I Always Stock Up on This Aldi Item Whenever It's Back in Stock

One of the best parts of shopping at Aldi is exploring the Aldi Finds aisles. The thrill of discovering something unexpected, buying it, trying it out, loving it, and then hoping it will still be there next time—or rushing back to grab more—is a familiar experience for Aldi fans.

Whenever I stumble upon an Aldi Finds product that turns out to be a pantry essential, I buy it in bulk. At least five or seven of them, because it might not be there the following week. One of my favorite bulk buys is Simply Nature Red Lentil Rotini from Aldi.

What Makes Aldi's Simply Nature Red Lentil Rotini So Great

Simply Nature Red Lentil Rotini tops my bulk-buy list for several reasons. First off, it's incredibly simple—just red lentils. While some other brands of grain-free pasta throw in extra ingredients like Xanthan Gum, Simply Nature sticks to just the legumes.

Next up is the texture. Every bean pasta I've tried has either been too firm (no matter how long it's cooked) or grainy. They just don’t have the softness of traditional pasta. But Simply Nature Red Lentil Rotini? It’s the exception! This pasta is so similar to the real thing that I swap it for regular pasta in many recipes, often fooling my guests into thinking it's just regular pasta. (Check out my favorite pasta salad recipe below.)

When I pit Banza or Barilla against Simply Nature Red Lentil Rotini, Aldi’s version always comes out on top. Even compared to other Aldi options like Simply Nature Chickpea Penne, Simply Nature Edamame Spaghetti, and Simply Nature Black Soybean Spaghetti, I consistently prefer the taste and texture of Simply Nature Red Lentil Rotini.

Creative Ways to Use Simply Nature Red Lentil Rotini

One of my go-to meals with Simply Nature Red Lentil Rotini is tossing it with sautéed asparagus, cherry tomatoes, garlic (fresh or powder), and goat cheese. Another favorite is simply mixing it with your favorite marinara sauce and a sprinkle of parmesan. With just five to seven minutes of cook time, these meals come together in a flash.

And let's not forget the third reason I bulk buy this pasta: its nutritional value. With 21 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving, it’s the perfect base for filling vegetarian dishes that keep you satisfied.

Here’s my favorite pasta salad recipe where I swap in Red Lentil Rotini instead of regular pasta:

Spicy & Creamy Pasta Salad

Serves: 4 large bowls or 8-10 side servings

• 1 12 ounce-box Simply Nature Red Lentil Rotini
• 6 tablespoons hot sauce
• 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 large head of broccoli, finely diced
• 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
• 8 ounces feta cheese in brine, drained, finely diced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 4-5 green onions, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s boiling, add the rotini and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine hot sauce and mayonnaise. Add the cooked rotini, broccoli, tomatoes with chiles, cheese, avocado, and green onions. Toss everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

The Verdict

Aldi's Simply Nature Red Lentil Rotini is hands down the best grain-free pasta I've ever tried. The downside? It was an Aldi Finds item, which means it's only available for a limited time. But when we contacted Aldi, they confirmed it’s a "seasonal" item, so we’re hoping it will be back soon. When it does return, make sure to stock up!