Rigatoni With Ham Sauce
Rich rigatoni pasta coated in a savory ham and tomato sauce, accented with garlic, basil, and Romano cheese—perfect for a hearty, flavorful meal any time.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet.
- Add the minced garlic and diced ham; sauté over moderate heat until the garlic is lightly browned, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add the Italian peeled tomatoes with their juice and the pepper; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
- Cook the rigatoni pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce.
- Stir in the grated Romano cheese and minced fresh basil before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic and ham, allowing it to reduce before adding the tomatoes. If you're looking for a lighter option, substitute the ham with sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Fresh basil is essential for brightening the dish; if unavailable, use a pinch of dried basil as a substitute.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this rigatoni with ham sauce hot, garnished with additional grated Romano cheese and freshly chopped basil. It pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside Italian Drop Cookies for a delightful dessert to round off your dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover rigatoni with ham sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra olive oil to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it, but stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rigatoni With Ham Sauce contains roughly 854 calories, with 33g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (229% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (124% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1400mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).
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?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is ideal for this sauce, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
What can I use if I don't have Romano cheese?
If Romano cheese isn't available, you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese. Both will provide a similar salty and savory flavor that complements the sauce well.
Can I freeze the ham sauce for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the ham sauce for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
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).