Imagine a pasta shape that’s perfect for holding sauce, a delightful bite, and a staple in kitchens around the world. What is this culinary chameleon? It’s penne, of course! This iconic pasta tube, with its ridged surface and angled ends, is more than just a pretty shape. It’s a workhorse in the kitchen, ready to elevate everything from a simple weeknight dinner to a fancy feast.
But with so many penne varieties lining the grocery store shelves, how do you pick the best one? Do you go for durum wheat, whole wheat, or maybe even gluten-free? The sheer number of choices can be overwhelming, leaving you wondering which penne will truly shine in your favorite dishes. You want a pasta that cooks up perfectly, tastes delicious, and makes your meal a success, not a struggle.
In this post, we’ll cut through the confusion. We’ll explore the different types of penne pasta, what makes them special, and how to choose the perfect one for any recipe. Get ready to unlock the secrets to delicious penne dishes and become a pasta-picking pro!
Top Penne Pasta Recommendations
- One of the most famous Italian pasta shapes is named for the quill of an old style ink pen
- Cooks in 11 minutes
- Ridged penne are designed for meat, cheese and oil or butter-based sauces
- Good source of thiamin, folic acid, iron, riboflavin and niacin
- Product of USA, Kosher certified
- 16 oz organic penne rigate
- Premium Italian pasta made from organic durum wheat semolina
- Hollow-ridged shape perfect for capturing sauce
- Exceptional in baked dishes
- Made in Italy at an authentic pastificio
- The information below is per-pack only
- PENNE PASTA: The ridges of Penne make it ideal for retaining sauces on the entire surface, inside and out
- BARILLA PASTA: Made with durum wheat to deliver great taste and perfect "al dente" texture every time
- CREATE DELICIOUS PASTA MEALS: Pair penne pasta with a chunkier meat or vegetable-based pasta sauce, a refined dairy-based pasta sauce, tomato sauce, or a spicy sauce
- COOKS TO PERFECTION EVERY TIME: Perfect pasta in 11-12 minutes
- PENNE PASTA: The ridges of Penne make it ideal for retaining sauces on the entire surface, inside and out; Stock up with this pack of 8, 16-ounce boxes of penne pasta
- BARILLA PASTA: Made with durum wheat to deliver great taste and perfect "al dente" texture every time
- CREATE DELICIOUS PASTA MEALS: Pair penne pasta with a chunkier meat or vegetable-based pasta sauce, a refined dairy-based pasta sauce, tomato sauce, or a spicy sauce
- COOKS TO PERFECTION EVERY TIME: Perfect pasta in 11-12 minutes
- NON-GMO & KOSHER CERTIFIED PASTA: Barilla Penne pasta is crafted with high quality Non-GMO ingredients and is kosher certified
- Authentic Italian Pasta: De Cecco Penne Rigate No. 41 is a traditional Italian pasta with a short, diagonal cut, ridged shape. The surface allows the pasta to perfectly capture and hold thick, flavorful sauces
- Premium Ingredients: We use durum wheat which is a high-protein, hard variety of wheat. The result is a smooth, firm bite that holds its shape and taste, giving you a superior pasta experience
- The De Cecco Method: Our pasta is renowned for its slow-drying process, where the pasta is gently dried at low temperatures for longer periods. This technique preserves the pasta's flavor, texture, and nutritional quality
- Endless Possibilities: Penne Rigate are perfect for preparing oven-baked pasta or pasta dishes served with meat sauces made from pork or beef. Our versatile pasta helps transform every lunch & dinner into an unforgettable moment
- Discover the Tradition: Since 1886, we've been dedicated to bringing authentic Italian flavors to tables worldwide, with passion and attention to every detail, preserving a tradition of excellence without compromise.
- Rao’s Homemade Penne Rigate is a ridged pasta with a perfect al dente texture and a delicious flavor that speaks for itself
- Penne Rigate pasta has a lined exterior that makes it the best pasta to use for thick and creamy sauces
- Traditionally bronze die cut pasta that's dried slow and low
- Non-GMO Project Verified and made with just 2 ingredients: house-milled semolina flour and water
- Over 120 years in the making, Rao’s Homemade sets the standard for restaurant‑quality from the comfort of your home
- The information below is per-pack only
- 16 oz organic penne rigate
- Premium Italian pasta made from organic durum wheat semolina
- Hollow-ridged shape perfect for capturing sauce
- Exceptional in baked dishes
- PENNE PASTA: The ridges of Penne make it ideal for retaining sauces on the entire surface, inside and out; Stock up with this pack of 12, 16-ounce boxes of penne pasta
- BARILLA PASTA: Made with durum wheat to deliver great taste and perfect "al dente" texture every time
- CREATE DELICIOUS PASTA MEALS: Pair penne pasta with a chunkier meat or vegetable-based pasta sauce, a refined dairy-based pasta sauce, tomato sauce, or a spicy sauce
- COOKS TO PERFECTION EVERY TIME: Perfect pasta in 11-12 minutes
- NON-GMO & KOSHER CERTIFIED PASTA: Barilla Penne pasta is crafted with high quality Non-GMO ingredients and is kosher certified
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Perfect Penne Pasta
Penne pasta is a favorite for many. Its tube shape with angled ends holds sauce wonderfully. Let’s find the best penne for your next meal!
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop for penne, keep these things in mind:
<ul>
<li><strong>Shape:</strong> Look for that classic tube shape. The ends should be cut at an angle, like a quill pen.</li>
<li><strong>Ridges (Rigate):</strong> Many penne pastas have little lines or ridges on the outside. This is called "rigate." These ridges help sauces stick better. Smooth penne, called "lisce," is also available, but rigate usually grabs more sauce.</li>
<li><strong>Size:</strong> Penne comes in different sizes. Regular penne is great for most dishes. "Penne Mezzani" is a smaller size, good for lighter sauces or in soups. "Penne Rigate" also refers to the ridged version.</li>
</ul>
2. Important Materials
The best penne is made from simple ingredients:
<ul>
<li><strong>Durum Wheat Semolina:</strong> This is the gold standard. Durum wheat is a hard type of wheat. It has a high protein content. This makes the pasta strong and gives it a good texture when cooked.</li>
<li><strong>Water:</strong> Just plain water is the other ingredient.</li>
</ul>
Some specialty penne might use other flours, like whole wheat or gluten-free options. Always check the package if you have dietary needs.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes penne pasta really good or not so good?
<ul>
<li><strong>Bronze Die Extrusion:</strong> Some pasta makers use bronze dies to shape the pasta. This makes the pasta surface a little rough. A rough surface helps sauces cling to the pasta. This is a sign of higher quality.</li>
<li><strong>Drying Process:</strong> Slow drying at low temperatures helps the pasta keep its flavor and texture. Fast drying can make the pasta brittle and less flavorful.</li>
<li><strong>Freshness:</strong> Pasta is usually sold dry, so it lasts a long time. However, old pasta can sometimes taste a bit stale. Look for packages that are not damaged.</li>
<li><strong>Overcooking:</strong> This is more about how you cook it! Overcooked penne becomes mushy and loses its nice bite.</li>
</ul>
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Penne is a super versatile pasta. It works in so many dishes!
<ul>
<li><strong>Sauce Holder:</strong> The tube shape and ridges are perfect for thick, chunky sauces. Think meat sauces, marinara, or creamy Alfredo.</li>
<li><strong>Baked Dishes:</strong> Penne is excellent in baked pasta dishes like baked ziti or casseroles. It holds its shape well in the oven.</li>
<li><strong>Pasta Salads:</strong> Its sturdy shape means it holds up well in cold pasta salads.</li>
<li><strong>Soups:</strong> Smaller penne, like mezzani, can be added to soups for extra heartiness.</li>
</ul>
When you cook penne, always follow the package directions. Aim for “al dente,” which means the pasta is tender but still has a slight bite. This gives you the best texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Penne Pasta
Q: What is the main difference between penne rigate and penne lisce?
A: Penne rigate has ridges on the outside, which helps sauce stick better. Penne lisce is smooth.
Q: Is penne pasta healthy?
A: Penne made from durum wheat semolina is a good source of carbohydrates for energy. Whole wheat penne offers more fiber.
Q: How do I cook penne pasta perfectly?
A: Boil plenty of salted water. Add the penne and cook until it’s al dente, usually 10-12 minutes. Stir it sometimes.
Q: Can I use penne in a pasta salad?
A: Yes! Penne is a great choice for pasta salads because it holds its shape well.
Q: What kind of sauces work best with penne?
A: Chunky, thick, and creamy sauces are ideal because they get caught inside the tubes and on the ridges.
Q: Does the brand of penne pasta matter?
A: Sometimes. Higher-quality brands often use better wheat and have a better drying process, leading to better texture.
Q: Can I freeze cooked penne pasta?
A: Yes, you can freeze cooked penne, but it might become a little softer when reheated.
Q: What does “al dente” mean when cooking pasta?
A: It means the pasta is cooked through but still has a slight firmness when you bite into it.
Q: Is penne pasta suitable for vegetarians?
A: Yes, standard penne pasta made with durum wheat and water is vegetarian-friendly.
Q: Where can I buy good quality penne pasta?
A: You can find good penne pasta at most grocery stores, supermarkets, and specialty food shops.