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13 Best Sauces for Rigatoni Pasta

In this article, I’ve gathered 13 of the best sauces for rigatoni pasta.

Best Sauces for Rigatoni Pasta

Rigatoni is a type of tube-shaped pasta that’s slightly larger than penne.

It has ridges on the outside and a hollow center, which makes it perfect for thick sauces.

Rigatoni is a versatile pasta that can be used in a variety of dishes, from simple weeknight dinners to more complex recipes for special occasions.

And while there are many delicious ways to prepare rigatoni, one thing that really makes this pasta shine is its ability to absorb flavors from the sauce.

So if you’re looking for a delicious way to dress up your rigatoni, look no further than this list of 13 mouthwatering sauces.

From classic marinara to creamy Alfredo, there’s something here for everyone.

So get cooking and enjoy!

13 Best Sauces for Rigatoni Pasta

Sauces have a way of making or breaking a dish and rigatoni pasta is no exception.

A good sauce can enhance the flavor of the pasta and help to bring out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.

On the other hand, a bad sauce can easily overwhelm the delicate flavor of the pasta and leave you with a bland and unappetizing dish.

Fortunately, there are a number of great sauces that pair well with rigatoni pasta.

Here are 13 of the best sauces for rigatoni pasta:

1. Marinara Sauce

The best marinara sauce is simple and has few ingredients.

All you need is some good quality tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

I like to add a little bit of sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.

You can also add some red pepper flakes for a little bit of heat.

This sauce is so versatile and goes well with any pasta dish.

Pro Tip: If you want a heartier sauce, add some ground beef or sausage to the mix.

2. Alfredo Sauce

Thick, creamy, and simply delicious, Alfredo sauce is a classic for a reason.

It’s so versatile and easy to make, which is why it’s one of my go-to sauces.

I like to mix things up by adding in different herbs or spices, like basil or red pepper flakes.

You could also add in some cooked chicken or shrimp for a heartier dish.

Pro Tip: If you want a thinner sauce, simply add in some milk until you reach the desired consistency.

3. Bolognese Sauce

Bolognese sauce is heavenly.

It’s the perfect mix of beef, pork, and tomato.

I like to add a little bit of red wine to my Bolognese sauce to give it a nice depth of flavor.

This sauce is great on any type of pasta, but I especially love it on fettuccine.

Pro Tip: If you want a heartier sauce, add some mushrooms or pancetta.

4. Basil Pesto Sauce

Fresh, flavorful, and versatile, basil pesto is a sauce that goes well with any pasta dish.

You can use it as a base for other sauces, or simply add it to your favorite pasta recipe.

I like to mix up this sauce by adding different herbs and spices, such as oregano, thyme, or red pepper flakes.

For a more robust flavor, you can also add Parmesan cheese or sun-dried tomatoes.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for an easy way to add more flavor to your pasta dishes, try using basil pesto sauce as a base.

You can find this sauce in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores.

5. Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Sauce

The best sauce for rigatoni depends on what you’re looking for.

A sun-dried tomato pesto is a great option if you want something with a little bit of sweetness and acidity.

I like to add in some crushed red pepper flakes to give it a little bit of heat.

You could also use this sauce on chicken or fish.

Pro Tip: If you want a creamier sauce, add in some ricotta cheese.

6. Classic Roman Amatriciana Sauce

You’ve got to try this simple concoction of guanicale, tomatoes, black pepper, and pecorino cheese.

It’s the perfect balance of salty and acidic, and it clings to pasta like no other sauce.

I like to mix things up by adding in some extra veggies, like sauteed mushrooms or roasted red peppers.

Or, for a heartier dish, add in some crumbled Italian sausage.

Pro Tip: If you want a truly authentic Amatriciana sauce, use pancetta instead of guanciale.

7. Arrabbiata Sauce

Rigatoni sauce recipes are usually pretty simple and straightforward, but this arrabbiata sauce is anything but that.

It’s a little bit spicy, a little bit sweet, and a whole lot of delicious.

I like to mix things up by adding in some chopped up sun-dried tomatoes, or swapping out the rigatoni for another type of pasta.

Pro Tip: If you want an extra boost of flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar before serving.

8. Brown Butter Sauce

Rigatoni pasta sauces like this one are delicious, but can be a little heavy.

I like to lighten it up by adding in some sauteed mushrooms, or swapping out the heavy cream for milk.

This sauce also goes great with chicken – I like to add some grilled chicken and roasted tomatoes for a complete meal.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for an even lighter sauce, try using half butter and half olive oil.

9. Quick Parmesan Cream Sauce

Quick, cheesy, and versatile, this parmesan cream sauce is a great way to upgrade any pasta dish.

I like to add a little bit of garlic for extra flavor, but you can leave it out if you’re not a fan.

You can also swap out the pasta for whatever you have on hand – I’ve used this sauce with zucchini noodles, spiralized potatoes, and even on top of grilled chicken.

Pro Tip: This sauce thickens as it cools, so if you want a thinner consistency, add a little bit of milk or water when reheating.

10. Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Earthy, creamy, and with just the right amount of garlic, this mushroom sauce is my go-to for pasta night.

I like to keep it classic and pair it with a simple spaghetti dish.

But sometimes, I’ll get creative and use it as a pizza sauce or add some crispy bacon bits for a flavor twist.

Pro Tip: The key to a good mushroom sauce is to cook the mushrooms until they’re nice and brown.

This will give the sauce a deep, rich flavor that you can’t get from using raw mushrooms.

11. Dijon Mustard Sauce

Open your fridge – do you see a jar of Dijon mustard?

Good, because that’s all you need for this sauce.

Just add some mayo, lemon juice, and garlic, and you’re good to go.

I like using this sauce on roasted chicken or as a dip for roasted potatoes.

It’s also great on a sandwich in place of regular yellow mustard.

Pro Tip: This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

12. Chimichurri Sauce

Green and bright, this Argentinian sauce is traditionally made with parsley, oregano, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar.

I like to add a little bit of spice to mine with some crushed red pepper flakes.

This sauce is amazing on grilled meats, but it’s also great on pasta.

I’ve even been known to use it as a dipping sauce for bread.

Pro Tip: If you want a thinner consistency, add more olive oil.

If you want it to be more vinegary, add more red wine vinegar.

13. Gorgonzola Sauce

If you’re feeling a little bit fancy, or if you’re entertaining guests, this gorgonzola sauce is the perfect addition to your pasta dish.

It’s rich and creamy, with a slight tang from the gorgonzola cheese.

I like to mix things up by adding in different herbs (basil, oregano, thyme) or swapping out the pasta for something heartier, like gnocchi or ravioli.

Pro Tip: If you want a thinner sauce, add in some milk or cream until you reach the desired consistency.

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Best Sauce for Rigatoni Pasta

13 Best Sauces for Rigatoni Pasta

Any true pasta lover knows that the sauce is just as important as the pasta itself.
A good sauce can make a dish, while a bad sauce can ruin it.
That's why it's important to choose the right sauce for your pasta.
There are many different types of sauces that can be used on rigatoni pasta, but not all of them will work well.
To help you choose the best sauce for your rigatoni pasta, we've compiled a list of 13 of the best sauces out there.
From classic tomato sauce to more unique options like carbonara, there's a sauce on this list for everyone.
So, whether you're looking for a simple sauce to complement your pasta or something more complex to make your dish shine, you're sure to find the perfect sauce for your rigatoni pasta right here.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Pasta, Sauce
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 389 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Marinara Sauce
  • Alfredo Sauce
  • Bolognese Sauce
  • Basil Pesto Sauce
  • Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Sauce
  • Classic Roman Amatriciana Sauce
  • Arrabbiata Sauce
  • Brown Butter Sauce
  • Quick Parmesan Cream Sauce
  • Creamy Mushroom Sauce
  • Dijon Mustard Sauce
  • Chimichurri Sauce
  • Gorgonzola Sauce

Instructions
 

  • Choose any sauce from this list to serve with your rigatoni pasta recipe.
  • Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe.
  • Enjoy in no time…
Keyword Best Sauces for Rigatoni Pasta, Sauces for Rigatoni
CEO at Happy Muncher | benjamin@happymuncher.com | Website | + posts

Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.