Pasta Penne, 1

I like Barilla pasta because it cooks up well, firm and not mushy. Nice packaging. Consistent flavor. Reasonable price.

A one-pound box of penne is one of those pantry staples that works with far more than one sauce. The short tube shape holds creamy sauces inside and is sturdy enough for tomato sauce, baked pasta, pasta salad, or simple olive-oil preparations. The ingredient list starts with semolina and durum wheat flour, and the pasta is labeled non-GMO and kosher. The package contains eight 2-ounce servings; each listed serving has 200 calories, 7 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, 1 gram of sugar, and no sodium before salt or sauce is added. Barilla’s directions call for 10 minutes in boiling water for al dente texture, with one additional minute for a more tender result. Stirring soon after adding the pasta helps keep the pieces separate, and tasting near the end is more reliable than relying only on the clock. It contains wheat, so it is not a gluten-free option. For a versatile shape with predictable directions and a simple ingredient base, this is an easy box to keep available.

All pasta is not created equal. Some popular brands fall short of the Barilla quality I have come to expect. Barilla products always cook up al dente perfectly, not mushy and not overly starchy. If you have ever had a bad pasta experience you know what I mean. Barilla is great and the quality is consistent. Price is great and Barilla is just as good if not better than some "expensive" brands.

this is a great product and a great value. I will purchase again.

Great tasting with tomato sauce