---
title: "Penne"
description: "Delve into the world of penne pasta, renowned for its distinctive shape and ability to perfectly hold sauces. Discover the best sauce pairings and delicious recipe ideas."
date: "2024-09-13T10:20:38+00:00"
date_modified: "2024-09-13T10:20:38+00:00"
author: "Devendra Khati"
permalink: "https://cookingenie.com/content/glossary/penne/"
post_type: "glossary"
---

# Penne

Penne is a popular type of pasta originating from Italy, known for its distinctive cylindrical shape with diagonally cut ends, resembling the nib of a quill. Its name comes from the Italian word for “pen,” reflecting this unique design. Penne is available in two varieties: smooth (penne lisce) and ridged (penne rigate), with the ridged version being more effective at holding onto sauces. This pasta is versatile, commonly paired with both light tomato-based sauces and rich cream sauces, such as arrabbiata or alfredo.

Penne’s hollow center and sturdy shape make it ideal for capturing sauces and ingredients, offering a satisfying bite in baked dishes like pasta al forno. As a staple of [Italian cuisine](https://cookingenie.com/content/glossary/italian-cuisine/), penne showcases the balance between tradition and practicality, making it a beloved choice in kitchens worldwide.