American Harvest
American Harvest Rigatoni Pasta
What it is
Rigatoni is a type of large, tube-shaped pasta with ridges on the outside. These ridges are designed to hold sauces, making it a popular choice for hearty dishes. The pasta is made from durum wheat semolina, a common ingredient for dried pasta that provides a firm texture when cooked. This particular brand offers rigatoni in a standard package size suitable for family meals.
How people cook with it
Rigatoni is a versatile pasta shape that works well with a variety of sauces and baked dishes.
- Baked pasta dishes
- Hearty meat sauces
- Creamy vegetable sauces
- Pasta bakes
To cook rigatoni, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook according to package directions until al dente, which means it should be tender but still have a slight bite. Drain the pasta well, reserving some of the cooking water. The rigatoni can then be tossed with your favorite sauce, or layered with sauce and cheese for a baked dish. The hollow center and ridges are excellent for capturing thick sauces.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to penne, rigatoni is larger and has straight-cut ends, whereas penne is typically cut on an angle. The wider diameter and deeper ridges of rigatoni make it ideal for chunkier sauces and baked casseroles where it can hold more filling and sauce.
Who it is for
Home cooks looking for a sturdy pasta shape that can stand up to robust sauces and baking.
How to keep the rest
Store any unused dried rigatoni in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing moisture or odors from the pantry. Properly stored, it can last for a long time.