Rigatoni alternative is a term used to describe two types of pasta that are similar in shape and size to rigatoni. PENNE, which has five letters, and ZITI, which has four letters, are both popular alternatives to rigatoni. PENNE is a tube-shaped pasta with angled ends, while ZITI is a tubular pasta with straight sides. Both types of pasta are often used in Italian dishes such as lasagna, macaroni and cheese, and baked ZITI.