Dakota Growers Whole Grain Penne Rigate, 20 Pounds

Dakota Growers Whole Grain Penne Rigate delivers a clean, product-focused experience with the flavor, texture, and everyday appeal shoppers expect from this item.

Uses

Hot pasta entrees: Toss with marinara, Alfredo, Bolognese, or vodka sauce for classic plated dishes where the ridges grip sauce with every forkful.
Baked pasta casseroles: Layer with cheese, meat, and sauce in baked ziti or penne al forno preparations that feed large groups from a single pan.
Cold pasta salads: Mix with vegetables, vinaigrettes, and proteins for buffet and catering salads that hold up without turning mushy.
Soup and minestrone: Add to hearty vegetable soups and minestrone where a sturdy short cut with texture stands up to prolonged simmering.
School and institutional feeding: Serve as a whole-grain-compliant starch component in cafeterias, hospitals, and correctional facilities meeting dietary mandates.

Who Would Benefit

• Foodservice operators and restaurant kitchens running daily pasta specials or high-volume entrees
• School nutrition programs required to offer whole grain-rich options under USDA meal pattern guidelines
• Caterers preparing baked pasta dishes or cold pasta salads for large events
• Health-conscious home cooks buying in bulk who want whole grain nutrition without per-box pricing
• Institutional kitchens in hospitals, dormitories, and correctional facilities seeking compliant, economical pasta

Product Highlights

• 100% whole grain penne rigate with full bran and germ retained for fiber and nutrient density
• Ridged tube shape maximizes sauce adhesion compared to smooth penne
• 20-pound bulk package sized for commercial and institutional foodservice use
• From Dakota Growers, a farmer-owned cooperative with established durum wheat quality standards
• Cooks to a firm al dente texture that holds up in baked, sauced, and cold applications

Preparation & Use

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add penne rigate and stir to prevent sticking. Cook 10 to 12 minutes for al dente, adjusting time based on altitude and preferred firmness. Drain immediately; do not rinse if serving hot, so the starch helps sauce adhere. For cold salads, rinse under cool water after draining to stop cooking and remove excess surface starch. One pound of dry penne rigate yields approximately 2.5 pounds cooked, so this 20-pound package produces roughly 50 pounds of cooked pasta, enough for 80 to 100 standard 8-ounce servings.

Common Applications

Penne rigate is one of the most versatile short pasta cuts in a commercial kitchen. Use it as the base for baked ziti, penne alla vodka, chicken penne primavera, or spicy arrabbiata. Its tube shape and ridged exterior also make it a strong choice for pasta e fagioli, minestrone, and other brothy soups where the pasta needs to stay intact. In cold applications, it pairs well with Italian dressing, chopped vegetables, olives, and cured meats for large-batch pasta salads. Whole grain penne rigate can also substitute directly for refined penne in any existing recipe, adding fiber and a slightly nuttier flavor without changing cook method or plating.