This $1.89 Costco Pantry Staple I Always Stock Up On

In my house, I make pasta for as many meals as possible—pasta salad for lunch, baked ziti for dinner, mac and cheese topped with panko breadcrumbs when I need a hug in a bowl, and a quick cacio e pepe when I’m too tired to cook but still want to feel vaguely fancy.

So when I came across the Garofalo Organic Pasta Variety Pack at Costco—one of the highest-quality pastas on the market and beloved by chefs—I felt like I was being Punk’d. At $11.99 for six 500g bags, it breaks down to just $1.89 each.

The variety pack has all the cool shapes (I feel like an elder Millennial admitting I have a favorite pasta shape), including casarecce, gemelli, and penne ziti rigate. Naturally, I filled up my cart.

Why I Love Stocking Up On The Organic Garofalo Pasta Variety Pack

It doesn’t matter if you’ve ever traveled to Italy or just met an Italian in passing—they’re incredibly proud of their food culture and will tell you all about it. When I lived there, I quickly learned that not all pasta is created equal. High-quality versions use 100% durum wheat semolina, which gives pasta that lovely chew. (Fun fact: That durum wheat likely originated in Canada, making me doubly proud as an Italian and a Canadian!)

If you want pasta that’s even close to this quality, you have to hit up a specialty store and can easily pay $7 (or more) for a single bag, especially if it’s organic and imported. Garofalo’s not just any pasta brand, either. It’s made in Gragnano, Italy, often called the birthplace of pasta. While you certainly could cheap out and buy the $1 boxes, it doesn’t come close to a brand that’s been making the stuff for 300-plus years.

How I Use the Organic Garofolo Pasta Variety Pack

The variety pack comes with three pasta shapes, each with its own unique vibe:

• Gemelli: The name means “twins” in Italian, which makes sense once you see the shape—two pasta strands twisted together in a spiral. It’s great for lighter, smoother sauces because the little twists hold onto enough sauce without getting heavy.
• Penne Ziti Rigate: Think of this as a slightly longer version of classic penne. The word “rigate” means “ridged,” so these noodles have grooves that help sauces cling to the surface. The addition of “ziti” hints at its versatility, making it perfect for baked dishes.
• Casarecce: This Sicilian pasta’s name means “homemade” or “homestyle,” and it lives up to that cozy, rustic feel. It’s got a unique scrolled shape that looks like a loosely rolled tube, making it perfect for catching thicker sauces or hearty ragù.

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