Best Rigatoni Brands

A Comprehensive Guide to Top Picks

Rigatoni, a beloved Italian pasta shape, is recognized for its ridged texture that beautifully holds onto chunky sauces, making every bite flavorful. In this article, readers will discover some of the best rigatoni brands available, highlighting those that stand out in terms of quality, texture, and authentic taste.

With the growing variety of pasta on supermarket shelves, choosing the right brand can be overwhelming. This guide aims to simplify that choice by showcasing top-rated rigatoni brands tested and recommended by culinary experts. Whether you prefer traditional or high-protein options, find out which brands excel in delivering an outstanding rigatoni experience.

1) De Cecco Rigatoni No. 24

De Cecco Rigatoni No. 24 is a premium pasta choice recognized for its quality and consistency. It is known for its dense, hearty texture that pairs well with meat ragùs, cheese, and tomato sauces. The rigatoni's hollow center and ridged exterior enhance its ability to hold sauces, making each bite flavorful.

This pasta is made using traditional methods that the De Cecco family has perfected since 1886. The company prides itself on using the best wheat and a unique drying process that spans nine hours. This careful crafting ensures the pasta maintains its shape and firmness during cooking.

De Cecco Rigatoni No. 24 is available in a 16.0 oz pack and is easy to find at major retailers like Amazon, Publix, and Whole Foods Market. Cooking time is approximately 14 minutes, with an al dente finish achieved in 12 minutes.

Customer reviews frequently highlight the pasta's excellent quality and reliable performance. It is often praised for its taste and texture, marking it as a favorite among pasta enthusiasts.

2) Barilla Rigatoni

Barilla Rigatoni is a staple in many households due to its consistent quality and taste.

To prepare, bring 4 - 6 quarts of water to a rolling boil and add salt to taste. Add the pasta and stir gently.

For an authentic "al dente" texture, boil uncovered for 14 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a more tender texture, boil for an additional minute.

Barilla's Rigatoni pairs well with hearty, thick sauces that cling to its ridges. This pasta shape enhances the overall eating experience, offering a satisfying bite.

Barilla, an established brand, ensures that their Rigatoni is made with high-quality ingredients. This commitment to quality makes it a trusted choice for both everyday meals and special occasions.

3) Garofalo Rigatoni

Garofalo Rigatoni stands as a testament to Italy's rich pasta-making heritage. Produced in Gragnano, a region renowned for its ideal pasta-making conditions, Garofalo's product benefits from a perfect combination of traditional methods and modern quality standards.

The use of high-quality durum wheat semolina gives Garofalo Rigatoni its distinctive texture and flavor. The pasta is extruded through bronze dies, providing a rough surface that holds sauces exceptionally well, making it an ideal choice for hearty, thick sauces.

Garofalo Rigatoni is notable for its consistent cooking quality. It maintains a firm texture when cooked al dente, which is a hallmark of great Italian pasta. The ridges on the pasta capture sauces effectively, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Garofalo's commitment to quality is reflected in its long history, starting production in 1789. The brand has managed to uphold its reputation through centuries, making it a trusted choice for pasta enthusiasts around the world.

Garofalo Rigatoni is widely available in the U.S., reflecting its popularity and high demand. Its balance of traditional pasta-making techniques and modern quality assurance makes it a standout option for those seeking genuine Italian rigatoni.

4) Benedetto Cavalieri Rigatoni

Benedetto Cavalieri is a renowned name in the world of Italian pasta. Established in 1918, the brand is recognized for its dedication to traditional pasta-making methods. It retains a commitment to slow pressing and low-temperature drying, which helps preserve the natural flavors of the wheat.

Their rigatoni stands out for its robust texture and excellent cooking resistance. This pasta holds sauces well, making it versatile for various recipes.

Benedetto Cavalieri's rigatoni features a delightful wheat aroma, thanks to its prolonged kneading process. Its quality is evident from the first bite, reflecting the brand's artisanal craftsmanship.

This rigatoni is not only a favorite among home cooks but also praised by professional chefs. Its consistent quality and exceptional taste make it a must-try for pasta enthusiasts.

5) Rummo Rigatoni No. 50

Rummo Rigatoni No. 50 is a standout in the world of Italian pasta. Known for its sturdiness and robust texture, this rigatoni is made using the traditional Lenta Lavorazione method. This technique involves slow processing to ensure the pasta maintains its structure when cooked al dente, providing an ideal surface for sauce adherence.

The ridged texture of Rummo Rigatoni No. 50 is perfect for hearty sauces, such as meat ragù or rich tomato-based sauces. This pasta is designed to hold up well in oven-baked dishes, making it a versatile choice for many recipes.

Crafted from high-quality durum wheat semolina, Rummo Rigatoni No. 50 ensures consistent quality and flavor. The use of a bronze die during the shaping process adds a rough surface to the pasta, allowing it to grip sauces more effectively.

This pasta is available in convenient 16-ounce packages, often sold in packs of five. It's a go-to option for those seeking an authentic Italian culinary experience. For anyone passionate about pasta, Rummo Rigatoni No. 50 delivers both quality and tradition in every bite.

6) Martelli Rigatoni

Martelli Rigatoni is a well-regarded Italian pasta brand known for its quality and authenticity.

Crafted by the Martelli family in Tuscany, this rigatoni stands out for its traditional artisanal techniques.

The pasta is made from high-quality durum wheat semolina, ensuring a firm texture that holds up well in cooking.

Each piece of rigatoni is bronze-cut, giving it a rough surface that helps sauce cling more effectively.

Martelli Rigatoni cooks evenly and pairs well with a variety of sauces, from hearty meat-based ragùs to rich, creamy sauces.

The pasta is available in distinctive yellow packaging, making it easily recognizable on store shelves.

Martelli’s commitment to maintaining traditional Italian pasta-making methods ensures a premium product for those who appreciate authentic pasta.

7) Rustichella d'Abruzzo Rigatoni

Rustichella d'Abruzzo, founded in 1924, offers high-quality rigatoni made using traditional methods. The pasta is crafted from durum wheat semolina and water, ensuring a firm texture that pairs well with various sauces.

This brand is known for its commitment to artisanal production. The pasta is dried slowly at low temperatures, which helps to preserve the wheat's natural flavor and nutritional value.

Rustichella d'Abruzzo's rigatoni is distinguished by its hearty, ribbed tubes. The texture allows sauces to cling effectively, enhancing the overall dining experience.

The quality of Rustichella d'Abruzzo's pasta makes it a favorite among culinary enthusiasts. It stands out for its authentic Italian taste and reliable cooking performance.

8) Pasta Mancini Rigatoni

Pasta Mancini is renowned for its commitment to traditional pasta-making techniques, and their Rigatoni is a prime example of this dedication.

Using durum wheat grown locally in Italy, Pasta Mancini ensures each batch of Rigatoni is made with high-quality ingredients. The pasta is extruded through bronze dies, giving it a rough texture that holds sauces exceptionally well.

The drying process for Pasta Mancini Rigatoni is slow and at low temperatures. This method preserves the wheat’s natural flavors and contributes to an excellent al dente texture when cooked.

Known for its robust structure, Pasta Mancini Rigatoni is perfect for pairing with hearty meat sauces or chunky vegetable ragùs. The ridges help capture every bit of sauce, enhancing each bite.

For those seeking an authentic Italian pasta experience, Pasta Mancini Rigatoni offers a taste of tradition with modern quality control. This brand is highly recommended by chefs and home cooks alike for its reliability and flavor.

9) La Molisana Rigatoni

La Molisana Rigatoni is a notable name in the realm of Italian pasta. This brand boasts a rich history, starting its journey back in 1912. Today, it continues to be recognized for its quality and tradition.

Made from 100% Italian durum wheat flour, La Molisana Rigatoni stands out with its high protein content. This high-quality ingredient ensures a firm and chewy texture, perfect for holding up against robust sauces.

The process of bronze drawing gives La Molisana Rigatoni a unique roughness. This texture helps sauces cling better to the pasta, enhancing every mouthful with rich flavors.

La Molisana takes pride in using simple, seasonal ingredients to elevate their pasta. Beans, mushrooms, and other fresh ingredients complement the rigatoni's firm bite, creating a satisfying dining experience.

10) Di Martino Rigatoni

Di Martino Rigatoni stands out for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Produced in Gragnano, Italy, this pasta carries the prestigious PGI certification, ensuring its authenticity and adherence to traditional methods.

The pasta is extruded through bronze dies, which gives it a rough texture ideal for holding sauces. This feature enhances its versatility in various dishes.

Di Martino Rigatoni pairs well with rich, hearty sauces like carbonara and ragù. Its robust structure also makes it perfect for baking in casseroles, retaining its shape and absorbing flavors effectively.

The brand's meticulous drying process at low temperatures helps to preserve the nutritional quality and flavor of the pasta. This attention to detail results in a product that not only tastes great but also cooks evenly.

Di Martino collaborates with well-known designers, adding a touch of elegance to its packaging. This makes it a suitable choice for both everyday meals and special occasions.

The high-protein content of the flour used contributes to a satisfying and substantial texture, elevating the dining experience. This careful selection of ingredients reflects Di Martino's commitment to excellence in pasta production.

Quality Ingredients

Quality is paramount when selecting rigatoni. Two crucial aspects include the use of durum wheat semolina and non-GMO ingredients. Both contribute significantly to taste and texture.

Durum Wheat Semolina

Durum wheat semolina is a key ingredient in high-quality rigatoni. It is prized for its high protein content, which gives pasta a firm structure and the ability to hold sauces. The high gluten strength of durum wheat ensures the pasta remains al dente.

Rigatoni made from durum wheat semolina often has a robust, slightly nutty flavor. Choosing brands that emphasize this ingredient guarantees pasta that not only cooks well but also enhances any sauce or dish.

Non-GMO Ingredients

Brands emphasizing non-GMO ingredients offer pasta free from genetically modified organisms. This is important for consumers seeking natural and sustainable products. Non-GMO rigatoni ensures that the wheat used has not been genetically altered, preserving its natural qualities.

Non-GMO certified rigatoni often includes transparent labeling, providing assurance of the quality and origin of the ingredients. This focus on natural ingredients also highlights the brand's commitment to sustainability and health.

Production Methods

Rigatoni production involves various methods, each with unique impacts on flavor, texture, and quality. Traditional methods emphasize slower processes and careful handling, while artisanal techniques focus on maintaining high quality through meticulous craftsmanship.

Traditional vs Industrial

Traditional methods often involve small-scale production techniques that preserve the pasta's quality and authenticity. Flour is slowly kneaded, and the dough is extruded through bronze dies, giving the pasta a rough texture that helps sauce adhere better.

Industrial production methods use modern machinery to produce large quantities at a faster rate. This can sometimes lead to a smoother texture and a more uniform product, but may sacrifice some flavor nuances and texture quality that traditional techniques retain.

Artisanal Techniques

Artisanal techniques emphasize craftsmanship and quality. Brands like Benedetto Cavalieri employ prolonged kneading and low-temperature drying, which helps retain the wheat’s natural flavors and results in superior texture.

Additionally, brands might use high-protein flour, as seen in Lidia’s pasta, to ensure a robust texture and rich flavor. These methods often result in rigatoni that offers an elevated dining experience, marked by its ability to hold rich, creamy sauces exceptionally well.

Nutritional Benefits

Rigatoni brands offer a wealth of nutritional benefits, particularly in terms of their protein content and their availability in gluten-free options. These aspects make them a favorite among health-conscious consumers.

Protein Content

Rigatoni pasta is often enriched with protein to cater to those looking for a more balanced diet. Brands like Banza offer 11 grams of protein per 2-ounce serving. High-protein pasta options provide a good alternative for those aiming to reduce meat consumption.

High-protein pasta helps in keeping you satiated longer, beneficial for weight management. The protein content can dramatically affect both the texture and flavor of rigatoni, making it a versatile base for various pasta dishes.

Some traditional Italian brands, focusing on quality and authenticity, incorporate processes that naturally produce higher protein content. This enhancement supports muscle maintenance and provides energy for those with active lifestyles.

Gluten-Free Options

For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, gluten-free rigatoni is available. These options often use alternative grains like quinoa, rice, or chickpeas. Gluten-free pastas have come a long way in terms of texture and flavor, closely mimicking their wheat-based counterparts.

Banza Chickpea Penne, for instance, is a popular gluten-free option that also offers substantial fiber. Gluten-free rigatoni is crafted to be as close as possible to traditional pasta, allowing those with dietary restrictions to enjoy a variety of pasta dishes.

Additionally, these options typically maintain nutritional benefits such as fiber and protein, ensuring that dietary restrictions do not mean nutritional deficits. Gluten-free rigatoni provides a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber, supporting overall health.