What Is Rigatoni pasta and How Can I Use It?
If rigatoni pasta has turned up in a recipe or caught your eye at the store, here's what you need to use it with confidence and how to choose it, cook it, store it, what to substitute, and 39 recipes to try it in.
What is rigatoni pasta?
Rigatoni pasta is distinguished by its large, tube-like shape with ridges on the exterior and a wide, hollow center.
It is typically made from durum wheat semolina and water, and it originates from the Italian region of Lazio.
Rigatoni pasta is a adaptable shape that can be used in various dishes, such as baked pasta dishes, pasta salads, and pasta served with chunky meat or vegetable sauces.
Its moniker originates from the Italian word "rigato," meaning "lined" or "ridged," according to the ridges on the exterior of the pasta.
Where to buy rigatoni?
Are rigatoni and penne the same?
No, rigatoni and penne are not the same.
They are both types of pasta, but they differ in shape, size, and texture. Rigatoni is a larger, tube-shaped pasta with ridges on the outside, while penne is a smaller, tube-shaped pasta with a smooth exterior.
The cooking time and texture of penne vs rigatoni differ. Rigatoni takes longer to cook and has a more al dente texture, whereas penne cooks more quickly and has a softer texture.
Can you use rigatoni for baked ziti?
You can absolutely use rigatoni for baked ziti! In fact, rigatoni is a fantastic pasta choice for this dish due to its large, tube-like shape and ridges that help hold onto the sauce.
While ziti is the traditional pasta for baked ziti, rigatoni is a close cousin and works just as well.
The main difference between the two is that rigatoni is slightly larger and has a more pronounced texture, which can add a delightful twist to your baked ziti.
So go ahead and give rigatoni a try in your baked ziti – your taste buds will thank you!
How long to cook rigatoni?
Rigatoni usually takes about 10-12 minutes to cook in boiling water.
But remember, cooking times can vary depending on the brand and thickness of the pasta.
Always check the package for specific instructions, and don't forget to taste a piece to make sure it's cooked to your liking.
Happy cooking, and may your rigatoni be al dente!
What does rigatoni look like?
Rigatoni is a variety of pasta that looks like a tube with ridges on the outside.
It's like the pasta equivalent of a hipster with a handlebar mustache, just waiting to be filled with artisanal cheese and organic tomato sauce.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 cup elbow shaped (140g)Where found
Rigatoni pasta is usually found in the pasta section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.
Food group
Rigatoni pasta is a member of the Cereal Grains and Pasta US Department of Agriculture nutritional food group.
How much does rigatoni pasta weigh?
| Amount | Weight |
|---|---|
| 1 cup elbow shaped | 140 grams |
| 1 cup spiral shaped | 134 grams |
| 1 cup small shells | 115 grams |
Related
Cereal Grains and Pasta
| In Chinese: | 面食，rigatoni | |
| British (UK) term: | ||
| en français: | pâtes, rigatoni | |
| en español: | pasta, rigatoni |
Recipes using rigatoni pasta
There are 39 recipes that contain this ingredient.
Baked Pasta with Mushrooms
A delicious and filling vegetarian main dish. Meaty mushrooms, rigatoni tomatoes veggies and two kinds of cheese make this a pleasing hearty main dish.
Pasta & Sausage Oregano
A quick and easy one pan meal is perfect for a weekday supper when you don't have time to cook up a storm.
Double-Cheese Rigatoni with Sausage & Hot Cherry Peppers For Two
Modified from a fine cooking recipe for a more reasonable serving size, a cheesy Italian baked pasta dish that's satisfying and filling for two.
Asparagus, Sausage & Pepper Pasta
A delicious and wholesome meal. Try to use whole wheat rigatoni if you can, it makes the dish even heartier.
Baked Rigatoni
A long slow simmer makes this cheesy rich crowd pleaser a certain hit when company is coming.
Bob's Crock Pot Pizza
Learn how to make a slow cooker pizza using rigatoni, ground beef, pepperoni, and mushrooms. A delicious and tantalizing crockpot dish that doesn't disappoint when it comes to flavor!
Darren's Grandmom's Pasta
Grandma's shortcut Italian sausage rigatoni with jarred pasta sauce, a splash of cream, and fresh Parmesan. Weeknight comfort in 40 minutes with just 6 ingredients.
Chicken-Dijon Rigatoni
Creamy Dijon chicken tossed with rigatoni in a silky half-and-half sauce. Only 7 ingredients and 40 minutes stand between you and a bistro-worthy pasta dinner.
Butchered Snake Bits with Barbecue Sauce
Creepy cheese-stuffed rigatoni shaped into slithering snakes with BBQ sauce markings and peppercorn eyes. A kid-friendly Halloween party snack that's equal parts gross and genius.
Red Beans with Pasta Sausage & Tomatoes
Rustic Italian red bean, rigatoni, and hot sausage casserole braised with chard, tomato, oregano, and white wine. Stick-to-your-ribs baked pasta for cold nights.
Rigatoni a la Vodka
Rigatoni alla vodka with bacon, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and butter in a rich pink sauce. A creamy, smoky Italian-American pasta that comes together in under 45 minutes.
Tomato & Herb Rigatoni
Tomato and herb rigatoni with fresh basil, parsley, mint, garlic, and lemon juice tossed with warm pasta. A light, no-cook vegetarian sauce.
Rigatoni
Rigatoni tossed with a quick garlic-tomato sauce, oregano, fresh parsley, and a generous shower of grated parmigiano-reggiano. A weeknight pasta that comes together in 25 minutes.
Garden-Fresh Swiss Chard Pasta with Beans & Bacon
Discover a hearty one-pan pasta dish featuring garden-fresh Swiss chard—easy to grow yet underused. Sautéed stems and wilted leaves mingle with pasta, white beans, crispy bacon, garlic and rosemary (or oregano). Finished with Parmesan cheese for Italian flair.
Daube De Queue De Boeuf
Oxtail is one of the most economical and most flavorful cuts of meat, and one that takes well to marinating for days in a hearty mixture of red wine, herbs, and vegetables. The longer you marinate the mixture, the more flavorful it will be, but be sure it marinates at least 3 days. Oxtail is also a fatty cut -- give yourself plenty of time to allow the stew to cook and then cool, so all the fat can be skimmed off. Serve this with thick noodles in warmed soup bowls, accompanied by a tossed salad, and of course, a robust red wine.
Red Beans, Pasta, Sausage & Tomatoes
Hearty baked casserole of red beans, rigatoni, Italian sausage, plum tomatoes, Swiss chard, and white wine with oregano and garlic. A rustic Italian-inspired one-pot meal.
Winter Greens Puttanesca
When buying cheese for grating, get the best quality - Parmigiano Reggiano. A wedge will keep for a long time in your refrigerator if it's very well wrapped in plastic. As it may be expensive, consider that you've made a worthwhile investment.
Create-A-Casserole
Create-a-casserole: a customizable baked pasta with your choice of meat, tomato sauce, and cheese. A flexible pantry dinner that uses up leftover cooked beef or chicken in 30 minutes of oven time.
Broccoli with Rigatoni
Broccoli with rigatoni in garlic olive oil and fresh basil, simmered with vegetable broth. A simple Italian pasta dish that's vegan-friendly and ready in 40 minutes.
Rigatoni with Four Cheeses
Rigatoni quattro formaggi with Gorgonzola, Bel Paese, Fontina, and Parmesan in a half-and-half sauce. The classic Italian four-cheese pasta in 25 minutes.
Crockpot Beef & Pepperoni Pizza
Crockpot pizza casserole with ground beef, pepperoni, rigatoni, mozzarella, mushrooms, and pizza sauce. A layered slow cooker pasta bake that delivers all the pizza flavors in one pot.
Rigatoni With Three Cheeses
Baked rigatoni with Swiss, fontina, and mozzarella in a rich cream sauce topped with parmigiano and nutmeg. Golden, bubbly, and irresistibly cheesy.
Pasta with Black Olives
A simple and easy-to-prepare main dish pasta featuring a cooked red pepper sauce that coats the robust and hearty rigatoni pasta topped with olives.
Rigatoni Alla Fontina
Rigatoni alla Fontina baked with layers of melted Fontina, Parmigiano-Reggiano, butter, and nutmeg. A rich Italian baked pasta with just 7 ingredients.
Whole Wheat Pasta, Broccolini & Radish with Feta
Whole wheat pasta with broccolini and radish gets tossed in a sherry-orange vinaigrette and crowned with creamy feta. A bright vegetarian pasta salad equally good warm or chilled the next day.
