The difference

Penne vs Rigatoni

Rigatoni is the wider, straighter, ridged tube, penne is narrower and cut at an angle. Rigatoni's bigger bore swallows a chunky ragu whole where penne's tighter diagonal mouth cannot, so reach for rigatoni when the sauce has real solids.

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 Rigatoni

Rigatoni

Family: Tubes
Size: 45 to 60 mm long
Surface: Ridged
Cook: 12 to 14 min

Wants: Amatriciana, Ragu, Norma

Compare more shapes, or look up Penne and Rigatoni in full.