Imagine savoring the hearty flavors of Maggiano’s famous Rigatoni D. When I first tasted this dish, I knew I had to recreate it at home. There’s something irresistible about the perfectly cooked rigatoni smothered in a rich, savory sauce.
Bringing a bit of restaurant magic to your kitchen has never been easier. With this copycat recipe, you can indulge in the comfort of homestyle Italian cuisine anytime you crave it. Let’s dive into the steps to make this delicious classic your own.
Ingredients
- Rigatoni Pasta
- 1 pound rigatoni
- Meat Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Creamy Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Garnish
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Tools and Equipment
Creating Maggiano’s Rigatoni D at home is both fun and rewarding, especially when you have the right tools on hand. Here’s what I use to ensure every step goes smoothly:
- Large Pot: Perfect for boiling rigatoni to al dente. A capacity of at least 6 quarts works best.
- Deep Skillet or Dutch Oven: Ideal for simmering the rich sauce and browning the ground beef evenly.
- Wooden Spoon: Helps in stirring the sauce without scratching your cookware.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure precise measurements of ingredients for consistent flavor.
- Colander: Essential for draining the cooked pasta quickly and efficiently.
- Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping onions, garlic, and other fresh ingredients with ease.
- Mixing Bowls: Useful for prepping and organizing your ingredients before cooking.
- Grater: If you prefer freshly grated Parmesan cheese, this tool is a kitchen must-have.
- Ladle: Makes it easy to serve generous portions of the hearty sauce over your rigatoni.
- Oven-Safe Baking Dish (Optional): If you like a baked finish with a crispy top, this dish will come in handy.
Having these tools ready will streamline the cooking process, allowing you to focus on layering flavors and perfecting your Rigatoni D just like at Maggiano’s.
Directions
Recreate Maggiano’s Rigatoni D with these simple steps. Let me guide you through each stage to achieve that rich, comforting flavor.
Prep
- Finely chop one medium onion.
- Mince three cloves of garlic.
- Measure two cups of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Gather all ingredients and tools for easy access during cooking.
Cook
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 12 ounces of rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add one pound of ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Pour in two cans (28 ounces each) of crushed tomatoes. Mix well.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in one cup of heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Assemble
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you prefer a baked finish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni with the creamy tomato sauce, ensuring the pasta is well-coated.
- Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving hot.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing Maggiano’s Rigatoni D ahead of time can save you valuable time on busy days without compromising on flavor. Here’s how I ensure this dish is just as delicious when reheated.
Preparing the Dish in Advance
- Cook and Assemble
- Follow the recipe steps to cook the rigatoni and prepare the sauce as described.
- Once assembled with the pasta and sauce mixed, skip the baking step if you plan to store it.
- Cool Completely
- Allow the assembled Rigatoni D to cool to room temperature. This prevents condensation and maintains the texture when stored.
- Store Properly
- Transfer the Rigatoni D to an airtight container. Ensure it’s sealed tightly to keep out air and moisture.
- Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Refrigeration
- Store the dish in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors vibrant and the pasta perfectly al dente.
- Freezing for Long-Term Storage
- For longer storage, place the airtight container in the freezer. Rigatoni D can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- To prevent freezer burn, consider double-wrapping the container with aluminum foil or placing it in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating Instructions
- Thawing (If Frozen)
- Move the frozen Rigatoni D from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. This ensures even reheating.
- Reheating on the Stovetop
- Pour the Rigatoni D into a deep skillet or saucepan.
- Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
- Reheating in the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the thawed Rigatoni D to an oven-safe baking dish.
- Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until heated through. Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes to allow the top to slightly crisp.
- Microwave Reheating
- Place a portion of Rigatoni D in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plate.
- Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Adjust the time based on your microwave’s power.
Tips for Best Results
- Fresh Toppings: Add freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley after reheating to enhance the flavors.
- Avoid Overcooking: When reheating on the stovetop or oven, keep the heat moderate to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
- Storage Duration: For optimal taste and texture, consume refrigerated Rigatoni D within 3 days and frozen within 3 months.
By following these make-ahead instructions, you can enjoy Maggiano’s Rigatoni D anytime with minimal effort, ensuring a satisfying and hearty meal whenever you’re ready.
Serving Suggestions
When I prepare my copycat Rigatoni D, I love pairing it with classic Italian accompaniments to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some of my favorite serving ideas:
Fresh Green Salad
A crisp green salad adds a refreshing contrast to the rich rigatoni. I toss mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, and a balsamic vinaigrette. The tangy dressing balances the creamy sauce perfectly.
Garlic Bread
No Italian meal is complete without garlic bread. I spread a mixture of softened butter, minced garlic, and fresh parsley on slices of baguette. Then, I toast them until golden brown for a crunchy, flavorful side.
Grated Parmesan
A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan enhances the dish’s savory flavors. I recommend using a microplane to achieve a fine, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Red Wine Pairing
A glass of robust red wine complements the hearty rigatoni. I often choose a Chianti or Sangiovese to elevate the dining experience.
Optional Toppings
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for richness. Fresh basil leaves also make a beautiful and aromatic garnish.
Plating Tips
To present your Rigatoni D beautifully, mound the pasta in the center of each plate and garnish with a sprig of basil and a light dusting of Parmesan. Serving in warm bowls keeps the dish cozy and inviting.
Accompanying Sides
To make the meal more substantial, I like to add sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. They bring additional textures and nutrients to your plate.
Dessert Idea
Finish your Italian feast with a light dessert like tiramisu or panna cotta. These sweet treats provide a perfect ending to a satisfying meal.
By incorporating these serving suggestions, you can transform your homemade Rigatoni D into a memorable and delicious dining experience.
Conclusion
Making Maggiano’s Rigatoni D at home has been a rewarding experience for me. Seeing the rich flavors come together feels just like dining out but with the comfort of my own kitchen. It’s amazing how simple ingredients can create such a hearty and satisfying meal.
I love being able to share this recipe with friends and family, knowing that they’ll enjoy every bite as much as I do. Plus the flexibility to make it ahead means I can always have a delicious meal ready to go.
I hope you give this copycat recipe a try and enjoy the deliciousness of Rigatoni D in your own home. Happy cooking!
