By Dr. Jorge, Ph.D.
Wildgrain, opens in a new tab is the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries.
Crohn’s disease can make eating challenging, especially during an active flare. You might be wondering how your favorite pasta dish can impact your Crohn’s symptoms and whether pasta can still fit into your diet. Read on to learn more about the best pasta options for managing Crohn’s disease.
Can you eat pasta with Crohn’s disease? Is pasta ok for Crohn’s disease? Is pasta healthy or unhealthy for people with Crohn’s?
Yes, you can eat pasta with Crohn’s disease. For those living with Crohn’s, it’s generally recommended to choose foods that are easy to digest to support healing and ease symptoms. Whole-grain pasta, especially during flare-ups, is not ideal because it’s high in fiber and can worsen symptoms such as diarrhea. However, pasta can still be part of a healthy diet for people with Crohn’s when you opt for low-fiber options, such as white pasta.
Is whole wheat pasta ok for Crohn’s disease? Is white pasta ok for Crohn’s disease?
Whole wheat pasta is usually not recommended for people with Crohn’s disease, although it may be tolerated during remission. During a flare-up, whole grains such as whole wheat pasta should be avoided due to their high insoluble fiber content, which can aggravate symptoms. Refined grains, including white pasta, are generally okay for Crohn’s disease. White pasta is easier to digest and less likely to irritate the digestive tract and worsen symptoms.
Can you eat noodles with Crohn’s disease? Are noodles ok for Crohn’s disease?
Yes, you can eat noodles with Crohn’s disease. Similar to pasta recommendations for Crohn’s, it’s best to choose noodles that are low in fiber and easy to digest, especially during a flare. Rice noodles are often well tolerated, as they are gentle on the digestive system. Some vegetable noodles, such as zucchini or squash, may also be easier to digest, particularly when cooked until soft. However, tolerance of vegetable noodles can vary from person to person, so it ultimately depends on your specific symptoms and which foods work best for managing your Crohn’s disease.
What kind of pasta does not cause inflammation? Is spaghetti an inflammatory food?
Whole grain pasta and legume-based pasta (such as chickpea, lentil, or edamame) can be anti-inflammatory, especially when paired with other anti-inflammatory ingredients like vegetables, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. In contrast, spaghetti made with refined (white) flour may be more inflammatory. White pasta can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar, which may trigger inflammation. For people with Crohn’s disease, the best pasta choice is ultimately a balance between anti-inflammatory benefits and what is best tolerated based on whether the disease is active or in remission.
Is macaroni and cheese ok for Crohn’s disease? What type of cheese is not inflammatory?
Macaroni and cheese can be okay for Crohn’s disease, but it depends on the type and an individual’s trigger foods. Dairy and high-fat foods can worsen symptoms, so low-lactose or smaller portions are often better tolerated, especially during a flare. Cheese itself is not inflammatory, but many people with Crohn’s are sensitive to lactose. Hard, aged cheeses such as cheddar, Swiss, or Havarti are usually the best choice for mac and cheese because they are lower in lactose and easier to digest.
Can you eat tomato sauce with Crohn’s disease? What pasta sauce is good for Crohn’s disease?
Tomato sauce is a common trigger for Crohn’s disease because the acidity, skins, and seeds can irritate the gut, especially during flares. Small portions, homemade sauces without skins or seeds, or well-cooked sauces may be better tolerated. For a sauce that is gentler on the digestive system, creamy vegetable purees or olive oil are often the best options for people with Crohn’s.
What is the best pasta dish for Crohn’s disease? What pasta dishes are best for Crohn’s?
The best pasta dish for Crohn’s disease includes low-fiber pasta, such as white pasta or rice noodles, paired with an easily digestible sauce, like a creamy vegetable puree or a small amount of olive oil. Adding lean protein, such as turkey, skinless chicken, or salmon, can make the meal more satisfying without irritating the gut. Gentle, cooked vegetables like carrots, squash, or zucchini make great additions, and small amounts of hard, aged cheeses like Parmesan can be included if tolerated. During Crohn’s flares, it’s best to avoid tomato-based sauces and high-fiber ingredients, focusing instead on a pasta dish that combines foods that are both nutritious and gentle on your digestive system.
What is the best pasta for Crohn’s disease? What pasta is best for Crohn’s?
The best pasta for Crohn’s disease ultimately depends on whether the disease is active or in remission. In general, low-fiber pasta, such as white pasta, is often the best choice to help prevent uncomfortable symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea. White pasta is typically easier to digest and better tolerated than higher-fiber varieties, making it a good option for an irritated or inflamed digestive system.
Where can I buy the best fresh pasta online?
At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh breads and pastas that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular pastas include fresh cavatappi, fresh tonnarelli, and fresh rigatoni, along with classic marinara sauce and extra virgin olive oil. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods.
About the Author
Dr. Jorge has been a public health researcher for many years, holding both a Bachelor's degree and a Ph.D. in Chemistry. They presently work as a medical writer and love being able to assist others in understanding various health and scientific topics.
This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
