Rigatoni "D" from Maggiano's Little Italy features al dente rigatoni pasta tossed in a rich tomato and vodka cream sauce, complemented by Italian sausage, mushrooms, and peas, creating a hearty and flavorful Italian classic with a creamy, tangy, and savory profile.
Equipments
- Large pot
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Colander
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 2 cups sliced cremini or button mushrooms
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 small yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Use mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your spice preference, and be sure to remove the casings for better texture integration. Fresh garlic and yellow onion enhance the sauce's depth, while frozen peas add a subtle sweetness and color contrast. Heavy cream combined with vodka creates the signature rich and tangy tomato-based sauce necessary for the authentic flavor. When selecting mushrooms, cremini varieties provide a robust earthiness that balances the dish. Your Rigatoni "D" from Maggiano's Little Italy copycat will stand out with its creamy, savory, and hearty profile, closely mimicking the restaurant's beloved classic.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook rigatoni pasta until al dente; reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.
- Dice onion and mince garlic on the cutting board with the chef’s knife.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add Italian sausage to the skillet; cook and crumble until browned.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Add mushrooms; cook until tender and their juices release.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, vodka, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low; pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese; stir until melted and sauce is creamy.
- Fold in frozen peas; cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Season sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add drained rigatoni to the skillet; toss to coat with sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Rigatoni "D" from Maggiano's Little Italy copycat menu features tender rigatoni pasta coated in a creamy vodka tomato sauce with Italian sausage, mushrooms, and peas. If you can't find rigatoni, penne or ziti make excellent substitutes, providing similar texture and sauce-holding capability. For a dairy-free option, replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, adjusting seasoning to maintain the sauce's rich taste. When cooking the sausage, you can swap Italian sausage for ground chicken or turkey for a leaner alternative without sacrificing flavor. You'll achieve the best results using a heavy-bottom skillet to evenly brown the sausage and develop a deep, savory base for the sauce.
Tips
Make sure to boil the rigatoni pasta in well-salted water to enhance its flavor and maintain its al dente texture. When cooking the Italian sausage, crumble it finely to ensure even browning and distribution throughout the sauce. Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce's consistency, helping it cling better to the rigatoni. You should taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper only after adding the cream and cheese, as they can mellow the flavors.
Nutritions
Your Rigatoni "D" from Maggiano's Little Italy provides a balanced combination of macronutrients, with carbohydrates from the rigatoni pasta fueling your energy needs. Italian sausage adds a rich source of protein and fats, while mushrooms and peas contribute dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants essential for overall health. The tomato and vodka cream sauce contains lycopene and calcium, supporting heart health and bone strength. This hearty dish delivers a satisfying mix of flavors and nutrients, making it a nourishing option for a well-rounded meal.
Storage
Store leftover Rigatoni "D" from Maggiano's Little Italy in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent moisture loss. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of reserved pasta water to maintain sauce creaminess. Avoid freezing the dish, as the cream sauce and peas may separate upon thawing, affecting texture and flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option that still adds protein. Using sun-dried tomatoes in place of crushed tomatoes intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a chewy texture. For a dairy-free variation, replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to maintain a creamy consistency. Lastly, swap frozen peas for sauteed spinach or asparagus tips to introduce a fresh, green vegetable element to the dish.
Allergies
Rigatoni "D" from Maggiano's Little Italy contains common allergens such as dairy from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, as well as gluten from rigatoni pasta made with wheat. The Italian sausage may contain additional allergenic ingredients like preservatives or spices that could affect sensitive individuals. If you have allergies to dairy, gluten, or pork products, it is important to confirm ingredient specifics before enjoying this dish.
Why this recipe?
Maggiano's Little Italy Rigatoni "D" menu item is loved for its perfectly al dente pasta combined with a rich, savory tomato and cream sauce, layered with Italian sausage, peppers, and onions that provide a balanced texture and robust flavor. The dish embodies authentic Italian-American cuisine, making it an excellent candidate for a copycat recipe to recreate restaurant-quality flavors at home. You can tailor the spice level and ingredient freshness to your personal preference, ensuring a customized dining experience. Mastering this recipe allows you to enjoy the comfort of Maggiano's signature dish anytime without leaving your kitchen.