Imagine a pasta shape that’s both elegant and incredibly versatile. That’s penne! But when you stand in the grocery store aisle, faced with a wall of boxes, how do you know which penne is the right one for your next meal? It’s a common problem. You want that perfect bite, the sauce to cling just right, and a pasta that holds up to your cooking. Choosing the wrong penne can lead to a mushy mess or a dish that just doesn’t *sing*.
This post is here to help you conquer that confusion. We’ll dive into what makes penne so special and explore the different types you might find. By the end, you’ll feel confident picking out the best penne for any recipe. Get ready to unlock the secrets to perfect penne pasta!
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
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Penne Pasta
Penne pasta is a popular choice for many home cooks. Its tube shape with angled ends is perfect for holding sauces. Let’s explore how to find the best penne for your meals.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you pick up a box of penne, what should you notice?
Shape and Size
- Uniformity: Good penne pasta has pieces that are all about the same size and shape. This means they will cook evenly.
- Clean Cuts: The ends of the penne tubes should be cut cleanly. Jagged or rough edges can mean lower quality.
- Hole Size: The hollow center of the penne tube is important. It should be a good size to catch sauce.
Texture
- Roughness: Some penne has a slightly rough surface. This helps sauces cling better than super smooth pasta.
- Firmness: The dried pasta should feel firm and not brittle.
2. Important Materials
What is penne pasta made from? It’s usually simple.
- Durum Wheat Semolina: This is the most common and best material. Durum wheat is a hard grain that makes pasta that holds its shape well and has a good texture.
- Water: Water is mixed with the semolina to form the dough.
- Enrichments (Optional): Some brands add vitamins and minerals to their pasta. This is a good bonus for nutrition.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes penne pasta great, and what can make it less so?
Improving Quality
- Bronze Dies: Some high-quality pasta is made using bronze dies. These dies create a rougher surface on the pasta, which helps sauces stick better. This is a sign of premium pasta.
- Slow Drying: Pasta that is dried slowly at lower temperatures often has a better flavor and texture. It’s less likely to become mushy when cooked.
- High Protein Content: Pasta made with durum wheat semolina will naturally have a good amount of protein. This helps the pasta maintain its structure.
Reducing Quality
- Refined Flour: Pasta made with refined flour instead of durum wheat semolina can be softer and break apart more easily.
- Fast Drying: Quick drying methods can make pasta brittle and less able to hold its shape.
- Damage: Broken pieces in the box mean you’re getting less usable pasta.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How do people use penne, and what makes it a good choice?
- Sauce Holder: Penne’s tube shape and ridges (if present) are perfect for catching chunky sauces, meat sauces, and creamy sauces. The sauce gets trapped inside and coats the outside.
- Baking: Penne works well in baked pasta dishes like baked ziti or casseroles. It holds its shape even after baking.
- Salads: Cooked and cooled penne is a great base for pasta salads. It’s easy to mix with vegetables, meats, and dressing.
- Kid-Friendly: Many kids enjoy penne because it’s easy to eat with a fork and holds sauce well.
- Versatility: You can use penne in so many ways! From simple buttered noodles to complex Italian dishes, penne is a reliable choice.
Frequently Asked Questions about Penne Pasta
Q: What is penne pasta?
A: Penne pasta is a tube-shaped pasta with angled ends, like a quill pen. It’s made from durum wheat semolina and water.
Q: What is the best type of penne pasta to buy?
A: Look for penne made from 100% durum wheat semolina. Bronze-cut and slowly dried penne is usually higher quality.
Q: Does the shape of penne pasta matter?
A: Yes, the tube shape and angled ends are great for holding sauces. This makes it a popular choice for many dishes.
Q: What is “bronze cut” penne?
A: Bronze cut penne is made using bronze dies, which create a rougher surface. This helps sauces stick to the pasta better.
Q: How should I cook penne pasta?
A: Boil plenty of salted water. Add the penne and cook according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite).
Q: Can I use penne pasta in pasta salads?
A: Absolutely! Penne is a fantastic choice for pasta salads because it holds its shape well and mixes easily with other ingredients.
Q: What kind of sauces go well with penne?
A: Chunky meat sauces, creamy sauces, marinara sauce, and pesto are all excellent choices for penne pasta.
Q: Is there a difference between penne rigate and penne lisce?
A: Yes, penne rigate has ridges on the outside, which helps it hold even more sauce. Penne lisce is smooth.
Q: How do I store penne pasta?
A: Store dry penne pasta in a cool, dry place in an airtight container or its original packaging. It can last for a long time.
Q: Can I freeze cooked penne pasta?
A: Yes, you can freeze cooked penne pasta. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It’s best to eat it within a few months.