In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsChoosing a Pasta BowlOur Search for the Best Pasta BowlsOur Trusted Expertise
In This ArticleView All
In This Article
View All
Our Top Picks
Reviews
Choosing a Pasta Bowl
Our Search for the Best Pasta Bowls
Our Trusted Expertise
Photo:EatingWell
EatingWell
Plates just don’t cut it when it comes to pasta. Pile your spaghetti onto a plate’s flat bottom, and you risk the sauce spilling over. However, use a cereal bowl, and your fettuccine suddenly doesn’t feel as fancy.
With their flat bottoms, wide bases, and curved sides, pasta bowls are specially designed to hold your favorite noodles. That means they let you toss to your heart’s content and help keep the sauce contained inside and away from staining your top. We polled EatingWell editors on their favorite pasta bowls that they rely on for pasta, plus some. Here are their top recs.
Jono Pandolfi Coupe Pasta Bowl at Jonopandolfi.comJump to Review
Jono Pandolfi Coupe Pasta Bowl at Jonopandolfi.com
SALEFamiware Milkyway at Amazon$50$40Jump to Review
SALEFamiware Milkyway at Amazon$50$40
SALE
Haand Ripple Large Pasta Bowl at Haand.usJump to Review
Haand Ripple Large Pasta Bowl at Haand.us
Crate & Barrel Hue White Low Bowl at Crate & BarrelJump to Review
Crate & Barrel Hue White Low Bowl at Crate & Barrel
SALEY YHY Pasta Bowls at Amazon$50$36Jump to Review
SALEY YHY Pasta Bowls at Amazon$50$36
Year & Day Outdoor Big Bowls at Yearandday.comJump to Review
Year & Day Outdoor Big Bowls at Yearandday.com
Jono Pandolfi Coupe Pasta BowlPHOTO: Jono PandolfiView on Jonopandolfi.com
Jono Pandolfi Coupe Pasta Bowl
PHOTO: Jono Pandolfi
View on Jonopandolfi.com
What we like:Their depth and diameter accommodates a generous amount of food, and they hold up well after many years of use.
Demarest says that these 8-inch bowls are the perfect size for hearty dishes beyond pasta, like stews, curries,beans and rice dinners, and her husband’s almost-famous Bolognese. “If a meal has a bunch of different components, I can still plate everything beautifully and make what I call ‘perfect bites’ without having to dig into the bowl to find all the various ingredients,” Demarest says. She’s had these bowls for more than four years, and they’re still in pristine condition and as beautiful as they were the day she purchased them. That means no scratches on the bottom, even after years of scraping the bottoms with utensils and knives.Bowls in set:4 (also available individually) |Material:Ceramic |Diameter:8 inches |Capacity:N/A |Dishwasher-safe:Yes |Microwave-safe:Yes
PHOTO: EatingWellPHOTO: EatingWell
Famiware MilkywayPHOTO: Amazon$50$40 at AmazonWhat we like:Their size is perfect for dinner portions, and the neutral colorway fits many kitchen aesthetics.What to know:The shape of the bowl (shallow with a flat bottom) isn’t conducive to using it for things like ice cream or soup.EatingWell’s senior editorBrierley Horton, RD, loves her Famiware Milkyway bowls because they hold the perfect amount of food. “I use these for most of my ‘one-dish’-style meals—roast over mashed potatoes, pasta, or grains, as well as protein bowls and, of course, salad,” she says. “It holds everything together really nicely, allows for a nice-sized portion (not skimpy, not oversized!), and the flat bottom means that everything doesn’t pool into the center.” Horton especially loves serving her spaghetti or bucatini withmeat saucein these bowls because their shape evenly distributes the sauce across all the noodles, unlike traditional bowls in which the sauce sits mostly on top.What’s more, the neutral speckled colorway goes with most dinnerware sets, and they’re made of clay for a natural pottery aesthetic. These bowls are both dishwasher- and microwave-safe, and for about $10 a bowl, you really can’t go wrong.Bowls in set:4 |Material:Natural clay |Diameter:8.25 inches |Capacity:33 oz. |Dishwasher-safe:Yes |Microwave-safe:YesPHOTO: EatingWellPHOTO: EatingWell
Famiware MilkywayPHOTO: Amazon$50$40 at Amazon
Famiware Milkyway
PHOTO: Amazon
$50$40 at Amazon
What we like:Their size is perfect for dinner portions, and the neutral colorway fits many kitchen aesthetics.
What to know:The shape of the bowl (shallow with a flat bottom) isn’t conducive to using it for things like ice cream or soup.EatingWell’s senior editorBrierley Horton, RD, loves her Famiware Milkyway bowls because they hold the perfect amount of food. “I use these for most of my ‘one-dish’-style meals—roast over mashed potatoes, pasta, or grains, as well as protein bowls and, of course, salad,” she says. “It holds everything together really nicely, allows for a nice-sized portion (not skimpy, not oversized!), and the flat bottom means that everything doesn’t pool into the center.” Horton especially loves serving her spaghetti or bucatini withmeat saucein these bowls because their shape evenly distributes the sauce across all the noodles, unlike traditional bowls in which the sauce sits mostly on top.
What’s more, the neutral speckled colorway goes with most dinnerware sets, and they’re made of clay for a natural pottery aesthetic. These bowls are both dishwasher- and microwave-safe, and for about $10 a bowl, you really can’t go wrong.
Bowls in set:4 |Material:Natural clay |Diameter:8.25 inches |Capacity:33 oz. |Dishwasher-safe:Yes |Microwave-safe:Yes
PHOTO: Williams Sonoma
$10 at Williams Sonoma
What we like:They’re simple and versatile, both in style and functionality.
What to know:If you host often and impressing your guests is a priority, these are almost too basic.Williams Sonoma’s Open Kitchen Pasta Bowls will become your everyday bowls for everything from lunchtime Caesar salads tochicken chili dinnersto midnight pasta escapades.Carolyn Malcoun, EatingWell’s associate editorial director, uses these bowls at least three nights a week. “I like that they’re shallow, so they feel almost more plate than bowl, yet make it easy to twirl or fork up your pasta,” she says, adding that they make greatdinner saladbowls, too.
Besides being very versatile, these bowls are basic and shiny white, so they go with everything. The porcelain material also holds up well — Malcoun says she’s had them for years, and they still haven’t shown any scratches or marks.
Bowls in set:4 (also available individually) |Material:Porcelain |Diameter:8.5 inches |Capacity:16 oz. |Dishwasher-safe:Yes |Microwave-safe:Yes
PHOTO: EatingWellPHOTO: EatingWellPHOTO: EatingWell
Haand Ripple Large Pasta BowlPHOTO: HaandView on Haand.usWhat we like:The pottery aesthetic instantly elevates any meal’s presentation, and it’s both versatile and durable.What to know:Some colorways are more prone to cutlery markings than others.The Haand Ripple Large Pasta Bowl is the perfect pick for pottery and ceramics lovers looking to level up their kitchen aesthetic. “It’s a piece that’s handmade and well worth grabbing if you want a bowl that’s equally as high in quality as it is useful,” says EatingWell food writerKristin Montemarano. While Montemarano loves all of Haand’s pieces, this ripple bowl aligns with her personal style the most. “This is a special bowl! The organic edges and incredible colors make every dish look better,” she says.Plus, the size and shape keep it versatile for everything. Each bowl is 8 inches in diameter and holds up to 20 ounces, so it’s large enough for heaping servings ofeasy penne dishesand weeknight stews. While white porcelain holds up well, some colorways show more cutlery markings than others, so if marks are a concern, avoid the Matte White, Buttermilk Pink, Celadon, Coquina and Terra.Bowls in set:4 (also available individually) |Material:White porcelain |Diameter:8 inches |Capacity:20 oz. |Dishwasher-safe:Yes |Microwave-safe:YesPHOTO: EatingWellPHOTO: EatingWell
Haand Ripple Large Pasta BowlPHOTO: HaandView on Haand.us
Haand Ripple Large Pasta Bowl
PHOTO: Haand
View on Haand.us
What we like:The pottery aesthetic instantly elevates any meal’s presentation, and it’s both versatile and durable.
What to know:Some colorways are more prone to cutlery markings than others.The Haand Ripple Large Pasta Bowl is the perfect pick for pottery and ceramics lovers looking to level up their kitchen aesthetic. “It’s a piece that’s handmade and well worth grabbing if you want a bowl that’s equally as high in quality as it is useful,” says EatingWell food writerKristin Montemarano. While Montemarano loves all of Haand’s pieces, this ripple bowl aligns with her personal style the most. “This is a special bowl! The organic edges and incredible colors make every dish look better,” she says.
Plus, the size and shape keep it versatile for everything. Each bowl is 8 inches in diameter and holds up to 20 ounces, so it’s large enough for heaping servings ofeasy penne dishesand weeknight stews. While white porcelain holds up well, some colorways show more cutlery markings than others, so if marks are a concern, avoid the Matte White, Buttermilk Pink, Celadon, Coquina and Terra.
Bowls in set:4 (also available individually) |Material:White porcelain |Diameter:8 inches |Capacity:20 oz. |Dishwasher-safe:Yes |Microwave-safe:Yes
Crate & Barrel Hue White Low BowlPHOTO: Crate & BarrelView on Crate & BarrelWhat we like:They’re super affordable and fantastic for dishes where you want structure.What to know:They’re only available in white.These Crate & Barrel bowls have a flat bottom that doesn’t taper off as much as the other bowls on this list. “Because of that, I find them great for dishes where you want a little more structure, like serving a protein with a carb and a veg, where you want things to have their own space but you still want them in one convenient flat place,” Montemarano says. These features also make this Crate & Barrel option great for salads and grain bowls.Moreover, this bowl set is made of durable porcelain, so it’s built to last through years of pasta dinners, and it’s microwave- and dishwasher-safe. The best part? Each bowl is priced at just $6, so you can outfit your kitchen without breaking the budget.Bowls in set:4 (also available individually) |Material:Porcelain |Diameter:9.25 inches |Capacity:N/A |Dishwasher-safe:Yes |Microwave-safe:YesPHOTO: EatingWellPHOTO: EatingWellPHOTO: EatingWell
Crate & Barrel Hue White Low BowlPHOTO: Crate & BarrelView on Crate & Barrel
Crate & Barrel Hue White Low Bowl
PHOTO: Crate & Barrel
View on Crate & Barrel
What we like:They’re super affordable and fantastic for dishes where you want structure.
What to know:They’re only available in white.
These Crate & Barrel bowls have a flat bottom that doesn’t taper off as much as the other bowls on this list. “Because of that, I find them great for dishes where you want a little more structure, like serving a protein with a carb and a veg, where you want things to have their own space but you still want them in one convenient flat place,” Montemarano says. These features also make this Crate & Barrel option great for salads and grain bowls.
Moreover, this bowl set is made of durable porcelain, so it’s built to last through years of pasta dinners, and it’s microwave- and dishwasher-safe. The best part? Each bowl is priced at just $6, so you can outfit your kitchen without breaking the budget.
Bowls in set:4 (also available individually) |Material:Porcelain |Diameter:9.25 inches |Capacity:N/A |Dishwasher-safe:Yes |Microwave-safe:Yes
Y YHY Pasta BowlsPHOTO: Amazon$50$36 at Amazon$38 at WalmartWhat we like:These bowls are affordable, and their wide, shallow design is great for everyday meals.What to know:These are very basic, daily bowls, not necessarily dinnerware you’d break out for hosting.Amazon brands are usually a steal, and theseY YHY Pasta Bowlsare no exception. They’ll quickly become your go-to dishware for everything from salads to casseroles to noodle dishes, of course. “When you’re considering the number of bowls in the set, the durability, and the versatility, this is an incredible price point,” says Montemarano, who calls these the perfect everyday bowls.Each set comes with six bowls for about $36, a price that most competitors just can’t beat. Even better, these are easy to throw in the microwave or dishwasher for hassle-free heating and cleanup. Note that with their 30-ounce capacity, these bowls are larger than most other bowls on this list.Bowls in set:6 |Material:Porcelain |Diameter:8.5 inches |Capacity:30 oz. |Dishwasher-safe:Yes |Microwave-safe:YesPHOTO: EatingWellPHOTO: EatingWell
Y YHY Pasta BowlsPHOTO: Amazon$50$36 at Amazon$38 at Walmart
Y YHY Pasta Bowls
$50$36 at Amazon$38 at Walmart
What we like:These bowls are affordable, and their wide, shallow design is great for everyday meals.
What to know:These are very basic, daily bowls, not necessarily dinnerware you’d break out for hosting.Amazon brands are usually a steal, and theseY YHY Pasta Bowlsare no exception. They’ll quickly become your go-to dishware for everything from salads to casseroles to noodle dishes, of course. “When you’re considering the number of bowls in the set, the durability, and the versatility, this is an incredible price point,” says Montemarano, who calls these the perfect everyday bowls.
Each set comes with six bowls for about $36, a price that most competitors just can’t beat. Even better, these are easy to throw in the microwave or dishwasher for hassle-free heating and cleanup. Note that with their 30-ounce capacity, these bowls are larger than most other bowls on this list.
Bowls in set:6 |Material:Porcelain |Diameter:8.5 inches |Capacity:30 oz. |Dishwasher-safe:Yes |Microwave-safe:Yes
Year & Day Outdoor Big BowlsPHOTO: Year & DayView on Yearandday.comWhat we like:They’re great for entertaining, durable and easy to clean.What to know:They’re only available in multiples of four, so you’ll have to buy a full set if you need to replace one.Whether you’re hosting summer soirees or dining al fresco solo, Year & Day’s Outdoor Big Bowls are bound to become a staple. “I grab these frequently during the more temperate months to take outside,” Montemarano says, adding that they’re the perfect size for everything. With their wide, roomy design, you’ll be tempted to fill them up with cold pasta salads and gazpacho.They never stain or hold odors, Montemarano notes, and they’re dishwasher- and microwave-safe, too. Because they’re so versatile, Montemarano often finds herself reaching for these bowls over her ceramic ones.Bowls in set:4 |Material:Bamboo and other plant materials |Diameter:8.25 inches |Capacity:N/A |Dishwasher-safe:Yes |Microwave-safe:YesPHOTO: EatingWellPHOTO: EatingWell
Year & Day Outdoor Big BowlsPHOTO: Year & DayView on Yearandday.com
Year & Day Outdoor Big Bowls
PHOTO: Year & Day
View on Yearandday.com
What we like:They’re great for entertaining, durable and easy to clean.
What to know:They’re only available in multiples of four, so you’ll have to buy a full set if you need to replace one.Whether you’re hosting summer soirees or dining al fresco solo, Year & Day’s Outdoor Big Bowls are bound to become a staple. “I grab these frequently during the more temperate months to take outside,” Montemarano says, adding that they’re the perfect size for everything. With their wide, roomy design, you’ll be tempted to fill them up with cold pasta salads and gazpacho.
They never stain or hold odors, Montemarano notes, and they’re dishwasher- and microwave-safe, too. Because they’re so versatile, Montemarano often finds herself reaching for these bowls over her ceramic ones.
Bowls in set:4 |Material:Bamboo and other plant materials |Diameter:8.25 inches |Capacity:N/A |Dishwasher-safe:Yes |Microwave-safe:Yes
Depth and Diameter Make a Difference
When shopping for a pasta bowl, you’ll want to consider how well it holds and presents the pasta. “The bigger the diameter of a pasta bowl, the colder it gets quickly. The smaller the bowl, the better it preserves heat and flavor,” saysRiccardo Orfino, chef and partner at One More Hospitality, which oversees popular Italian NYC restaurants such as Alice and Osteria 57. The bowls on our list sit between 8 and a little over 9 inches in diameter.
Material Matters for Aesthetics and Practicality
Not only does the material of your bowl affect the aesthetics, but it’s also essential for durability and heat retention. Orfino first recommends porcelain, ceramic and then glass, in that order. These materials are durable and strong, so you’ll be able to keep them longer to continue enjoying pastas, Orfino says.
Maintenance and Cleaning Are a Sticking Point
A delicate bowl might require hand-washing, so it’s not as convenient and practical for everyday use. On the other hand, dishwasher-safe and easy-to-clean bowls make meal prep and cleanup much more manageable. All of the pasta bowls on our list are dishwasher-safe.
April Benshosan, M.S., has been reporting on nutrition, health and expert-recommended products from the start of her journalism career. Before freelancing full-time, she spearheaded the nutrition vertical at two popular, well-respected publications. She consultedRiccardo Orfino, chef and partner at One More Hospitality, for the finer points of what makes a genuinely exceptional pasta bowl.
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