Carrabba’s Italian Grill, an Italian-American restaurant chain, offers a variety of gluten-free pasta dishes for customers looking to avoid gluten. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, knowing exactly what ingredients make up these gluten-free pastas is important.
What is gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For most people, gluten does not cause any issues when consumed. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten triggers an abnormal immune response that damages the small intestine.
This damage can cause a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms and prevent the body from properly absorbing nutrients. That’s why following a strict gluten-free diet is essential for managing these conditions.
Why does Carrabba’s offer gluten-free pasta?
Carrabba’s offers gluten-free pasta to accommodate guests who need to avoid gluten for medical reasons. By providing gluten-free menu options, Carrabba’s aims to give all guests a positive dining experience.
According to Carrabba’s website, “We’re committed to making the moments that matter for all guests, including friends who have celiac disease or are avoiding gluten for other reasons.” The restaurant strives to train staff on gluten sensitivities and work diligently to avoid cross-contamination.
What ingredients are used in Carrabba’s gluten-free pasta?
The primary ingredients in Carrabba’s gluten-free pasta include:
- Rice flour
- Cornstarch
- Potato starch
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Eggs or egg whites
- Xanthan gum
- Salt
These ingredients allow the pasta to hold its shape once cooked without falling apart. They also mimic the texture and flavor of traditional wheat pasta closely.
Rice flour
Rice flour acts as the main ingredient and bulk of Carrabba’s gluten-free pasta. This flour comes from grinding rice into a fine powder. It provides an alternative “base” to wheat flour for those avoiding gluten.
Rice flour contains small amounts of protein and fiber but is primarily high in carbohydrates. It has a mild flavor that complements other pasta ingredients without overpowering them.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch derives from corn kernels. Adding cornstarch helps improve the texture of gluten-free pasta. It lightens the density of rice flour to create a softer, silkier pasta.
Cornstarch becomes gelatinized when cooked, allowing it to absorb more liquid. This absorption allows the pasta to stick together instead of falling apart in water.
Potato starch
Like cornstarch, potato starch also improves the pasta’s texture. It comes from potatoes and adds moisture and binding. The additional starch makes the noodles smooth and gives them a pleasant mouthfeel.
Extra virgin olive oil
A small amount of extra virgin olive oil helps coat the gluten-free pasta strands. It prevents them from sticking together and adds flavor.
Extra virgin olive oil contains healthy fats and antioxidants. It provides a delicious, nutty taste to balance the other blander starches.
Eggs or egg whites
Eggs act as a binding agent in gluten-free pasta. They help hold the dough together so it doesn’t fall apart when boiling. Eggs also add protein and richness of flavor.
Some gluten-free pasta contains egg whites rather than whole eggs. This accommodates vegan diets or egg allergies.
Xanthan gum
Xanthan gum is a common ingredient in gluten-free baking. This additive thickens the pasta dough. It essentially mimics the stretchy texture that gluten provides in traditional wheat pasta.
The xanthan gum allows the noodles to hold their shape once cooked instead of turning mushy. It gives the pasta a pleasant, al dente texture.
Salt
A small amount of salt enhances the flavor of gluten-free pasta. It balances and unites the flavors of the other ingredients.
Salt also affects how the starches gelatinize when cooked. It impacts the final texture of the pasta.
How is the pasta made?
Carrabba’s likely uses a simple extrusion process to make their gluten-free pasta in-house. This involves mixing the liquid and dry ingredients into a dough, then pushing the dough through a pasta machine.
The pasta machine shapes the dough into spirals or strands before cutting it to desired lengths. The pasta is then packaged, shipped to restaurants, and prepared fresh for customers.
Is Carrabba’s gluten-free pasta safe for celiacs?
Carrabba’s states that its gluten-free pasta contains less than 10 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This is well below the FDA definition of “gluten-free,” which is less than 20 ppm.
For most people with celiac disease, pasta with less than 20 ppm of gluten is generally considered safe. However, celiac disease affects everyone differently.
Those who are highly sensitive should use their best judgment based on individual reactions. Anyone unsure about consuming the pasta should check with their healthcare provider.
What gluten-free pasta shapes does Carrabba’s offer?
Carrabba’s offers four different gluten-free pasta shapes:
- Penne Rigate
- Spaghetti
- Angel Hair
- Fettuccine
These pasta shapes accompany various gluten-free entrees. Options include classics like pasta pomodoro, chicken parmesan, and shrimp scampi.
Having several pasta shapes to choose from allows gluten-free guests to fully customize their Italian meal.
What gluten-free pasta dishes are on the menu?
Some of the gluten-free pasta dishes on Carrabba’s menu include:
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Pomodoro Sauce with Penne Rigate | Penne rigate pasta with a zesty pomodoro sauce made from crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs. |
| Wood-Grilled Chicken Parmesan | Wood-grilled chicken breast topped with pomodoro sauce and mozzarella over a choice of gluten-free pasta. |
| Shrimp Scampi | Sauteed jumbo shrimp in a white wine, garlic, and lemon butter sauce tossed with gluten-free pasta. |
In addition to pasta dishes, Carrabba’s also offers gluten-free pizza and calzones. Guests can custom-order these with gluten-free crusts.
Does Carrabba’s accommodate other food allergies/sensitivities?
Yes, Carrabba’s makes an effort to accommodate a wide range of dietary needs. The restaurant offers several other gluten-free menu items besides pasta. Meat, fish, and poultry dishes can all be prepared gluten-free.
For vegans and dairy sensitivities, Carrabba’s also offers dairy-free options. All sauce recipes can be made without cheese or butter. The chef can help suggest suitable substitutions.
Those with nut allergies will also find options free of pine nuts and other nuts. Carrabba’s also excludes anchovies upon request.
Overall, the chef will customize orders to suit individual food allergies and sensitivities. Checking the menu online first is recommended so you can have a conversation at the restaurant.
Does the staff receive gluten-free training?
Yes, Carrabba’s staff undergo training on safely serving guests with celiac disease or who are avoiding gluten. This includes:
- Learning how to avoid cross-contamination with gluten-free orders
- Using dedicated kitchen tools and preparation areas for gluten-free dishes
- Changing gloves before handling gluten-free items
- Providing separate condiments for gluten-free meals
- Checking ingredients and menu items for hidden gluten sources
- Reading labels thoroughly to verify gluten-free status
The company website states: “Our chefs and restaurants teams are trained on gluten sensitivities and put extra care into avoiding cross-contamination. We diligently work to meet and exceed industry standards for gluten-free preparation.”
What precautions are taken for gluten-free dishes?
In addition to staff training, Carrabba’s takes the following precautions for gluten-free orders:
- Uses separate pots, pans, utensils, and tools to cook gluten-free pasta
- Replaces colanders used to drain regular pasta with clean ones before cooking gluten-free pasta
- Uses separate areas on the line to prepare gluten-free dishes
- Changes gloves frequently
- Uses separate oils and water to cook gluten-free pasta to prevent cross-contamination
- Stores gluten-free pasta separately from regular pasta before cooking
Guests with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should still clearly communicate the need to avoid cross-contamination when ordering.
What do reviews say about Carrabba’s gluten-free menu?
Overall, customer reviews praise Carrabba’s gluten-free offerings. On websites like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Restaurant Guru, Carrabba’s earns an average 4 out of 5 stars for gluten-free accommodations.
Positive reviews mentionflavorsome gluten-free dishes, extensive menu options, and attentive service regarding dietary needs. Some say Carrabba’s gluten-free pastas are among the best tasting compared to other restaurants.
Critical reviews mostly cite inconsistent experiences between locations. Some comment the gluten-free pasta can be mushy or overcooked at times. Avoiding cross-contamination also depends on the effort of the particular franchise.
Many reviews specifically name helpful or knowledgeable staff members at certain locations. This highlights the importance of proper training for accommodating gluten-free guests.
Should you trust Carrabba’s for gluten-free dining?
Based on its above-average customer reviews and training procedures in place, Carrabba’s seems to provide a trustworthy option for gluten-free diners overall. However, experiences may still vary between individual restaurant locations.
Some key tips if dining at Carrabba’s with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity include:
- State you have celiac or gluten allergy when ordering – use the words “allergy,” “celiac,” or “gluten” to convey severity
- Request preparation surfaces, cookware, and utensils to be freshly cleaned first
- Ask about ingredients or preparation methods if unsure
- Send food back if gluten cross-contamination is suspected
- Thank accommodating or helpful staff members
With proper precautions, Carrabba’s can be a tasty option for enjoying safe gluten-free Italian cuisine. Just be your own best advocate by clearly communicating needs to the staff.
Conclusion
When dining at Carrabba’s, those seeking gluten-free pasta can enjoy dishes made from ingredients like rice flour, cornstarch, eggs, olive oil, and seasonings. Such menu options allow guests with celiac disease or gluten intolerance to savor Italian cuisine.
Carrabba’s trains staff on gluten-free protocols and takes steps to avoid cross-contamination in the kitchen. However, experiences may vary between locations. Gluten-free diners should inform staff of dietary needs and request extra precautions.
Overall, Carrabba’s provides diners on a gluten-free diet multiple pasta choices made with care. With proper accommodations by educated staff, patrons can delight in safe, flavorful gluten-free Italian fare.