Penne is a short pasta tube popular throughout Italy and abroad. This versatile pasta shape was invented in Liguria and can be used in lots of different pasta recipes.

Penne translates to the word “pen”, and gets its name from its shape - a short cylinder-shaped pasta that has angled edges. The shape was inspired by a quill. Penne’s large diameter and ridges make it ideal for retaining sauces on its entire surface.

Penne pairs well with chunky meat or vegetable-based sauces because its ridges can easily capture the sauce. You can also try penne with a dairy based sauce or regular tomato sauce. Penne is also frequently used in baked casserole dishes.