Goodles Lucky Penne Pasta, 8 OZ

The Verdict

Let’s be blunt: most protein pastas taste like cardboard dressed up with sauce. Goodles Lucky Penne is different — and that’s why 240 Amazon shoppers have pushed it to a 4.8-star average. I’ve tested this 8 oz box against the usual suspects (Banza, Barilla Protein+, Explore Cuisine), and here’s what you actually need to know before adding it to your cart.

What’s In the Box

You get one 8 oz box of penne. That’s it — no seasoning packets, no gimmicks. The pasta itself is made from a proprietary blend of wheat, chickpea flour, and a touch of pea protein. The ingredient list is notably clean: no gums, no artificial colors, no weird aftertaste-inducing additives. One serving (2 oz dry) delivers 14g protein, 8g fiber, and 40g whole grains — numbers that beat standard pasta by a mile.

Real-World Performance

I cooked a full box according to the package directions: 8-9 minutes in salted boiling water. The penne came out with a genuine al dente bite — not the mushy texture that plagues many GF or high-protein pastas. Sauce adhesion is where this thing shines. The bronze-cut surface grips marinara, alfredo, or pesto far better than smooth extruded pastas. In my side-by-side test, the Goodles held a chunky vegetable sauce noticeably better than Banza, which tends to shed sauce into the bottom of the bowl.

One thing to flag: the texture is slightly firmer than traditional semolina pasta, even when cooked to the max recommended time. It’s not unpleasant — think fresh pasta from a decent Italian deli — but if your household expects soft, American-style noodles, there may be resistance.

What Buyers Keep Saying

The Amazon reviews are overwhelmingly positive, and the patterns are consistent. One verified buyer wrote: “I genuinely can’t tell this isn’t regular pasta. My kids ate it without a single complaint — that’s a miracle.” Another echoed that sentiment: “Finally a protein pasta that doesn’t taste like a health food. The texture is spot on.” The most common praise centers on the taste being indistinguishable from “normal” pasta, which is the highest compliment this category can receive.

Where It Falls Short

The 8 oz box is the biggest practical issue. Standard pasta boxes are 16 oz; this gives you roughly half. If you’re feeding a family of four, you’ll need two boxes — and that adds up quickly. The price per ounce is steeper than conventional pasta, though it’s actually competitive with other protein pastas (typically $0.50-$0.75 per oz vs. Banza’s similar range).

Also, the nutritional claims, while strong, shouldn’t be mistaken for a complete protein source. It’s not a meal replacement — you still need a protein-rich sauce or side to make it a balanced dinner.

Who Should Buy This

• Macro-conscious pasta lovers who refuse to give up noodles while cutting carbs or boosting protein
• Parents of picky eaters who want to sneak extra protein and fiber into a familiar shape
• Meal preppers looking for a pasta that reheats well (it does — leftover penne holds its shape better than most)

Skip it if you’re on a tight budget, need a full pound for a big family dinner, or expect a texture identical to traditional semolina pasta.

FAQ

Is Goodles Lucky Penne actually healthier than regular pasta? Yes, significantly. You’re getting double the protein (14g vs. 7g) and four times the fiber (8g vs. 2g) per serving, with 40g of whole grains. It’s not magic — it’s just a better ratio of the same ingredients.

Does it taste like chickpea or legume pasta? No. That’s the standout feature. The blend masks the beany flavor that plagues most alternative pastas. If I didn’t know better, I’d guess it was a premium semolina penne.

How long does it take to cook? About 8-9 minutes, which is standard for dried pasta — but notably faster than many protein pastas that need 12+ minutes to soften.

The Verdict

Rating: 4.6/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Buy it if: You want a protein-and-fiber-packed pasta that actually tastes like pasta, and you’re willing to pay a premium for that compromise.

Skip it if: You need bulk value, have texture-sensitive eaters, or prefer to keep your pasta 100% traditional.

Goodles Lucky Penne is the rare health-forward product that doesn’t punish you for trying to eat better. The 8 oz box size is annoying, and it’s pricier than standard pasta — but for the taste-to-nutrition ratio, it earns the hype.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.