wheat penne pasta

Most wheat penne is made from durum wheat semolina (or semolina flour) and water. Fully cooked microwave pouches sometimes also list a small amount of extra virgin olive oil and sea salt. Some products advertise minimal ingredient lists such as just semolina and water.

Dry wheat penne typically cooks in about 10–12 minutes (many labels list 11–12 minutes for al dente). Fully cooked, ready-to-heat microwave pouches are designed to be heated in about 60 seconds.

Penne is commonly offered with ridged (rigate) or smooth exteriors; some may be labeled ziti-style for a smoother finish. Artisanal or bronze-die pastas have a rougher, more porous surface. Ridged and rough surfaces help sauces cling to both the outside and inside of the tube, improving sauce coverage and mouthfeel.

Single dry packages commonly come in 16-ounce bags. Multi-packs and variety packs appear in counts such as 4, 7, or 8, with total weights sometimes listed (examples include 112 ounces or 128 ounces). Fully cooked single pouches are often around 7 ounces.

Wheat penne pairs well with a wide range of sauces: rich cream- and dairy-based sauces, hearty tomato or meat sauces, chunkier vegetable sauces, and lighter oil- or butter-based preparations. Common examples include Penne alla Vodka and baked cheesy penne dishes.