Pasta is a loved food group, especially among young children. There are actually around 350 different types of pasta out there! While you may not know all 350 names, specific pasta names likely standout. This article is going to explore the difference between rigatoni and penne. These two pastas are very similar in appearance, yet they have a few differences that set them apart from one another.
Where Did Pasta Come From Anyway?
Pasta can be a mom's best friend. The flavor is relatively the same across the board. Therefore, convincing young children to eat pasta can be easier than berries or vegetables. This is one reason macaroni and cheese is so popular among young ones!
The main ingredients in pasta are wheat flour, water, or eggs. The dough is then made into different shapes and either boiled or baked. It is also possible to make pasta out of rice flour or beans.
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Have you ever wondered what exactly is the history of pasta? Well, when one hears pasta, they automatically think Italy, right? While this is true, there are many different theories about the origin of pasta. One of those theories is that Marco Polo brought pasta to Italy in the 13th century. Regardless of where pasta started, it can be traced back to cookbooks, specifically in the 13th and 14th centuries. However, it's possible the origin began much sooner.
Now that we have looked at pasta's history let's see the comparison between rigatoni and penne.
What is Rigatoni Pasta?
Rigatoni is a pasta that is larger than many other pasta types. It originally got its start in Italy. Rigatoni means rigato in Italy and means “lines.“These pasta noodles are large in size and curve somewhat, though the curving is light.
Another feature of rigatoni noodles is that they have ridges that run down the length of the noodle. The noodles are also cut evenly and have circles at their ends.
Tasty Dishes That Use Rigatoni Noodles
Rigatoni makes excellent pasta for numerous dishes for an assortment of reasons. The ridges make it easy to hold on to sauces. Also, the large circumference of the noodles makes them easy to grasp, perfect finger foods for toddlers and little kids!
- 4-serving meals starting at $3.77 per serving (up to 25% cheaper than HelloFresh).
- Incredible variety with 10+ weekly meal options, delivered directly to you.
- Easy to prepare meals ready in 30-minutes or less.
Are you looking for delicious dishes that use rigatoni noodles for your weeknight meals? Take a look at the ones below:
- Baked Rigatoni
- Rigatoni Skillet with Mushrooms and Spinach
- Chicken Rigatoni Pasta
- Baked Rigatoni With Sausage
- Sausage and Pepper Pasta
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What is Penne Pasta?
Penne pasta is similar to rigatoni, which is one reason people confuse the two for one another. However, there are a few differences that set them apart. For starters, penne pasta is smaller than rigatoni pasta.
Another differing characteristic is the angled ends. Penne pasta can be both smooth and have ridges.
Another fun fact is that penne pasta is known to have been created in 1865 by Giovani Battista Capurro.
Delicious Penne Pasta Recipes
Penne pasta also holds sauces pretty well, especially when using the ridge penne pasta. If you are looking for some excellent penne pasta recipes to try, take a look at the ones below:
- Creamy pink penne pasta recipe
- Penne pasta zuppa recipe
- Southwest pasta bake recipe
- Ranch ham and cheese pasta recipe
- Beefy pasta casserole recipe
©iStock.com/gbh007
What are the Main Differences Between Rigatoni and Penne Pasta?
Although rigatoni and penne pasta have many similarities, from ingredients to where they originated, there are a few main differences that set them apart from one another. To recap, here are the significant distinctions.
First, rigatoni and penne pasta have different cut ends from one another. Rigatoni typically has a straight end, whereas penne pasta has an angled end.
- 4-serving meals starting at $3.77 per serving (up to 25% cheaper than HelloFresh).
- Incredible variety with 10+ weekly meal options, delivered directly to you.
- Easy to prepare meals ready in 30-minutes or less.
Next, rigatoni pasta is larger than penne pasta. The size of the rigatoni pasta makes it perfect for baked recipes.
Lastly, rigatoni has ridges that run from one end to the other. Penne pasta, on the other hand, comes with both a smooth texture and a ridged texture. These differences add to the characteristics that make each pasta its own.
Can You Substitute Penne and Rigatoni?
It is possible to substitute penne and rigatoni for one another in a recipe. However, in doing so, you will need to remember their differences. Since rigatoni is larger than penne, you may not need to use as many noodles as penne. Ridged rigatoni also holds onto sauces better than smooth penne pasta. Considering these differences, it is possible to substitute one for the other!
Pasta Differences
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- Rice vs. Pasta: The Better Option
- Noodles vs. Pasta: Differences and Similarities
- Gluten-Free Pasta vs. Regular Pasta: Which Is Healthier for You? Whole
- Wheat Pasta vs. Regular Pasta: The Differences You Need to Know
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