Rigatoni is a versatile pasta shape that can be used in many tasty dishes. Its thick, ridged tubes are perfect for holding sauces and small ingredients.
You can make both simple and fancy meals with rigatoni.
These rigatoni recipes will give you lots of ideas for delicious dinners. You’ll find options for creamy sauces, meaty dishes, and veggie-filled pasta bakes.
Whether you want a quick weeknight meal or a special weekend dinner, there’s a rigatoni recipe here for you.
1. Creamy Vodka Rigatoni
Creamy vodka rigatoni is a tasty pasta dish that’s easy to make. You’ll need rigatoni pasta, vodka, cream, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
Start by cooking the rigatoni in salted water until al dente. While it cooks, make the sauce.
Sauté shallots and garlic in butter and olive oil. Add vodka and let it sizzle away.
Mix in crushed tomatoes and heavy cream. Simmer the sauce until it thickens.
Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy vodka sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
This rich and flavorful dish comes together in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for impressing guests.
2. Spicy Sausage Rigatoni
Spicy sausage rigatoni is a flavorful pasta dish that’s easy to make. You’ll start by cooking rigatoni pasta until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, brown spicy Italian sausage in a skillet.
Next, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil to build flavor. Add the cooked sausage back to the pan along with crushed tomatoes and seasonings. Let the sauce simmer to blend the flavors.
Toss the cooked rigatoni with the spicy sausage sauce. For extra creaminess, you can stir in some heavy cream at the end. Sprinkle with fresh basil and grated Parmesan before serving.
This hearty pasta dish brings together savory sausage, zesty spices, and tender rigatoni noodles. It’s sure to be a hit for a quick weeknight dinner.
3. Rigatoni alla Norma
Rigatoni alla Norma is a classic Sicilian pasta dish you’ll love. It combines rigatoni with fried eggplant, tomato sauce, and ricotta salata cheese.
To make it, cut eggplant into cubes and fry until golden. Cook rigatoni until al dente. Prepare a simple tomato sauce with garlic and basil.
Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce and fried eggplant. Top with grated ricotta salata and fresh basil leaves.
This dish showcases the flavors of Sicily. The tender eggplant and rich tomato sauce pair perfectly with the ridged rigatoni pasta. It’s a tasty way to enjoy summer produce.
4. Four Cheese Baked Rigatoni
Four cheese baked rigatoni is a crowd-pleasing pasta dish. It combines rigatoni with a rich, creamy sauce made from four different cheeses.
To make it, you’ll cook the rigatoni pasta and mix it with a sauce. The sauce typically includes ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, and another cheese like goat cheese or fontina.
You’ll layer the pasta and cheese mixture in a baking dish. Then you’ll top it with more cheese and bake until hot and bubbly.
This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd. You can even prepare it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat.
5. Lemon Garlic Rigatoni
Lemon garlic rigatoni is a tasty pasta dish that’s easy to make. You’ll love the bright, zesty flavors in this recipe.
Start by cooking rigatoni in salted water until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce.
Heat olive oil in a pan and add minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, being careful not to brown it. Add lemon zest and juice to the pan.
Pour in some cream and let it simmer for a few minutes. Once the sauce thickens slightly, add the cooked pasta to the pan.
Toss everything together and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot and enjoy your lemony, garlicky rigatoni!
6. Mushroom Stroganoff Rigatoni
Mushroom Stroganoff Rigatoni combines the hearty texture of rigatoni pasta with a creamy mushroom sauce. You’ll love this vegetarian twist on the classic beef dish.
To make it, cook rigatoni until al dente. While the pasta cooks, sauté sliced mushrooms in a pan with garlic and onions. Add white wine and let it simmer.
Stir in sour cream or heavy cream to create a rich sauce. Mix in the cooked rigatoni and toss to coat.
For extra flavor, sprinkle in some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
This comforting meal comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a great way to enjoy a meatless version of stroganoff.
7. Rigatoni Carbonara
Rigatoni carbonara is a classic Italian dish that’s easy to make. You’ll need rigatoni pasta, eggs, cheese, and cured pork.
Cook the rigatoni in salted water until it’s al dente. While it cooks, crisp up some guanciale or pancetta in a pan.
In a bowl, mix egg yolks with grated Pecorino Romano cheese. When the pasta is done, save some cooking water before draining.
Toss the hot pasta with the crispy pork, then quickly stir in the egg mixture. Add a splash of pasta water to make it creamy.
Serve your rigatoni carbonara right away with extra cheese on top. It’s a simple yet delicious meal you’ll love.
8. Sicilian Eggplant Rigatoni
Sicilian Eggplant Rigatoni, also known as Rigatoni alla Norma, is a tasty pasta dish from Sicily. It combines rigatoni pasta with fried eggplant and a simple tomato sauce.
To make this dish, you’ll cook rigatoni in salted water until tender. While the pasta cooks, fry cubed eggplant until golden brown.
For the sauce, simmer tomatoes with garlic and herbs. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce and eggplant.
Top with ricotta salata cheese for extra flavor.
This recipe celebrates the rich flavors of Sicily. It’s a great way to enjoy eggplant in a hearty pasta dish.
9. Pesto Chicken Rigatoni
Pesto Chicken Rigatoni is a tasty and quick meal you can make at home. It combines tender chicken, creamy pesto sauce, and hearty rigatoni pasta.
To make this dish, cook the rigatoni according to package directions. While the pasta cooks, sauté chicken pieces in a pan with olive oil and garlic.
Mix in pesto sauce and a splash of cream to create a rich, flavorful coating for the chicken. Toss the cooked pasta with the pesto chicken mixture.
For extra flavor, you can add black olives or crushed red pepper flakes.
Serve your Pesto Chicken Rigatoni hot, perhaps with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
10. Spinach and Ricotta Rigatoni
This tasty dish combines rigatoni pasta with creamy ricotta and nutritious spinach. To make it, cook the rigatoni until al dente.
While the pasta cooks, mix ricotta cheese with sautéed spinach, garlic, and seasonings. Drain the pasta and combine it with the ricotta mixture.
Transfer everything to a greased baking dish. Top with marinara sauce and extra cheese if desired.
Bake at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
The result is a comforting pasta bake with a creamy texture and savory flavor. The spinach adds color and nutrients, while the ricotta creates a rich, satisfying sauce.
11. Rigatoni Bolognese
Rigatoni Bolognese is a hearty Italian dish that combines thick pasta tubes with a rich meat sauce. To make it, start by sautéing onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in olive oil.
Brown ground beef and pork in the same pot. Add red wine, milk, and tomatoes to create a flavorful sauce. Let it simmer for about an hour to develop deep flavors.
Cook the rigatoni pasta separately until al dente. Toss the cooked pasta with the Bolognese sauce and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
You can store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick and tasty meal.
12. Sun-Dried Tomato Rigatoni
Sun-dried tomato rigatoni is a tasty pasta dish that combines bold flavors. You’ll love the rich taste of sun-dried tomatoes mixed with creamy sauce and hearty rigatoni noodles.
To make this recipe, cook rigatoni pasta until al dente. While it cooks, prepare a sauce using sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and onions. Some recipes add mascarpone or goat cheese for extra creaminess.
You can enhance the dish with additional ingredients like zucchini, prosciutto, or basil. These add more flavor and texture to the meal.
Serve your sun-dried tomato rigatoni hot, maybe with a side salad. It’s a filling and flavorful meal you can enjoy for lunch or dinner.
13. Lemon Basil Shrimp Rigatoni
This tasty dish combines rigatoni pasta with juicy shrimp in a zesty lemon and basil sauce. To make it, cook the rigatoni according to package directions.
While the pasta cooks, sauté shrimp in a large skillet. Add minced garlic and shallots for extra flavor. Pour in some white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the skillet and toss in some torn basil leaves.
Stir in cooked rigatoni and a splash of pasta water to create a light sauce.
For a creamy version, mix in some ricotta cheese. Finish with grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Serve hot and enjoy this bright, flavorful pasta dish.
14. Roasted Veggie Rigatoni
Roasted veggie rigatoni is a tasty and nutritious pasta dish. It combines hearty rigatoni noodles with oven-roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal.
You can use a mix of veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, and onions. Chop them into bite-sized pieces and roast with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
While the veggies cook, boil the rigatoni pasta. Once done, toss the pasta and roasted vegetables together in a large bowl.
Add marinara sauce, garlic, and herbs like thyme and parsley for extra flavor. Mix in some mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
You can serve it right away or bake it in a casserole dish for a crispy top. This versatile recipe is great for using up leftover vegetables.
15. Beef Stroganoff Rigatoni
Beef Stroganoff Rigatoni puts a tasty twist on the classic Russian dish. This recipe combines tender beef strips with rigatoni pasta for a hearty meal.
Start by cooking the rigatoni until al dente. While it boils, sauté sliced mushrooms and onions in butter. Add beef strips and cook until browned.
Make a creamy sauce with beef broth, sour cream, and Dijon mustard. Mix in the cooked pasta and beef. The rigatoni’s ridges help the sauce cling to each piece.
Serve your Beef Stroganoff Rigatoni hot. Top with fresh parsley for extra flavor. This dish is perfect for cold winter nights or when you want comfort food.
16. Rigatoni with Lemon Cream Sauce
This zesty pasta dish combines the bold flavor of lemon with a rich, creamy sauce. To make it, cook rigatoni until al dente and set aside.
In a pan, simmer cream with lemon zest for 6-8 minutes until it thickens slightly. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
Toss the cooked rigatoni with the lemon cream sauce. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
For extra flavor, you can add cooked cherry tomatoes and chopped parsley.
This bright and tangy dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
History Of Rigatoni Pasta
Rigatoni pasta has deep roots in Italian cuisine. It evolved from traditional pasta-making techniques and became a staple in many regions.
Origins And Traditions
Rigatoni first appeared in Rome and southern Italy. Its name comes from the Italian word “rigato,” meaning ridged or lined. This refers to the grooves on the pasta’s surface.
These ridges were designed to hold thick sauces better.
Pasta makers created rigatoni to pair with hearty regional dishes. Its large, tube-like shape was perfect for chunky meat sauces and vegetables.
Over time, rigatoni spread throughout Italy and became popular in many areas.
Traditional rigatoni is made from durum wheat semolina and water. Artisans would shape the dough by hand or use bronze dies. This process gave the pasta its signature rough texture.
Cultural Significance
Rigatoni holds a special place in Italian food culture. It’s often used in celebratory dishes and family gatherings. Many classic recipes feature rigatoni as the star ingredient.
In Rome, “Rigatoni alla Carbonara” is a beloved local dish. It combines the pasta with eggs, cheese, and cured pork. Southern Italian cuisine uses rigatoni in baked pasta dishes like “Pasta al Forno.”
Rigatoni’s versatility made it popular beyond Italy’s borders. You can now find it in pasta dishes worldwide.
Its ability to hold sauces well makes it a favorite among home cooks and chefs alike.
The pasta’s shape also inspired creative uses. Some cooks stuff rigatoni with cheese or meat for unique presentations.
Pairing Rigatoni With Different Sauces
Rigatoni’s ridged texture and large tubular shape make it perfect for pairing with a variety of sauces. The pasta’s grooves help capture and hold onto sauces, creating a delicious bite every time.
Tomato-Based Sauces
Tomato-based sauces are a classic choice for rigatoni. Their rich flavor complements the pasta’s texture well.
Try a simple marinara sauce made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
For a heartier option, go for a meat-based ragù. This thick sauce clings to the rigatoni’s ridges, filling the tubes with savory goodness.
Arrabbiata sauce adds a spicy kick to your dish. Its blend of tomatoes, garlic, and red pepper flakes creates a bold flavor profile.
To make your own quick tomato sauce:
- Sauté garlic in olive oil
- Add canned tomatoes
- Simmer for 20 minutes
- Season with salt and herbs
Creamy And Cheese Sauces
Creamy sauces are another great match for rigatoni. The pasta’s large openings allow the sauce to coat both the inside and outside.
A classic Alfredo sauce, made with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, pairs wonderfully with rigatoni. The cheese melts into the grooves, creating a rich and indulgent dish.
For a twist, try a vodka sauce. This pink sauce combines tomato and cream for a balanced flavor. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a smooth taste.
Cheese lovers can opt for a simple cacio e pepe. This Roman dish uses just cheese, pepper, and pasta water to create a creamy sauce that clings to the rigatoni’s ridges.