Country Style Rigatoni
Country Style Rigatoni combines hearty ham, fresh vegetables, and flavorful herbs in a comforting pasta dish perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil for the rigatoni.
- Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, sauté sliced onion in oil until tender.
- Add cubed cooked ham, sliced mushrooms, and pepper to the saucepan.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, about 2 minutes.
- Add dry white wine or white grape juice, parsley flakes, and marjoram leaves to the ham mixture.
- Cover and simmer over low heat.
- Add rigatoni, thawed broccoli, and diced potatoes to boiling water and cook until rigatoni is done as per package instructions.
- Drain rigatoni and vegetables.
- Rinse with hot water.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the ham mixture, rigatoni, and vegetables.
- Stir in cheese and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked ham for a deeper taste. If you don't have dry white wine, white grape juice is a great substitute. To make this a vegetarian dish, omit the ham and add extra mushrooms or chickpeas for protein. You could also incorporate spinach or kale for added nutrition, similar to what you'd find in Vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty rigatoni dish with a side of garlic knots for a complete meal. A fresh green salad drizzled with vinaigrette also pairs beautifully, enhancing the flavors. For a comforting finish, consider serving slices of Genoese Cake as dessert to satisfy sweet cravings after this savory dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Style Rigatoni contains roughly 490 calories, with 5g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (88% of the Daily Value) and potassium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with penne or fusilli. Just ensure the cooking time aligns with the pasta you choose. Each type will offer a different texture, but they will all absorb the delicious sauce well.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free rigatoni. Also, check that your broth and any other ingredients, like wine or juice, are gluten-free. This ensures everyone can enjoy this comforting meal without worry.
What can I serve with Country Style Rigatoni?
This dish is quite filling, but serving it with a light salad or steamed vegetables can balance the meal. You might also consider pairing it with crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce, making for a delightful dining experience.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).