Change up Taco Tuesday this week and make something new and unique! This easy Rigatoni or date night rigatoni recipe is full of flavor and loaded down with simple ingredients and a ton of cheese!
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Bold & Flavorful: Mexican Rigatoni brings a spicy kick with smoky peppers, seasoned meat, and creamy sauce.
- Perfect for Date Night: A fun twist on pasta night that feels fancy but is easy to make.
- Cheesy & Satisfying: Loaded with gooey melted cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Tips to Make Date Night Rigatoni
This simple rigatoni recipe is actually quite easy to make. All you need to do is follow the printable directions listed below and I don't think that you're going to have any issues.
The one thing to keep in mind during the recipe creation is that some of the added spices might be a bit on the spicy side. If you're not a fan of heat, I'd eliminate or change up a few to better suit your tastebuds.
RELATED POST: Instant Pot Mexican Beef Stew
🥚Ingredients Needed to Make Mexican Rigatoni
- 4 cups dry rigatoni
- 8 oz chorizo
- ½ cup yellow onion, chopped
- 1 poblano pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 2 cups monterey jack cheese, shredded
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- Sour cream, lime slices, and pico de gallo for garnish, if desired
If you want you can switch out the seasoning for this homemade taco seasoning recipe.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
🌈 Substitutions and Variations
- Protein swap: Use ground beef or turkey instead of chorizo for a milder flavor.
- Cheese choice: Substitute Monterey Jack with cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend for a different taste.
- Vegetarian option: Omit the meat and add extra black beans or grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
🔪How to Make Mexican Rigatoni
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prep a 13x9 baking dish with nonstick spray
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Cook pasta per package directions, drain and set aside in a large bowl
Step 3: Cook Ingredients in Skillet.
In a skillet cook chorizo, onion, and poblano over medium heat for about 5 minutes, drain if needed, and pour over pasta
In same skillet melt butter then whisk in flour, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder - cook for 2 minutes
Step 4: Add Milk
Whisk in milk and cook till thick and bubbly
Step 5: Mix in Cheese
Stir in cheese until melted and pour over pasta
Step 6: Add Beans
Stir in beans and spoon mixture into baking dish
Step 7: Bake
Bake 20-25 minutes
Garnish as desired, serve and enjoy!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Roast the poblano pepper before adding: Roasting enhances its smoky flavor, adding depth to the dish.
- Mix cheeses for a richer sauce: Combine Monterey Jack with a bit of sharp cheddar for extra creaminess and tang.
- Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime: This adds a fresh, zesty finish that complements the spicy chorizo.
💭 FAQs
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened.
Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with other pasta shapes like penne or ziti. Choose pasta with ridges to help the sauce adhere better.
To make this dish vegetarian, omit the chorizo and add more vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also use plant-based sausage alternatives.
Yes, you can assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time.
💖 Serving Suggestions
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Mexican rigatoni:
- Corn and black bean salad: Fresh, zesty, and full of color—perfect for balancing the cheesy pasta.
- Avocado slices or guacamole: Creamy and cool with just the right kick.
- Crispy tortilla chips: For crunching, scooping, or just snacking on the side.
🍜 Related Recipes
Did you make this recipe? Leave a review and a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below! Alternatively, bookmark it in your browser or save to Pinterest.
Mexican Rigatoni
Ingredients
- 4 cups dry rigatoni
- 8 oz chorizo
- ½ cup yellow onion chopped
- 1 poblano pepper chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 2 cups monterey jack cheese shredded
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- Sour cream lime slices, and pico de gallo for garnish, if desired
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prep a 13x9 baking dish with nonstick spray
- Cook pasta per package directions, drain, and set aside in large bowl
- In a skillet cook chorizo, onion, and poblano over medium heat for about 5 minutes, drain if needed and pour over pasta
- In same skillet melt butter then whisk in flour, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder - cook for 2 minutes
- Whisk in milk and cook till thick and bubbly
- Stir in cheese until melted and pour over pasta
- Stir in beans and spoon mixture into baking dish
- Bake 20-25 minutes
- Garnish as desired, serve and enjoy!
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