Penne is a type of Italian pasta shaped like short, hollow tubes cut at an angle, so the ends look like the tip of a fountain pen or quill. In fact, the name comes from the Italian word penna, meaning “pen” or “feather.”

The tube shape and angled ends are designed to catch and hold sauce perfectly. When you spear penne with your fork, the sauce gets trapped inside the tubes and clings to the ridged outside surface (most penne has tiny grooves running along its length). This makes penne ideal for thicker sauces like marinara, meat sauce, or creamy alfredo.

Penne is one of the most popular pasta shapes in Italian cooking and around the world. You'll find it in baked dishes like penne alla vodka or tossed with vegetables and olive oil. Unlike long, thin pasta like spaghetti that you wind around your fork, you can simply scoop up penne with a fork or spoon, making it easy to eat and a favorite for family dinners.