15 Best Rigatoni Pasta Recipes To Make For Dinner

It’s time to shine the spotlight on rigatoni pasta, often overshadowed by its more famous cousins like linguine and spaghetti. But with its tube-like shape and ridges, it’s perfectly suited for heartier sauces that will keep you coming back for more. At 1/3 larger than penne and ziti, rigatoni provides a generous canvas for your favorite flavors. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good sauce-to-pasta ratio?

Whether you’re in the mood for something meaty or lighter, these 15 rigatoni pasta recipes have got you covered. From classic combinations like sausage and ricotta to more adventurous pairings, there’s something for everyone on this list. And if I’m being completely honest, my personal favorite is #14 – it’s sure to impress even the pickiest eaters at the table!

Rigatoni Fiorentina

Rigatoni Fiorentina

Indulge in the rich flavors of Rigatoni Fiorentina, a dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. The combination of tender chicken breast, melted cheese, and a creamy sauce is a match made in heaven. What sets this recipe apart is the unexpected addition of vodka, which may seem intimidating at first but ultimately adds depth and heat to each bite. As the vodka emulsifies with the cream, it creates a silky smooth finish that complements the rigatoni perfectly.

This unique twist elevates the dish from ordinary to extraordinary, making it a must-try for anyone looking to spice up their pasta game.

Carbone Spicy Rigatoni

While paying homage to Carbone’s iconic rigatoni with vodka, this recipe stands out from the crowd by virtue of its exceptional ingredients. The foundation of this delectable pasta dish lies in using only top-notch vodka, rich tomato sauce, and an abundance of high-quality Parmesan cheese. It’s a winning combination that yields a bold, spicy flavor profile that will leave you craving more.

Baked Rigatoni Pasta

Baked Rigatoni Pasta

This Baked Rigatoni Pasta recipe is a crowd-pleaser, thanks to its generous combination of ground beef, Italian sausage, and melted cheese. With each layer bursting with flavor, the final dish is both satisfyingly hearty and comfortingly familiar. To bring this recipe to life, you’ll need a trusty jar of marinara sauce – homemade or store-bought will do just fine. If time is of the essence, don’t worry; the leftovers reheat beautifully, making it easy to whip up a double batch if needed.

On even the busiest weeknights, this dish is sure to put smiles on everyone’s faces.

Veggie Lovers Baked Rigatoni

Veggie Lovers Baked Rigatoni

While many may assume that hearty baked rigatoni dishes are reserved for meat enthusiasts, we’re here to prove otherwise. This recipe is specifically designed for vegetarians who crave a satisfying, flavorful meal without the meat. The dish is loaded with an array of vegetables, including earthy mushrooms, tender zucchini, and fresh spinach. To take it to the next level, we’ve added plenty of melted cheese to give it a rich, indulgent twist.

Whether you’re a veggie lover or just looking for a comforting meal option, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. So go ahead, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a mouthwatering, plant-based masterpiece that’s every bit as satisfying as its meaty counterparts.

Sausage Rigatoni

Sausage Rigatoni

Indulge in this effortless Sausage Rigatoni recipe, a 30-minute culinary delight that’s sure to become a weeknight staple. With only a handful of straightforward ingredients required, you can’t go wrong. The harmonious blend of Italian sausage, pungent garlic, and tangy tomato sauce paired with al dente rigatoni is a match made in heaven. Dubbed ‘easy’ for its simplicity, this dish surprisingly doesn’t sacrifice an ounce of flavor despite its streamlined preparation. It’s a true winner!

Rigatoni Pasta With Mushrooms, Sage, & Brown Butter

Rigatoni Pasta With Mushrooms, Sage, & Brown Butter

This hearty rigatoni pasta recipe strikes a delightful balance between earthy comfort and light refreshment, making it an ideal choice for crisp fall or winter evenings. The secret to its success lies in the careful browning of butter to a rich, nutty golden hue. Furthermore, generous use of fresh sage is essential, elevating this dish from satisfying to truly sublime.

Date Night Rigatoni With Sausage & Kale

Date Night Rigatoni With Sausage & Kale

Want to impress your date with a culinary masterpiece? Look no further! This rigatoni dish is a perfect blend of simplicity, elegance, and flavor. The harmonious combination of sweet Italian sausage, nutty kale, and creamy rigatoni will surely delight. While it may require a bit more time than some other recipes, the end result is well worth the effort. In fact, this recipe is almost guaranteed to earn you a second date (or at least a spot in your regular date night rotation).

So go ahead, clear off that dining room table, light some candles, and get ready for a romantic evening that will leave a lasting impression.

One Pot Rigatoni Bolognese

While a spotless kitchen is always a pleasure, I believe that minimal cleanup can be just as satisfying. One Pot Rigatoni Bolognese exemplifies this perfectly. What makes this dish stand out is not only its delectable flavor but also the ease with which it can be cleaned up afterwards. Authentic bolognese sauce often requires a significant amount of effort, but this simplified version eliminates much of that labor. To make it, you’ll need ground beef, aromatics, and your preferred tomato sauce.

I like to add a splash of red wine for added depth, but feel free to omit it if you prefer. Despite the slight complexity, the finished dish is still packed with flavor and can be prepared in just one pot.

Creamy Rigatoni With Mushrooms

Creamy Rigatoni With Mushrooms

Comfort food at its finest, this dish is a masterclass in rich flavors and textures. The secret to its success lies in the quality of the Prosciutto Di Modena PDO, which lends a salty, savory depth that’s hard to replicate with other types of prosciutto or pancetta. If you can’t get your hands on the real deal, don’t worry – it’ll still be delicious. However, for those willing to go the extra mile, the Prosciutto Di Modena PDO makes all the difference.

And let’s not forget the mushrooms – the more, the merrier! For mushroom lovers like myself, there’s no such thing as too many of these earthy delights.

Rigatoni Pasta With Portobello Mushrooms & Spinach

Rigatoni Pasta With Portobello Mushrooms & Spinach

Combining the earthy flavor of Portobello mushrooms with the vibrant green of fresh spinach and the comforting texture of rigatoni pasta creates a truly satisfying meal. With just half an hour and a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a dish that will delight both kids and adults alike. The meaty portobellos bring a hearty depth to the dish, while the spinach injects a pop of color and freshness. This creamy and filling meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend brunch.

Ricotta Stuffed Rigatoni Pie

Ricotta Stuffed Rigatoni Pie

Get ready for a cheesy masterpiece! This Ricotta Stuffed Rigatoni Pie is a show-stopper that combines the best of Italian comfort food. Imagine a giant dish filled with rigatoni, smothered in a rich meat sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The twist? You’ll add an extra layer of creamy goodness by stuffing the rigatoni with a ricotta mixture that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

With its crowd-pleasing combination of flavors and textures, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family.

Pesto Rigatoni

A timeless favorite, pesto pasta never goes out of style. This Pesto Rigatoni recipe is a perfect illustration of how simplicity can lead to exceptional flavor. To create this mouthwatering dish, start with high-quality pesto – homemade if you’re feeling adventurous – and pair it with rigatoni pasta and the richness of Parmesan cheese. For added depth, sprinkle in some ground nutmeg and garnish with fresh parsley.

Serve alongside a crusty garlic bread for a well-rounded meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

One Pot Rigatoni Alfredo With Chicken & Kale

One Pot Rigatoni Alfredo With Chicken & Kale

One-pot pasta dishes are my go-to when it comes to quick and easy meals. And the One Pot Rigatoni Alfredo is a perfect representation of this genre – rich, flavorful, and packed with satisfying elements. The dish is smothered in a velvety Alfredo sauce that adds depth and creaminess, while also boasting a generous serving of protein. To top it all off, there’s a sprinkle of nutritious kale for an added boost.

Rigatoni Pizza Skillet

Indulge in the comfort food classic with a twist – Rigatoni Pizza Skillet. This innovative recipe combines the familiar flavors of pizza with the heartiness of pasta. Imagine a harmonious blend of pepperoni, melted mozzarella cheese, and tangy tomato sauce all mixed with rigatoni pasta. It’s essentially a flavorful bowl of pizza goodness! The best part? Preparing this dish is as easy as 1-2-3; simply combine the ingredients in a skillet and let it simmer to perfection.

Four Cheese Rigatoni

Four Cheese Rigatoni

Satisfy your cheesy cravings with this indulgent Four Cheese Rigatoni recipe. Combining Parmesan, mozzarella, Fontina, and cream cheese creates a rich, velvety dish that’s sure to delight even the most discerning palates. While it’s unapologetically creamy, the blend of cheeses provides a harmonious balance of flavors. When reheating leftovers, simply add milk to restore their creamy texture and enjoy them just as much as when they were first made – up to three days later.

The bottom line

Rigatoni pasta is a personal favorite of mine, thanks to its incredible versatility. This versatile pasta offers countless opportunities for creative preparation, and I’ve found that there’s no one ‘right’ way to cook it – just pure culinary freedom! The unique ridges on the pasta also do wonders in helping sauces cling, resulting in a more flavorful experience with each bite. If you’re looking to mix things up from traditional pasta shapes, I highly recommend giving rigatoni a try.

And to get you started, here are 15 mouth-watering rigatoni recipes that are sure to become a staple on your dinner menu – and number 14 is guaranteed to impress even the pickiest of eaters!

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