Hey there, pasta lovers! If you're craving something hearty and delicious, rigatoni is where it's at. It's got that perfect shape to hold all kinds of tasty sauces and fillings. Imagine slurping down a rich Bolognese or a creamy spinach delight. Sounds incredible, right? But wait, there's more! You won't believe the zesty twist of lemon garlic shrimp rigatoni. Let's plunge into these mouthwatering recipes that'll have everyone asking for seconds!
Classic Rigatoni Bolognese
Classic Rigatoni Bolognese is a hearty and comforting Italian dish that features rich meat sauce paired with large ridged pasta. This beloved recipe brings together ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a medley of herbs and spices, simmered to perfection and served over al dente rigatoni. It's a perfect meal for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully as they cook.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
To prepare the Classic Rigatoni Bolognese, start by cooking the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Pour in the red wine, allowing it to simmer and reduce for about 5 minutes.
Next, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the sauce is ready, drain the rigatoni and toss it gently with the Bolognese sauce. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
For the best results, consider letting the sauce simmer longer for deeper flavors, ideally up to an hour if time permits.
Feel free to customize the meat mixture by adding pancetta or sausage for added richness. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can lift the dish.
Additionally, using freshly grated Parmesan cheese improves the overall taste, making each bite more indulgent.
Enjoy your Classic Rigatoni Bolognese with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Creamy Spinach and Ricotta Rigatoni
Creamy Spinach and Ricotta Rigatoni is a delightful and comforting pasta dish that combines the rich flavors of creamy ricotta cheese with fresh spinach, creating a luxurious sauce that clings beautifully to the rigatoni.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish isn't only delicious but also simple to prepare. By incorporating garlic and a hint of nutmeg, the flavors are enhanced, making each bite a satisfying experience.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 ounces fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Begin by cooking the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Next, add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Once the pasta is done, reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with spinach and garlic, then mix in the ricotta mixture, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute part of the ricotta with Greek yogurt.
Additionally, feel free to customize the dish by adding cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms for added protein and texture.
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!
Baked Rigatoni With Sausage and Cheese
Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Cheese is a hearty and satisfying dish that's perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This recipe combines al dente rigatoni pasta with a savory sausage and marinara sauce, all baked to perfection with a gooey layer of melted cheese on top. It's a dish that brings comfort and flavor, making it a favorite among pasta lovers.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, crumble and cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
Drain excess grease and stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni, sausage mixture, and ricotta cheese, mixing well.
Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, then top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms to the sausage mixture.
You can also use different types of cheese, like provolone or fontina, for a unique twist.
If you want to make this dish ahead of time, prepare it up to the baking step and refrigerate it.
Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Enjoy garnishing with fresh basil for a burst of color and flavor before serving!
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Rigatoni
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Rigatoni is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of sautéed shrimp with the zesty brightness of lemon and garlic. This pasta dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, as it comes together in under 30 minutes.
The rigatoni's ridges hold onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. With fresh ingredients and a hint of spice, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions:
Start by cooking the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente; reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant—about 1 minute.
Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until they turn pink, approximately 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the lemon juice and zest, followed by the drained rigatoni. Mix well, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a smooth sauce.
Finish by sprinkling with fresh parsley and serving with grated Parmesan cheese.
Extra Tips:
For a more robust flavor, consider marinating the shrimp in lemon juice, garlic, and a bit of olive oil for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
You can also add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and color.
Adjust the level of spice by varying the amount of red pepper flakes or omitting them entirely if you prefer a milder dish.
Serve immediately for the best taste, and don't forget to save some pasta water; it's a chef's secret to achieving the perfect sauce consistency!
Roasted Vegetable Rigatoni Primavera
Roasted Vegetable Rigatoni Primavera is a vibrant and hearty pasta dish that brings together the goodness of seasonal vegetables and the comforting texture of rigatoni. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish isn't only visually appealing but also packed with flavor.
The roasting process improves the natural sweetness of the vegetables, while the pasta serves as a delightful base that absorbs the delicious flavors of the dish.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a large baking sheet, toss the zucchini, bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Spread the vegetables in a single layer and roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
Meanwhile, cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve about half a cup of the pasta water.
In a large bowl, combine the roasted vegetables with the cooked rigatoni, adding the reserved pasta water and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to create a light sauce. Toss well to combine.
Extra Tips:
For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the vegetables in olive oil and herbs for an hour before roasting.
You can also mix in other seasonal vegetables such as asparagus or carrots based on your preference. If you want a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes before serving.
This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks. Don't forget to finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor!