasagna as you’ve always done before, except this time, you’ll be using cooked spaghetti noodles as your new ‘lasagna sheets’.

Elbow macaroni 

For elbow macaroni, cook the macaroni until al dente, according to package instructions. Then mix the cooked elbow macaroni with the other cheese sauce ingredients which typically include — ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, a beaten egg, chopped basil, and parsley.

To assemble an elbow macaroni lasagna, layer a baking dish (typically 9 x 13) with meat sauce, then the elbow macaroni and cheese mix. Then repeat this process until everything is in the baking dish. Top with some shredded cheese, cover with foil, and bake. 

Manicotti

Fettuccine

Fettuccine is an excellent lasagna noodle substitute because of its size, shape, and length. If you’re making a lasagna recipe and want to use fettuccine to replace lasagna sheets, follow all the steps as usual. But, simply replace the cooked lasagna noodles with cooked fettuccine pasta instead. 

Farfalle

Farfalle or bow tie pasta can also be used in place of lasagna noodles in a pinch. To use bowtie pasta in place of lasagna noodles, follow the recipe steps but instead of using lasagna noodles, spread layers of al dente bowtie noodles instead.

Brown rice lasagna noodles

If you’re looking for a gluten free substitute for wheat lasagna noodles, then brown rice noodles are a great choice. They have a pretty good texture so you can rest assured that your lasagna recipe will taste really good.

In fact, if you pick the right brown rice lasagna pasta, you may not even be able to taste the difference. I recommend Jovial brown rice lasagna pasta which is always available on amazon.

Egg noodles

If you have them or prefer them, egg noodles are another great way to substitute lasagna noodles. They’re made with wheat flour and eggs, so basically, the same ingredients that are used to make lasagna noodle sheets. This is why they’re a great replacement.

Prosciutto

Out of lasagna noodles. Deli meat cuts like prosciutto can make an ideal alternative. It’s super easy to make lasagna with prosciutto. To make it, make a red sauce with ground beef, marinara, seasonings, spices, and salt to taste. Mix ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan, chopped parsley, and an egg or two together for the cheese layer. The sliced prosciutto will replace the lasagna noodles.

To assemble the prosciutto lasagna, first, add some red sauce to the bottom of an average size lasagna pan or baking dish to prevent sticking and burning. Then top that with a few pieces of sliced prosciutto. Then a layer of red sauce, followed by a layer of cheese sauce. Repeat this process until your lasagna is completely assembled then sprinkle the top with some shredded cheese like mozzarella.

This kind of lasagna tastes just like lasagna made with noodle sheets! It’s perfect for keto or if you’re just out of noodle sheets and need a quick replacement. Bake and enjoy! 

Sliced ham

Like prosciutto, sliced ham is also a great alternative to lasagna noodles. Use just like the prosciutto above.

Sliced chicken breasts

Sliced chicken breasts are an amazing noodle sheet substitute. Use them just like you’d use lasagna noodles. They tend to break apart when you’re assembling a lasagna. This does not matter too much. Simply piece them together till a nice layer is formed.

Sliced turkey

Another ideal lasagna noodle replacement is sliced turkey. It’s keto-friendly, delicious, and easy to work with. 

Sliced pastrami

Have some sliced pastrami on hand? This can make a great lasagna noodle substitute too. It’s also keto-friendly. 

Sliced bologna

Need another great sub for lasagna noodles? Sliced bologna will work here as well. Use it to layer just like you would with lasagna noodles or prosciutto above. 

Zucchini noodle sheets

Want a healthier substitute for lasagna noodles? Zucchini noodles are a great option. They’re keto-friendly, low-carb, gluten-free, and super cheap. You can make them by slicing zucchini lengthwise so they look similar to lasagna noodles. 

Before using them in your lasagna recipe, sprinkle some salt on the sliced zucchini noodle sheets to draw out most of the excess water. Let this sit for 30 minutes then pat dry with some paper towels to get rid of as much moisture as possible.

Then use them just like you’d use regular lasagna noodle sheets. I shared a recipe for lasagna with zucchini noodles here.

Cabbage lasagna sheets

This is a simple and affordable keto sub for lasagna sheets. You can click here to see how to make lasagna with cabbage ‘noodles’.

Sliced eggplants

A good vegetable substitute for lasagna noodles is sliced eggplants. Just like zucchini, eggplants are another bountiful summer vegetable that can effectively replace lasagna noodles in a pinch. it is great for gluten-free and keto lasagna recipes. You can see exactly how to make a simple eggplant lasagna recipe here.

Sliced squash

If you have some butternut squash, then you can also use slices of this vegetable as a lasagna noodle alternative. You can see how to make lasagna with sliced squash here. 

Palamini lasagna sheets

Palmini lasagna sheets are used in many keto or gluten-free recipes. They’re lasagna noodle sheets made of hearts of palms. Palmini lasagna ‘noodles’ are vegan, keto, gluten-free, low carb, and low calorie, and contain 3 grams of carbs and 20 calories per serving.

They taste great and have a really good texture. You’ll be pleasantly surprised with how good your lasagna recipe made with palmini lasagna noodles turn out. Interested in giving it a try? You should check out palmini lasagna sheets on amazon and see why so many people enjoy using this type of lasagna sheet! 

Almond flour lasagna noodle sheets

Another simple, yet effective sub for lasagna noodles are homemade almond flour lasagna noodles. It’s usually made with almond flour, salt, and xanthan gum. You can find a simple keto lasagna noodle recipe here. 

NO Noodles

Lastly, you can make lasagna without any type of noodles. Just cheese and meat. I’ve made a simple noodle-less lasagna recipe that can check out.