> I used to work in an Italian restaurant, and whenever pasta of any sort, including penne, was served, we had to change the cutlery over to a fork and a large round spoon (similar to a soup spoon).

Uhm...

Usually a fork is enough, except for spaghetti, where a spoon may help to roll them on the fork.

I always eat pasta (penne, spaghetti, macaroni,...) with the fork.

AP.