Thin tube pasta with sharp diagonally cut ends, which resemble the end of a quill pen. Penne pasta is approximately 1 ¼ to 1 ½ inches in length. It is produced with a smooth surface or ridged surface. The pasta produced with a ridged surface is known as Penne Rigate. Penne pasta can be served with a sauce or used in soups, salads and casseroles. If penne is not available substitute elicoidali, mostaccioli, rigatoni, or macaroni.