The much-loved penne pasta is a type of macaroni that are about two-inch long, tubular shapes. The penne pasta is also known as mostaccioli. The name 'penne' is given because of its shape and diagonal cuts at the end that make it look more like a quill pen. This type of pasta is famous for its usage in popular dishes like Penne ala-Vodka that is served with tomato cream sauce spiked with vodka.