The difference

Penne vs Mezze maniche

Both are ridged tubes, but penne is cut on the diagonal to a point and runs narrower, while mezze maniche is a short, wide, straight-cut tube, basically a stubby rigatoni. Penne spears the sauce, mezze maniche scoops it.

Gouache illustration of Penne

Penne

Family: Tubes
Size: 48 to 50 mm long
Surface: Ridged
Cook: 10 to 12 min

Wants: Arrabbiata, Vodka sauce, Tomato sauce

Gouache illustration of Mezze maniche

Mezze maniche

Family: Tubes
Size: 20 mm long
Surface: Ridged
Cook: 11 min

Wants: Carbonara, Gricia, Amatriciana

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