Hearty Tuscan Rigatoni with Traditional Bolognese Sauce
Experience the true essence of Italian cuisine with this Hearty Tuscan Rigatoni, featuring a rich and savory Bolognese sauce that pays homage to time-honored family recipes. This dish combines the robust flavors of ground beef or veal with a medley of aromatic vegetables, simmered in a full-bodied Chianti and San Marzano tomatoes for an unforgettable taste. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this pasta dish not only satisfies the appetite but also warms the heart. You can make a large batch of the Bolognese sauce ahead of time and freeze for those busy weeknights. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a delightful finish!
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Carrots
4 (chopped)
Celery ribs
4 (chopped)
White onion
1 (chopped)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Ground beef or veal
2 lbs (choose your preference)
Red wine (Chianti)
2 cups (and adjust as needed)
Crushed tomatoes
1 (29 ounce) can (San Marzano recommended)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Rigatoni pasta
1 lb (cooked al dente)
Fresh parsley
for garnish (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped carrots, celery, and onions. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
2
Add the ground beef or veal to the skillet. Break the meat up with a spatula and cook until browned evenly, approximately 8-10 minutes.
3
Pour in the Chianti wine, stirring to deglaze the pan and incorporated the flavorful bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to cook down for about 5 minutes.
4
Stir in the crushed San Marzano tomatoes, followed by salt and pepper to taste. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently, uncovered, for a minimum of 1 hour, stirring occasionally to ensure it thickens beautifully.
5
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of the cooking water.
6
To serve, place a portion of rigatoni in a bowl, top generously with the Bolognese sauce, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. If desired, add a splash of reserved pasta water to help the sauce adhere to the pasta.
Nutrition Information
17g
Fat
43g
Carbs
26g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described in this recipe?
The dish is Hearty Tuscan Rigatoni with Traditional Bolognese Sauce.
What type of meat is used for the Bolognese sauce?
You can use 2 lbs of either ground beef or ground veal.
What specific wine is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of Chianti red wine.
How many carrots are needed for the sauce base?
You will need 4 chopped carrots.
How many celery ribs are required?
The recipe requires 4 chopped celery ribs.
What kind of onion is used in this dish?
One chopped white onion is used.
How much olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables?
Two tablespoons of olive oil are required.
What type of tomatoes are recommended for the sauce?
San Marzano crushed tomatoes are recommended for the best flavor.
What size can of tomatoes is needed?
One 29 ounce can of crushed tomatoes is required.
How long should the Bolognese sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer gently for a minimum of 1 hour.
How long does it take to sauté the base vegetables?
The carrots, celery, and onions should be sautéed for about 5 to 7 minutes.
How long should the meat be cooked until browned?
The ground beef or veal should be cooked for approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
What is the purpose of adding wine to the pan?
The wine is used to deglaze the pan and incorporate flavorful bits from the bottom.
How much rigatoni pasta is needed?
One pound of rigatoni pasta is used.
What is the recommended cooking time for the pasta?
Cook the pasta according to package instructions for about 10 to 12 minutes until al dente.
Should the pasta cooking water be saved?
Yes, reserve a small cup of cooking water to help the sauce adhere to the pasta.
What is the suggested garnish for this dish?
The dish is garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Can this Bolognese sauce be frozen?
Yes, the sauce is freezer-friendly and can be made in large batches for later use.
How many calories are in a serving of this rigatoni?
There are 400 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 17g of fat.
How many grams of protein are in one serving?
Each serving provides 26g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 43g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total.
Is the sauce simmered covered or uncovered?
The sauce should be simmered uncovered to allow it to thicken.
What heat setting should be used for the skillet?
The vegetables and meat should be cooked over medium heat.
What seasonings are added to the sauce?
Salt and pepper are added to taste for seasoning.
What is the texture of the finished pasta?
The pasta should be cooked al dente.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
What is the origin of this sauce style?
It is a traditional Bolognese sauce inspired by Tuscan Italian cuisine.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The tags include italian pasta, bolognese sauce, rigatoni, comfort food, and freezer-friendly.