Penne is a delicious Italian pasta shaped like a cylinder with angled ends. Penne comes from the word "pen" Penne is a cylinder-shaped pasta with angled ends. Penne comes from the word for pen because it looks like the end of a fountain pen's writing nib. Penne is often used in casseroles, baked dishes and as a base for many different sauces. Penne can be topped with cheese, pesto, tomato sauce and a variety of herbs. This recipe book contains many delicious traditional and unique meals using penne pasta.