Penne Rigate is part of the short, diagonally cut, ridged pasta family. It is one of the most well-known types of pasta and also one of the most versatile in the kitchen. In Italian, the term "penne" refers to a goose feather, historically used for writing and cut diagonally to create a truly fine tip. The resulting shape of the pasta tube can be smooth or fluffed to varying lengths and has the typical diagonal cut of a feather. Penne is one of the few pasta types with a definitive date of creation. Indeed, in 1865, Giovanni Battista Capurro, a pasta maker from San Martino d'Albaro (Genoa), applied for and received a patent for a diagonal cutting machine. The patent was significant because it meant that fresh pasta could be cut like a feather, without crushing it, into various lengths of 3 to 5 centimeters (mezze "half" penne or penne). The document, preserved in the Central Archives of the Province of Rome, states: "Until now, a diagonal cut could only be made manually with scissors, which was not only slow and time-consuming, but also resulted in an irregular cut, which flattened the pasta." Penne Rigate is perfect for preparing pasta dishes served with oven-baked pasta or meat sauces made from pork or beef. This pasta is suitable for any recipe from the Mediterranean tradition, including classic condiments like tomato, basil, extra virgin olive oil, and a sprinkling of Parmesan, vegetable-based sauces, and more in general, due to its versatility. A classic combination is the Arrabbiata sauce.