As with the larger version Penne, Mezze Penne resembles an old-style quill pen. This shape is enjoyed throughout Northern Italy and in Campania, where it is prized for its wonderful versatility and its ability to absorb and retain sauce on its surfaces, inside and out. The large diameter and ridges of Mezze Penne make it ideal for retaining sauces on the entire surface, inside and out! Try Mezze Penne with chunkier meat or vegetable-based sauces, refined dairy-based sauces such as mushroom cream sauce, or even tomato sauces. Mezze Penne is also delicious in baked casserole dishes, known as “pasta al forno”.