Best Penne Brands
Top Choices for Every Pasta Lover
Penne pasta is a staple in many households and an essential ingredient for myriad Italian dishes, from classic Penne alla Vodka to hearty baked casseroles. With so many brands available, selecting the best penne can be a daunting task for home cooks and culinary enthusiasts alike. Quality, flavor, texture, and ingredient sourcing play critical roles in distinguishing standout penne from the rest.
Finding the best penne brand ensures that your dishes have the perfect bite and hold sauces beautifully, making your pasta meals more enjoyable. This article will guide you through the top contenders, considering various factors such as taste, texture, and overall performance, to help you choose the ideal penne for your culinary needs.
1) Barilla Penne Rigate
Barilla Penne Rigate stands out for its pure, high-quality ingredients. It uses semolina and durum wheat flour, imparting a nutty flavor to the pasta. This simplicity allows the taste of the semolina to truly shine.
Cooking Barilla Penne Rigate is straightforward. Boil the pasta in salted water, stirring occasionally to achieve an authentic "al dente" texture. This takes approximately 13 minutes.
Barilla's Penne Rigate is versatile in the kitchen. It pairs well with numerous sauces, from traditional marinara to creamy alfredo. The ridged texture helps the sauce cling to the pasta, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Penne Rigate is popular in Italy, with regional variations in naming. It's known as "spole" in Umbria and "maltagliati" in the south. This adaptability has cemented its status as a staple for Italian cuisine lovers worldwide.
2) De Cecco Penne Lisce
De Cecco Penne Lisce has consistently been a favored choice for pasta enthusiasts. Known for its smooth texture, Penne Lisce no. 40 is crafted using high-quality durum wheat. The brand ensures that each piece of pasta holds its shape and offers a delightful bite when cooked.
This pasta type is particularly versatile. Its smooth surface allows any sauce to adhere well, enhancing the overall dining experience. Liquid sauces, such as marinara or Alfredo, are especially effective in complementing this pasta.
One of the unique features of De Cecco Penne Lisce is its bronze die extrusion. This traditional method gives the pasta a rougher surface, allowing sauces to cling better. Available in convenient 16-ounce packs, it’s accessible for various cooking needs.
De Cecco's commitment to quality is evident in their wheat selection. Only the best 'grano duro' (durum wheat) is chosen. This focus ensures that the pasta is rich in protein and iron, making it a nutritious option for any meal.
3) Rao's Homemade Penne
Rao's Homemade Penne stands out for its commitment to quality and authenticity. Made with only two ingredients—durum semolina flour and water—this penne is crafted using traditional bronze dies. This method gives the pasta its distinct grooves, which are perfect for holding sauces.
Imported directly from Italy, Rao's Homemade Penne delivers an authentic Italian pasta experience. The brand's reputation for using high-quality ingredients ensures a delicious and satisfying meal every time.
Each piece of penne is designed to soak up sauces, making it ideal for a variety of dishes. Whether paired with marinara, pesto, or a creamy Alfredo, Rao's Homemade Penne enhances the flavors of the meal.
The brand takes pride in house-milling its semolina flour. This process maintains the flour's integrity, resulting in a pasta that is both flavorful and has the perfect texture.
Available at various retailers, Rao's Homemade Penne is accessible for those looking to elevate their pasta dishes. The 16-ounce pack provides a convenient and generous option for families or anyone who loves pasta.
4) Rustichella d'Abruzzo Penne
Rustichella d'Abruzzo Penne is well-regarded for its exceptional quality and traditional production methods. Founded in Penne, Italy, this family-run business has been crafting artisan pasta since 1924.
The company uses premium Italian-grown wheat to create a rich flavor and firm texture. Each piece of penne holds sauces beautifully due to its ridged surface, making it a favorite among chefs.
Rustichella d'Abruzzo offers both conventional and organic varieties. Their Organic Senatore Cappelli Penne Rigate is made from heirloom wheat, highlighting their commitment to quality and tradition.
Packaged in rustic brown paper, Rustichella d'Abruzzo aims to evoke a sense of Old World nostalgia. This design reflects their dedication to preserving the ancient art of pasta-making.
5) Garofalo Penne Ziti Rigate
Garofalo Penne Ziti Rigate stands out for its high quality and authentic Italian roots. Made in Italy from 100% durum wheat semolina flour, this pasta offers a premium experience.
The gluten quality ensures optimal cooking resistance, and the bronze-drawn process gives the pasta a rough surface that holds sauces well.
Each pack contains 1 lb (454 g) of penne, with a cooking time of around 11 minutes. This makes it a convenient choice for a quick meal without sacrificing taste and texture.
The ribbed, tubular shape is ideal for heavy, chunky sauces like bolognese or vegetable ragu. The ridges and hollow center effectively grip and carry the sauce, enhancing each bite.
Garofalo also offers an organic whole wheat version, which is a natural source of fiber. This alternative adds a nutritional twist while maintaining the traditional penne characteristics.
The cost is roughly $1.78 per pack, making it an economical yet high-quality choice for pasta enthusiasts. Garofalo's commitment to quality and tradition is evident in each bite, cementing its place as a top contender in the penne market.
6) Mancini Pastificio Agricolo Penne
Mancini Pastificio Agricolo is a name synonymous with premium Italian pasta. Their penne is crafted with meticulous attention to detail and quality.
The company only uses durum wheat grown on their own farms in the Marche region. This ensures a consistent and high-standard product every time.
Mancini's penne stands out due to its rough texture, achieved through traditional bronze die extrusion. This method allows the pasta to better retain sauces.
Each batch is dried slowly at low temperatures. This process maintains the integrity and flavor of the wheat.
Mancini Pastificio Agricolo Penne is perfect for a variety of dishes. Whether paired with a rich tomato sauce or used in a cold pasta salad, it excels in delivering an authentic Italian experience.
Packaging is straightforward and functional, keeping the pasta fresh and ready for use.
7) Delallo Organic Penne Rigate
Delallo Organic Penne Rigate stands out among penne options. Known for its tubular shape with ridges and angled edges, it captures and holds sauces beautifully.
This pasta is versatile, excelling in a variety of dishes. It pairs well with fresh tomato sauces, marinara, and even pesto. The ridged texture enhances the overall eating experience.
Made with organic ingredients, Delallo Organic Penne Rigate offers a wholesome choice for health-conscious consumers. Each pack weighs 1 pound, ensuring ample pasta for multiple servings.
At $3.95 per pound, it offers quality without a steep price. The balance of texture, taste, and affordability makes it a popular option. Many prefer this brand for both everyday meals and special recipes.
8) Benedetto Cavalieri Penne
Benedetto Cavalieri Penne features an artisanal approach to pasta-making. This brand employs a meticulous production method celebrated for preserving the pasta's natural flavors and nutritional values.
The process includes prolonged kneading and slow pressing. Low-temperature drying ensures the Durum wheat retains its texture and taste.
The bronze extrusion technique used by Benedetto Cavalieri provides a distinct, slightly rough surface. This texture allows sauces to cling better, enhancing the overall dining experience.
The brand's commitment to quality is evident in its use of high-grade Italian Durum wheat. This ensures a consistent and high-quality product tailored to discerning palates.
Benedetto Cavalieri Penne stands out for its dedication to traditional methods. The result is a premium pasta with a delicate yet firm bite that complements various sauces and dishes beautifully.
9) Montebello Organic Penne
Montebello Organic Penne is produced in Italy using organic semolina, ensuring an authentic and quality pasta experience. This penne is noted for its versatility, pairing well with a variety of sauces such as pesto, marinara, and arrabbiata.
The brand Montebello stands out due to its commitment to organic ingredients and traditional pasta-making methods. Established in 1388, the company has a long history of crafting pasta with care and attention to detail.
The pasta is shaped as penne rigate, which means it features ridges that help hold onto sauces effectively. This texture is perfect for recipes that demand a robust pasta type to complement rich and creamy sauces.
Montebello Organic Penne is packaged in 1-pound bags and can be found online at stores like Amazon and Stonewall Kitchen. It is a popular choice among consumers looking for high-quality, organic pasta options. The pasta's organic certification assures customers of its healthy and sustainable production practices.
Additionally, Montebello Organic Penne receives positive feedback for its taste and texture, making it a reliable choice for home cooks and pasta enthusiasts alike. The dedication to organic farming practices adds to its appeal.
10) Faella Penne Rigate
Faella Penne Rigate stands out for its traditional Italian craftsmanship.
Produced in Gragnano, a region renowned for pasta making, Faella employs slow-drying techniques and high-quality durum wheat.
The texture of Faella Penne Rigate is firm yet tender, providing an excellent base for various sauces.
Bronze dies are used in shaping the pasta, resulting in a rough surface that holds onto sauces effectively.
Faella Penne Rigate is known for its rich flavor and al dente quality that shoppers admire.
Attention to detail in production ensures each piece of pasta delivers an authentic Italian experience.
Nutritional Benefits of Penne
Penne pasta offers various nutritional benefits that are worth noting. It is high in protein, rich in vitamins and minerals, and has a low glycemic index, making it a balanced choice for many diets.
High in Protein
Penne pasta, particularly those made from alternative flours like chickpea or lentil, provides a substantial amount of protein per serving. Protein is essential for muscle repair and overall body maintenance. For instance, Banza Chickpea Penne contains 11 grams of protein per 2-ounce serving. This makes it an excellent option for those following a plant-based diet or looking to increase their protein intake without consuming meat.
Traditional wheat-based penne also offers a decent protein content. Wheat-based versions typically contain around 7 grams of protein per 2-ounce serving. This is beneficial for adding to a balanced diet, especially when paired with vegetables or lean proteins.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Penne pasta can be a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, depending on the flour used. Whole-wheat penne offers higher levels of fiber, promoting digestive health and satiety. It is also a source of B vitamins, which are crucial for energy metabolism.
Certain penne brands fortified with additional nutrients provide even more benefits. For example, some gluten-free varieties made from brown rice or quinoa can add iron and magnesium to your diet. These minerals are essential for oxygen transport and muscle function. By choosing enriched varieties, consumers can enhance their nutrient intake while enjoying their favorite pasta dishes.
Low Glycemic Index
A significant advantage of penne pasta, particularly whole-wheat and some gluten-free options, is its low glycemic index (GI). Foods with a low GI cause a slower, more gradual rise in blood sugar levels. This is beneficial for sustained energy and can aid in managing blood sugar levels for those with diabetes.
Whole-wheat penne generally has a lower GI compared to regular pasta made from refined flours. Additionally, alternative flours such as chickpea or lentil further lower the GI. This makes these varieties a preferable choice for those aiming to maintain steady energy levels throughout the day.
Popular Types of Penne
Penne pasta comes in a variety of types, each catering to different dietary preferences and nutritional needs. This section explores options such as whole wheat, gluten-free, and organic penne.
Whole Wheat Penne
Whole wheat penne is made from whole grain durum wheat, retaining all parts of the grain, including the bran, germ, and endosperm. This type of penne is rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps in maintaining a healthy gut. Nutritionally, it also offers more vitamins and minerals compared to regular penne.
Many health-conscious consumers prefer whole wheat penne because of its robust taste and slightly chewy texture. Brands like De Cecco are well-regarded for their quality. Whole wheat penne pairs well with hearty sauces, as its texture holds up better to thicker, more substantial ingredients.
Gluten-Free Penne
Gluten-free penne is designed for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, ensuring they can enjoy pasta without health risks. Made from alternatives such as brown rice, corn, or legumes, this type of penne varies widely in taste and texture.
Jovial Organic Brown Rice Penne is a favorite in this category, noted for its close resemblance to traditional pasta in both feel and flavor. Another option is Banza Penne, made from chickpeas, which provides additional protein. Consumers should check the labels for texture and aftertaste, as some gluten-free options can differ significantly.
Organic Penne
Organic penne is produced from organically grown wheat or alternative grains, free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. This type of penne appeals to those who prefer natural and sustainable food choices. Explore Cuisine Organic Green Lentil Penne is a popular choice, offering a distinct, earthy flavor.
Organic penne often has a slightly different texture and taste compared to conventional pasta, but it is valued for its purity and potential environmental benefits. This pasta is versatile and can be used in various dishes, from classic Italian recipes to innovative, health-focused meals.
