Gragnano penne are a typical Italian pasta shape, reintroduced by the Mulino di Gragnano in its classic version of durum wheat semolina. They were called penne because their shape vaguely resembles the nibs of fountain pens. This is a cylindrical pasta format cut transversely at the ends. It is one of the most appreciated and widespread formats, both in Italy and abroad. They can also be found in a smooth version. Gragnano Rigatoni, the history: the history of penne is known to us: they were born in Liguria, precisely in San Martino d'Albano, on March 11, 1865, the date on which the machine for cutting pasta diagonally was patented. It was a true revolution for the pasta makers of the time. Unlike the classic scissors, the only known method of cutting pasta until then, this new machine allowed for a regular cut of the pasta and a speeding up of the processes. It goes without saying that the penne had an impressive success and quickly spread in various forms, such as smooth penne.