De Cecco Pasta Lisce Penne No. 40, 16 oz – Contains Wheat, May Contain Soy

Penne Lisce is a smooth, short pasta with a diagonal cut, making it one of the most versatile and well-known pasta shapes. Its lack of ridges gives it a surprising softness, making it delicate and enjoyable to the palate. The fine texture enhances both aromas and flavors, making it the perfect base for a wide range of sauces. The name Penne comes from the Italian word for "quill," referencing the sharp, diagonal cut that mimics the shape of a goose feather once used for writing. Penne comes in both smooth and ridged versions, typically ranging from 3 to 5 cm in length. The Penne Lisce we know today was first created in 1865 by Giovanni Battista Capurro, a pasta maker from San Martino d'Albaro (Genoa). He patented the first machine that cut pasta on a diagonal without crushing it, replacing the previous method of hand-cutting, which was slow and often led to irregular shapes. This innovation improved the quality of pasta and established Penne as an iconic part of Italian cuisine. Penne Lisce pairs well with a variety of sauces. It’s perfect for hearty meat-based sauces like pork, beef, sausage, or slow-cooked braised meats, as well as those featuring both meat and mushrooms. The smooth texture also makes it an ideal choice for lighter, vegetable-based sauces or classic Mediterranean dishes, like the classic combination of tomato, basil, extra virgin olive oil, and Parmesan. A timeless pairing is Penne Lisce with Arrabbiata sauce, offering a balanced mix of heat and flavor.