Colavita · 16 oz
Colavita Mezzi Rigatoni Pasta
What it is
Colavita Mezzi Rigatoni is a type of short, tubular pasta with ridges. The name "mezzi" means "half" in Italian, indicating that these tubes are shorter than traditional rigatoni. The ridged surface is designed to hold sauces well, making it a versatile choice for many pasta dishes. This pasta is made from durum wheat semolina, a common ingredient for dried pasta.
How people cook with it
This pasta shape is excellent for capturing and holding a variety of sauces. Its sturdy structure also makes it suitable for baked pasta dishes.
- With hearty meat sauces
- In baked pasta casseroles
- With creamy vegetable sauces
- As a base for pasta salads
To prepare, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the mezzi rigatoni and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook according to package directions until al dente, which means the pasta is tender but still has a slight bite. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water. Toss the drained pasta immediately with your chosen sauce, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to achieve the desired consistency. Serve hot.
How it differs from similar foods
Mezzi rigatoni differs from regular rigatoni by its shorter length, making it easier to eat with a fork. The deep ridges are similar to regular rigatoni, providing excellent sauce adhesion, but the smaller size can sometimes cook slightly faster.
Who it is for
Home cooks who enjoy classic Italian-inspired meals will appreciate this pasta.
How to keep the rest
After opening the package, store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This helps to keep the pasta fresh and prevents it from absorbing moisture or odors from the pantry.