Penne is a type of pasta with cylinder-shaped pieces. Penne is the plural form of the Italian penne, derived from Latin Penna (meaning "feather" or "quill"). In Italy, penne are produced in two main variants: "penne lisce" (smooth) and "penne rigate" (furrowed), the latter having ridges on each penna. Penne is a popular ingredient in pasta salads. Penne makes excellent and versatile pasta for many applications because of its very practical design. The hollow center allows it to hold sauce, while the angular ends act as scoops. Penne rigate's ridges allow it to hold more sauce, as well as offering an alternative textural option for certain dishes; penne offers a refined sensation to the palate.