Ziti vs. Penne Pasta: What’s the Difference?

Have you ever pondered the appearance of ziti vs. penne? Do you know the similarities between the two? Pasta comes in such a wide variety of shapes and sizes, whether long and skinny, short and chunky, flat ribbons or slender hollow noodles, that it can be confusing trying to tell them apart. Even short and hollow noodles, like ziti vs. penne, can be perplexing when ordering at a restaurant or cooking at home.

Two of the most popular types of pasta, the ziti vs. penne question is common since they are so similar in shape and length that it’s easy to confuse one for the other. Keep reading to discover how to tell the difference between ziti and penne as well as learn what sauces to pair them with for the best flavor.

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• What is Ziti Pasta?
• What is Penne Pasta?
• What Similarities Are There Between Ziti and Penne Pasta?
• What is the Difference Between Ziti and Penne Pasta?

What is Ziti Pasta?

Ziti pasta hails from Sicily and Italy’s Campania region, particularly Naples. The name “ziti” means “bride” in Italian, a nod to its traditional role in wedding celebrations. This pasta’s wide, tubular shape makes it ideal for creamy sauces and casserole-style dishes, as its hollow center holds onto the sauce, delivering flavor in every bite. Ziti shines in baked dishes like pasta al forno, baked ziti, five cheese ziti al forno and sausage and eggplant ziti. It can also be a delicious substitute for elbow macaroni in rich, gooey macaroni and cheese.

What Does Ziti Pasta Look Like?

When comparing ziti vs. penne, ziti stands out for its smooth, cylindrical shape. It’s a short pasta with flat ends, a thick hollow center and no ridges or angles. The smooth surface allows sauces to coat the noodles evenly. Ziti is sometimes available in long strips, similar to spaghetti and needs to be broken into shorter lengths before cooking. When comparing penne vs. ziti pasta, another pasta, rigatoni, is similar to ziti but has ridges running parallel from end to end.

What Is Penne Pasta?

To answer the ziti vs. penne question, we need to define what penne pasta is. Penne pasta, like ziti, originates from the Campania region in Southern Italy. It pairs wonderfully with thick, creamy sauces but is less suited for thinner sauces like Alfredo and carbonara. When comparing ziti vs. penne, penne is a versatile choice for dishes like penne alla vodka, penne all’Arrabbiata, pasta salads, penne pomodoro and hearty marinara sauces.

What Does Penne Pasta Look Like?

Comparing ziti vs. penne, penne pasta has a distinctive appearance, with sharply angled ends and ridges that run along the entire length of the noodle. These ridges help penne grip onto cheesy sauces and robust marinara. The word “penne” translates to “quill” in Italian, which is fitting given its pointed ends.

What Similarities Are There Between Ziti and Penne Pasta?

Now we know the differences between ziti vs. penne, let's look at the similarities. They are both short, thick and tube-like in appearance. Both come in at around two inches long, with ziti being slightly longer. Ziti and penne are made from durum wheat semolina flour, which accounts for the similarities in taste. They’re both “extruded pasta,” which means they’re made with a process where the dough is forced through a die into a shape. When choosing sauces for ziti vs. penne, you can use the same types of sauces with ziti and penne pasta.

What Is the Difference Between Ziti and Penne Pasta?

What are the differences in ziti vs. penne? We know they’re very similar in taste and appearance, but there are a few differences, ranging from the width and end shape to the texture and uses for each. That may help you keep them straight when comparing penne vs. ziti pasta.

• Width: Ziti is typically a bit wider than penne, which has a slimmer profile.

• Length: When comparing ziti vs. penne, ziti is slightly longer than penne, due in part to penne’s sharply angled ends.

• Texture: Penne has ridges that run from end to end. Although it’s possible to find penne pasta without the ridges, it’s mainly available in the ridged version. Ziti has a smooth texture.

• End Shape: The easiest way to tell the difference between ziti vs. penne is the end shape. Penne has a sharply angled cut at each end while ziti is smooth and perfectly tube-shaped in appearance.

• Uses: Penne is prepared to al dente and then immediately tossed with sauces. Ziti noodles are typically used for casserole-style recipes. They are quickly boiled, tossed into a sauce and baked in the oven, where they take on a buttery soft texture.

Mastering Pasta at Home

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to make homemade pasta and the sauces that go with it, consider learning under the guidance of a gourmet chef. You’ll master traditional culinary techniques for preparing al dente pasta, simmering savory sauces, choosing authentic cheeses and more. Explore cooking classes near you and online to take your pasta skills to the next level.

Now that you’re familiar with the differences between ziti and penne, you can confidently choose the perfect pasta for any recipe. Whether you're employing these pastas for their traditional uses (maybe cooking up some authentic Italian ziti for an upcoming wedding) or are simply taking your home-cooking game to new heights, enjoy experimenting with these noodles and wow your foodie friends with your new-found Italian creativity.

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.