The difference

Rigatoni vs Ziti

Rigatoni is wide and ridged with a straight cut, ziti is narrower and smooth. Ridges plus a big bore make rigatoni the better grip for a heavy meat sauce, while smooth ziti is the classic for a baked, cheesy ziti al forno.

Gouache illustration of Rigatoni

Rigatoni

Family: Tubes
Size: 45 to 60 mm long
Surface: Ridged
Cook: 12 to 14 min

Wants: Amatriciana, Ragu, Norma

Gouache illustration of Ziti

Ziti

Family: Tubes
Size: 40 to 50 mm long
Surface: Smooth
Cook: 8 to 12 min

Wants: Neapolitan ragu, Genovese, Besciamella

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