Rigatoni pasta is a versatile and beloved staple in many kitchens. With its ridged exterior and hollow center, this tube-shaped pasta excels at holding rich sauces and capturing flavors in every bite.
From simple weeknight meals to impressive dinner party dishes, rigatoni offers endless possibilities for delicious meals. You’ll find rigatoni works wonderfully in both baked casseroles and stovetop creations alike.
Whether paired with creamy tomato sauces, hearty meat ragùs, or fresh vegetables and pesto, this pasta shape transforms ordinary ingredients into satisfying meals. The recipes featuring rigatoni range from traditional Italian classics to modern interpretations that will please even the pickiest eaters at your table.
1. Rigatoni al Segreto with San Marzano Tomatoes
Rigatoni al Segreto was once a closely guarded secret at Gino’s, a famous Italian restaurant in New York City. This rich pasta dish showcases the sweet flavor of San Marzano tomatoes.
The sauce combines olive oil, diced onions, crushed garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Salt enhances all the flavors while the tomatoes create a silky texture.
The thick rigatoni tubes capture the secret sauce in every bite. Chef John popularized this recipe after it was finally revealed to the public.
For best results, use authentic San Marzano tomatoes. Finish your dish with fresh basil and cheese.
2. Baked Sausage and Cheese Rigatoni
Baked Sausage and Cheese Rigatoni combines Italian sausage with perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta and layers of rich cheese. This hearty dish features sweet Italian sausage and a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and sometimes other cheeses.
To prepare this dish, cook rigatoni until al dente, then mix it with browned Italian sausage. Some recipes include roasted red peppers for added flavor and color.
Place the pasta mixture in a baking dish and top it with a ricotta mixture and generous amounts of cheese before baking at 375°F. The result is bubbling, golden perfection.
This comforting pasta bake works well for make-ahead meals. The combination of meaty sausage and melty cheese creates a satisfying dinner.
3. Genovese Rigatoni with Pesto Sauce
Genovese rigatoni combines hearty pasta tubes with either a classic basil pesto or a rich onion-based meat sauce. Both versions offer incredible flavor.
Traditional pesto alla Genovese contains just basil, olive oil, pine nuts, cheese, and salt. This bright green sauce coats rigatoni perfectly, clinging to both the outside and filling the tubes.
For a different take, try rigatoni alla Genovese meat sauce. This features beef, pancetta, and lots of slow-cooked onions.
The sauce becomes incredibly rich after simmering for hours. When serving, add your sauce gradually until the pasta is coated to your liking.
The ridges on rigatoni capture every bit of that delicious Genovese flavor.
4. Pesto Baked Rigatoni
Pesto Baked Rigatoni is a quick and easy weeknight meal that requires just 4 ingredients. This simple dish comes together in about 30 minutes.
Start with whole wheat rigatoni for a healthier twist. Add chopped heirloom tomatoes for freshness and color.
The star ingredient is pesto, which coats the pasta with its herby, garlicky flavor. Mix the cooked rigatoni with pesto sauce and transfer to a baking dish.
Top with cheese—Asiago or ricotta work well—and bake at 350°F until the cheese melts and turns golden. This creates a comforting, flavorful pasta bake.
5. Spicy Rigatoni and Sausage Pasta Frittata
This mouthwatering dish combines rigatoni pasta with spicy Italian sausage and ground beef for a hearty meal. The recipe uses a 16-ounce package of rigatoni as its base, cooked until perfectly al dente.
The meat mixture features hot Italian sausage and ground beef, creating a flavorful protein combination. San Marzano tomatoes form the foundation of the rich sauce, known for their sweet flavor and low acidity.
DeLallo Extra Virgin Olive Oil adds depth to the dish. Red pepper flakes bring the signature heat.
When baked together, the ingredients form a delicious pasta frittata. This dish offers an impressive presentation.
6. Sausage Rigatoni in Tomato Cream Sauce
This one-pot meal combines spicy Italian sausage with a rich tomato cream sauce for a dinner ready in just 30 minutes. The sauce blends tomato paste, heavy cream, and crumbled sausage for a perfect balance of flavors.
Cook the sausage until browned, then add garlic and red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. The tomato paste and cream create a velvety sauce that coats each pasta tube.
Once the rigatoni is cooked to al dente, toss it with the sauce and top with grated parmesan or shredded mozzarella. This “Date Me” pasta earns its nickname for a reason.
7. Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta
Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta combines tender pasta tubes with a rich tomato cream sauce for a quick weeknight dinner. You can prepare this comforting dish in about 30 minutes.
The recipe typically starts with sautéed onions and garlic in butter and oil, providing a flavorful base. Some versions include chili flakes for a gentle heat that complements the creamy sauce.
The sauce blends tomatoes with heavy cream and melted butter, creating a velvety texture that clings to the ridged pasta. You can enhance this dish by adding Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
This family-friendly pasta pairs well with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
8. “Date Me” Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
This irresistible pasta dish gets its name for a good reason—it’s impressive enough to serve on a date night. The recipe features a robust tomato sauce that starts with sautéed onions and garlic in olive oil.
Italian sausage adds rich flavor to the sauce, which becomes creamy with the addition of heavy cream. The thick rigatoni tubes are perfect for holding the hearty sauce.
Toss the pasta with this creamy sausage mixture and top it with fresh Parmesan cheese. This combination creates a restaurant-quality meal that’s simple to make at home.
The contrast between the tangy tomato base and the velvety cream makes this pasta truly special.
9. Baked Rigatoni Pasta with Meat Sauce and Cheese
Baked rigatoni with meat sauce and cheese is a hearty pasta dish that’s perfect for family dinners. The tubular pasta holds the rich meat sauce inside each piece, making every bite flavorful.
You’ll need rigatoni pasta, ground beef, onions, and basic seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs. Cook the pasta, then mix it with a homemade meat sauce.
Layer everything in a baking dish, top it with plenty of cheese, and bake until golden brown and bubbly. The result is a warm, comforting meal that satisfies both kids and adults.
10. Rigatoni with Roasted Vegetables
Rigatoni with roasted vegetables is a perfect balance of decadence and health. This dish combines tender pasta tubes with a colorful array of oven-roasted vegetables.
Customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, or cherry tomatoes. The roasting process adds a deep, caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with the pasta.
The sauce can be a creamy white wine base, a light pink tomato sauce, or even a simple olive oil drizzle. Many versions include crumbled feta or grated parmesan for extra flavor.
This meal feels light despite being pasta-based. It works well for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
11. Slow-Cooker Rigatoni Casserole
Slow-cooker rigatoni casserole offers a convenient way to prepare a delicious pasta dish with minimal effort. Combine rigatoni pasta with tomato sauce, cheeses, and your favorite mix-ins in your slow cooker.
Many recipes call for layering cooked or uncooked rigatoni with mozzarella cheese, cottage cheese, and tomato sauce. Customize your casserole by adding Italian sausage for extra flavor or spinach for a nutritional boost.
The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to blend beautifully. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
Let your slow cooker do the work while you handle other tasks. The result is a cheesy, satisfying pasta casserole that requires just a few ingredients.
12. Arrabiata Rigatoni with Spicy Tomato Sauce
Rigatoni Arrabbiata is a classic Italian pasta dish known for its fiery tomato sauce. The name “arrabbiata” means “angry” in Italian, referring to the heat from red pepper flakes.
This dish combines rigatoni pasta with a simple yet flavorful sauce made from tomatoes, garlic, and chili peppers. The thick tubes of rigatoni capture the spicy sauce perfectly.
You can prepare this meal in just about 15 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. The sauce coats the ridged pasta beautifully, and optional Parmesan cheese adds a creamy finish.
For the best results, use fresh garlic and quality tomatoes in your sauce.
13. Rigatoni al Forno with Mozzarella
Rigatoni al Forno is a classic baked pasta dish that combines hearty flavors with a satisfying cheese pull. This comfort food is especially delicious when loaded with melty mozzarella cheese.
The dish features rigatoni pasta mixed with a flavorful meat sauce made from ground beef and sometimes Italian sausage. Onions, garlic, and San Marzano tomatoes enhance the sauce.
Layer generous amounts of mozzarella cheese throughout and on top. When baked, it creates a golden, bubbly crust.
You can customize your Rigatoni al Forno by adding buffalo mozzarella for extra creaminess or mixing in pecorino cheese for a sharper flavor.
14. Chicken and Prunes Rigatoni
This unexpected pairing creates a delicious flavor combination that works surprisingly well. Tender chicken pieces blend with sweet, soft prunes in a creamy sauce that clings perfectly to rigatoni pasta.
The prunes add natural sweetness that balances the savory chicken. The dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
For best results, use boneless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces. Add a splash of cream and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to create a rich sauce that coats every ridge of the rigatoni.
15. Creamy Rigatoni with Prosciutto
Creamy Rigatoni with Prosciutto combines rich flavors in a delightful pasta dish. The salty prosciutto pairs perfectly with a cream sauce that coats each tube of pasta.
You can enhance this dish with mushrooms for extra depth. Some recipes also include Italian sausage for a heartier meal option.
The sauce uses heavy cream and butter to create its silky texture. For the best results, use high-quality prosciutto and fresh ingredients.
This dish makes an impressive dinner that feels fancy but remains simple to prepare. You can have it ready in about 30 minutes for a weeknight meal that tastes like restaurant quality.
16. Rigatoni alla Norma with Eggplant and Tomato
Rigatoni alla Norma is a classic Sicilian dish that showcases the perfect pairing of eggplant and tomato sauce. This vegetarian recipe originates from Catania, Sicily, and offers a hearty, satisfying meal.
To make this dish, coat eggplant pieces and either fry or roast them until golden. The sauce combines olive oil, tomatoes, and basil for a sweet and savory flavor profile.
Rigatoni pasta is the ideal choice for this recipe as the ridges and tube shape capture the chunky sauce perfectly. Top your finished dish with grated ricotta salata or pecorino for an authentic touch of saltiness.
17. Sugo di Coda Rigatoni (Oxtail Sauce)
Sugo di Coda is a classic Roman dish that pairs perfectly with rigatoni pasta. This rich sauce features oxtail braised until tender, creating an incredibly flavorful base.
To make this dish, season oxtail pieces with salt and pepper before browning them. Sauté vegetables like celery, carrots, and onions as the flavor foundation.
Slowly cook the meat in a sauce of tomatoes, wine, and spices until it becomes fall-off-the-bone tender. The result is an unctuous, rich sauce that coats each tube of rigatoni perfectly.
18. Puttanesca Rigatoni
Puttanesca Rigatoni combines bold, smokey, and salty flavors in a traditional Italian sauce. This dish features a rich tomato base enhanced with capers, anchovies, and olives.
The large tubes of rigatoni pasta capture the chunky sauce components. When you make this at home, start by sautéing garlic and chili flakes for heat, then add chopped anchovies that melt into the oil.
Kalamata olives and capers bring briny saltiness to balance the tomato’s acidity. The dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners despite its complex flavor profile.
19. Ragù Napoletano Rigatoni
Ragù Napoletano is a special dish from Naples that differs from the more common Bolognese sauce. Unlike Bolognese, Napoletano ragu features larger chunks of meat that simmer for hours until tender.
This rich sauce pairs perfectly with rigatoni pasta. The tube shape of rigatoni catches the thick, meaty sauce inside each piece.
To make this dish, simmer your meat with tomatoes, wine, and aromatics for several hours. The long cooking time allows the flavors to develop fully.
Serve Ragù Napoletano Rigatoni with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for an authentic Italian meal.
20. Ricotta and Tomato Rigatoni
Ricotta and tomato rigatoni combines creamy cheese with tangy tomatoes for a simple yet delicious pasta dish. The sweetness of ricotta perfectly balances the acidity of tomatoes.
This recipe requires minimal preparation but delivers maximum flavor. You can use cherry tomatoes for a sweeter sauce or San Marzano tomatoes for a richer taste.
For the best results, mix the hot rigatoni with the sauce and then add dollops of ricotta on top. This creates pockets of creamy goodness throughout the dish.
Enhance this meal with fresh herbs like basil or oregano. It works well as a quick weeknight dinner or as part of a larger Italian feast.
21. Date Night Rigatoni with Sausage and Kale
This dish combines rigatoni pasta with flavorful sausage and nutritious kale in a creamy tomato sauce. The rich sauce blends tomatoes with cream for a silky texture that coats every bite.
Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor while red pepper flakes bring just enough heat to make it interesting. The combination creates a balance that’s both comforting and special.
Prepare this meal in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for a romantic evening at home. The hearty pasta feels indulgent yet includes vegetables for a more complete meal.
Choosing the Right Rigatoni
The success of your rigatoni dish depends greatly on selecting the right pasta and ingredients. Quality matters when it comes to both the pasta tubes themselves and what you pair them with.
Types of Rigatoni Pasta
Rigatoni comes in several variations worth knowing about. The standard rigatoni has a wide tube with ridges on the outside.
These ridges help sauce cling to the pasta, making each bite flavorful. Rigatoni is larger than penne but smaller than cannelloni.
You’ll find it in different sizes, from about 1.5 inches to smaller “rigatoncini” versions. Some brands make rigatoni with straight cuts while others feature diagonal ends.
For baked dishes like those mentioned in the search results, choose rigatoni with thicker walls. These sturdier noodles hold up well when baked with cheese and sauce without becoming mushy.
If you’re making a lighter sauce, consider smaller rigatoni that won’t overwhelm the dish.
Selecting Quality Ingredients
Start with high-quality rigatoni made from durum wheat semolina. Better pasta holds its shape and texture during cooking.
Check the package for pasta made in Italy for authentic quality. For sauces, San Marzano tomatoes create rich, flavorful bases as mentioned in Chef John’s “secret sauce” recipe.
These premium tomatoes have less acidity and more sweetness than regular varieties. Fresh cheeses make a significant difference.
Look for real Parmigiano-Reggiano and fresh mozzarella for baked dishes. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting quality.
When making creamy sauces like the “Date Me” sausage rigatoni, use heavy cream rather than substitutes for proper texture and richness. Choose ingredients that complement rigatoni’s substantial nature.
Italian sausage, hearty vegetables, and robust herbs like basil and oregano work particularly well.
Techniques for Perfect Rigatoni Dishes
The key to outstanding rigatoni dishes lies in proper cooking techniques and thoughtful sauce pairings. Mastering these fundamentals will elevate your pasta from good to exceptional.
Tips for Cooking Rigatoni Al Dente
Always start with a large pot of water—at least 4 quarts for every pound of pasta. Add 1-2 tablespoons of salt to the boiling water before adding your rigatoni.
This seasons the pasta from within as it cooks. Cook rigatoni for about 8 minutes, but start testing at 6 minutes.
Perfect al dente pasta should offer slight resistance when bitten but shouldn’t have a hard center. Remember that rigatoni continues cooking slightly after draining.
Pro tip: Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid helps bind sauces to your pasta and adjust consistency.
Don’t rinse your rigatoni after cooking unless making a cold pasta salad. The starch on the surface helps sauce adhere better to each tube.
Sauce Pairing Suggestions
Rigatoni’s tubular shape with ridges captures both chunky and creamy sauces. Hearty meat sauces like Bolognese cling to rigatoni’s ridges and fill the hollow centers.
Creamy tomato sauces work exceptionally well. The tubes trap pockets of sauce for flavor-packed bites.
Try mixing in fresh ingredients like:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh herbs (basil, oregano)
- Garlic and olive oil
For baked dishes, rigatoni maintains its structure under cheese and sauce. Layer it with mozzarella and pesto for a delicious casserole.
Vegetable-based sauces with roasted peppers, eggplant, or zucchini complement rigatoni. The large pasta pieces stand up to chunky vegetables and provide textural contrast.
