MOSTACCIOLI

Definition & Description:   Italians describe mostaccioli as "little mustaches". They are diagonally cut tubular shapes similar to penne, but larger. Mostaccioli has a smooth surface; Mostaccioli Rigati has a ridged surface.

Other Names:   Mostaccioli Rigati

Best Uses:   Versatile in size and shape, mostaccioli is good in entrées, side dishes, baked dishes and cold salads. Almost any favorite pasta sauce is complementary, especially heartier ones. Thinner sauces work better with ridged mostaccioli since the ridges "hold" the sauce. Thicker sauces will cling to smooth mostaccioli.