rigatoni
4 QuickDinner recipes
Rigatoni is a large, ridged, tube-shaped pasta that holds thick sauces well. It is commonly baked or tossed with hearty meat, vegetable, cheese, or tomato sauces.
Common uses
Baked pasta dishesTomato or meat saucesCreamy saucesVegetable pasta dishesPasta salads, served warm or chilled
Storage
Store dried rigatoni in a cool, dry pantry in its sealed package or an airtight container. Once cooked, refrigerate it promptly in a covered container and use according to the storage guidance for the accompanying sauce.
Substitutions
Penne works well in most sauces, though its smaller size and angled ends change the texture slightly.
Ziti is a good substitute for baked dishes and sauced pasta; smooth ziti may hold less sauce than ridged rigatoni.
Short tubular pasta such as paccheri can replace rigatoni when available, but its larger size may require adjusted cooking time.
Substitutions can change texture, flavor, or cooking behavior; check the specific recipe before swapping.
Pairs well with
Tomato sauceBolognese or other meat saucesItalian sausageRoasted vegetablesRicotta and mozzarellaBasil and garlicParmesan or PecorinoRed pepper flakes
