Imagine a dinner table, a steaming bowl of pasta, and that perfect bite. What makes some penne pasta dishes sing while others fall flat? It’s not just the sauce; the pasta itself plays a starring role. Yet, when you stand in the pasta aisle, faced with a wall of boxes, choosing the *right* penne can feel like a culinary puzzle. You want that perfect al dente texture, a shape that holds sauce beautifully, and a brand you can trust. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, wondering if you’re picking the best one for your family’s favorite recipe.
But fear not, fellow food lovers! We’re diving deep into the world of penne pasta to help you conquer this common kitchen challenge. By the end of this post, you’ll be a penne pro. You’ll understand what makes a good penne, how to spot quality ingredients, and even discover some fun facts about this beloved pasta shape. Get ready to elevate your pasta game and make every penne dish a delicious success!
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
- BARILLA PROTEIN PLUS PASTA: Good source of plant-based protein with a classic taste, simple ingredients, and penne pasta shape
- PROTEIN PLUS PENNE PASTA: Single 14.5 ounce box offers about seven, 2-ounce servings of plant based pasta; great for protein meals
- PLANT BASED PASTA: Made with 17g of 100% plant-based protein from lentil flour, pea protein and chickpea flour per 3.5 oz. serving—it's a good source of fiber
- KOSHER CERTIFIED and NON-GMO PASTA: Barilla protein pasta is Non-GMO Project Verified, kosher certified and is made in the USA
- GREAT WITH YOUR FAVORITE SAUCE: Protein Plus tastes great with pesto or marinara; pairs well with vegetable, cheese, oil or butter-based sauces
- MINI PENNE PASTA: Mini penne is a miniature version of the beloved penne pasta; Its ridges 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 mini 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 9-10 minutes
- NON-GMO & KOSHER CERTIFIED PASTA: Barilla Mini Penne pasta is crafted with high quality Non-GMO ingredients and is kosher certified
The Ultimate Buying Guide: All About Penne Pasta
Penne pasta is a delicious and versatile pasta shape. It’s tubular with angled ends, like a quill pen. This shape makes it perfect for holding sauces. Let’s dive into how to pick the best penne for your next meal.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for penne, several things make a big difference.
- Shape: Look for penne that has distinct, clean cuts at the ends. The tubes should be uniform in size and thickness. This helps them cook evenly.
- Surface Texture: Good penne often has a slightly rough surface. This is called “bronze-cut” or “bronze-die.” A rougher surface grabs sauce better than a super smooth one.
- Size: Penne comes in different sizes. “Penne rigate” has ridges on the outside, which are great for sauce. “Penne lisce” is smooth. Rigate is usually more popular because the sauce sticks to it.
2. Important Materials
The main ingredient in most penne pasta is simple, but important.
- Durum Wheat Semolina: This is the gold standard for pasta. Durum wheat is a hard wheat. It gives pasta a firm texture and a slightly nutty flavor. It also holds its shape well when cooked.
- Water: Simple, but essential. The quality of the water used can affect the dough.
- Other Grains: Some penne is made with other grains like whole wheat, spelt, or even gluten-free flours like rice or corn. These offer different flavors and textures. Whole wheat penne, for example, is healthier and has a nuttier taste.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one penne better than another?
- Bronze-Cut vs. Teflon-Cut: Pasta made using bronze dies (bronze-cut) has a rougher surface. This texture is excellent for sauce adhesion. Pasta made with Teflon dies (Teflon-cut) is smoother and more mass-produced. The rougher texture of bronze-cut penne usually means higher quality.
- Drying Process: Slow drying at lower temperatures helps pasta keep its structure and flavor. Fast drying at high temperatures can sometimes make pasta brittle or affect its taste.
- Ingredient Purity: High-quality penne uses pure durum wheat semolina. Adding too many fillers or lower-quality ingredients can reduce the overall taste and texture.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Penne pasta is a crowd-pleaser. It works well in many dishes.
- Sauce Pairing: Penne rigate is fantastic with chunky sauces, meat sauces, and creamy sauces. The ridges and the tube shape trap all the delicious bits. Penne lisce works well with lighter, oil-based sauces.
- Baked Dishes: Penne is a star in baked pasta dishes like baked ziti or casseroles. It holds its shape and absorbs the flavors of the sauce and cheese beautifully.
- Pasta Salads: Its sturdy shape makes penne a great choice for cold pasta salads. It doesn’t get mushy easily.
- Simple Meals: Even a simple sauce like marinara or pesto tastes great with penne. It’s a go-to for quick weeknight dinners.
Frequently Asked Questions About Penne Pasta
Q: What is the best type of penne to buy?
A: Penne rigate, which has ridges, is often considered the best because it holds sauce better. Bronze-cut penne is also a great choice for its superior texture.
Q: Is penne pasta healthy?
A: Regular penne made from durum wheat semolina is a good source of carbohydrates for energy. Whole wheat penne is even healthier because it has more fiber and nutrients.
Q: How long does penne pasta take to cook?
A: Most penne pasta takes about 8 to 12 minutes to cook, depending on the brand and whether you like it al dente (firm to the bite) or softer.
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 will last for about 1 to 2 months.
Q: What is “al dente”?
A: “Al dente” is an Italian term that means “to the tooth.” It describes pasta that is cooked until it is firm to the bite, not mushy.
Q: How should I store uncooked penne pasta?
A: Store uncooked penne pasta in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. It can last for a very long time, often years.
Q: What’s the difference between penne rigate and penne lisce?
A: Penne rigate has ridges on the outside, which help sauce stick. Penne lisce is smooth.
Q: Can penne pasta be made with gluten-free flour?
A: Yes, many brands now offer gluten-free penne pasta made from ingredients like rice, corn, or legumes.
Q: What are some easy penne pasta recipes?
A: Simple recipes include penne with marinara sauce, penne with pesto, or a quick baked penne with cheese and tomato sauce.
Q: Why is penne pasta a good choice for pasta salads?
A: Penne pasta holds its shape well, even when chilled, and its tube shape is good for catching dressing and other ingredients in a salad.