Penne

Penne is a type of pasta that originated from Italy. It is a popular ingredient in many Italian dishes and is enjoyed by people all over the world.

History

The word "penne" comes from the Italian word for "pen", due to its shape resembling that of an old-style ink pen. It is believed to have been created in the region of Campania, a region in Southern Italy, where it has been a staple food for centuries.

Description

Penne is a tube-shaped pasta that is cut diagonally at the ends. It comes in two main varieties: penne lisce (smooth) and penne rigate (ridged). The ridged variety is more popular as the ridges help to hold sauce better. Each piece of penne is typically between 3.5 to 5 centimeters in length.

Preparation

Penne can be prepared in a variety of ways. It is often served with a tomato sauce, but can also be used in pasta salads, baked pasta dishes, or served with a cream sauce. The pasta is typically boiled in salted water until it reaches the desired level of al dente (firm to the bite).

In Popular Culture

Penne has been featured in numerous films and television shows, often as a symbol of Italian culture. It is also a popular choice in many restaurants worldwide, from high-end establishments to fast food chains.

See Also

• List of pasta
• Italian cuisine
• Pasta processing