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Rigatoni with Duck Ragù

This hearty rigatoni with duck ragù is a standout high-protein meal that makes clever use of slow-braised duck legs. By combining shredded duck meat with a rich, herbaceous tomato sauce and earthy Mediterranean vegetables, you create a complex flavour profile that feels far more decadent than its simple preparation suggests. The addition of crispy duck skin cracklings provides a satisfying textural contrast to the al dente pasta, ensuring every bite is balanced and deeply savoury.

Perfect for a comforting weekend dinner or a sophisticated midweek treat, this pasta dish is an excellent way to elevate store-bought or leftover duck. The sauce can be prepared a day in advance, allowing the flavours to develop further before being tossed with fresh rigatoni and finished with plenty of grated Parmesan. Serve this warming Italian-inspired bowl with a simple green salad for a complete, nutritious meal.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Rigatoni with Duck Ragù

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 3 garlic cloves, sliced

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1/4 teaspoons crushed dried red pepper

  • 1 (800g) can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed, juice reserved

  • 4 duck legs reserved from Spice-Rubbed Duck Legs Braised with Green Olives and Carrots , skin peeled off and cut into 1/2-inch squares, meat shredded

  • 230g vegetables reserved from Spice-Rubbed Duck Legs Braised with Green Olives and Carrots , olives pitted, vegetables chopped

  • 120ml sauce reserved from Spice-Rubbed Duck Legs Braised with Green Olives and Carrots

  • 450g rigatoni or ziti pasta

  • Grated Parmesan cheese

How to make Rigatoni with Duck Ragù

Heat oil in large deep skillet over medium heat. Add next 4 ingredients. sauté until onion is soft, about 6 minutes. Add tomatoes with juice. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 7 minutes. Add shredded duck, reserved vegetables, and reserved sauce to skillet. Heat through, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool slightly. Cover and chill ragù and duck skin separately. Rewarm ragù over medium heat before continuing.

Heat large skillet over medium heat. Add duck skin; fry until crisp and most fat renders, stirring often, about 8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but firm to bite. Drain, reserving 240ml cooking liquid. Stir pasta into duck mixture, adding pasta cooking water by 60ml fuls if dry. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to large bowl. Sprinkle cracklings over and serve, passing cheese alongside.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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