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Rigatoni with Red Peppers, Wild Mushrooms, and Fontina

This vibrant rigatoni with red peppers and wild mushrooms is an elegant vegetarian dish that brings together the earthy flavours of the forest with the sweetness of slowly softened onions. Using a variety of mushrooms, such as oyster and chanterelle, creates a wonderful contrast in texture, while the addition of aromatic marjoram adds a sophisticated herbal note. The sauce is naturally thickened using the starchy pasta cooking water, ensuring every tube of rigatoni is perfectly coated.

Ideal for a mid-week supper or a relaxed weekend dinner with friends, this pasta bake alternative is finished with melted fontina cheese for a rich, nutty finish. Fontina melts beautifully into the vegetables, creating a creamy consistency without the need for heavy cream. Serve this comforting, colourful meal in large warmed bowls with a simple green salad on the side.

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Ingredients for Rigatoni with Red Peppers, Wild Mushrooms, and Fontina

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 large red onions, halved lengthwise, cut crosswise into 1/3-inch-thick slices (about 1450ml )

  • 450g assorted wild mushrooms (such as small portobello, oyster, chanterelle, and stemmed shiitake), cut into 1/3-inch-thick slices (about 1500g )

  • 2 large red peppers, cut lengthwise into 1/3-inch-thick strips (about 950ml )

  • 450g rigatoni

  • 3 teaspoons marjoram, divided

  • 170g grated Fontina cheese (about 170g ), divided

How to make Rigatoni with Red Peppers, Wild Mushrooms, and Fontina

Heat oil in heavy large pot over high heat. Add onions and cook until soft and beginning to brown, stirring frequently, about 8 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-high. Add mushrooms and sauté until wilted, about 3 minutes. Add peppers and sauté until just soft, about 5 minutes longer.

Meanwhile, cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain, reserving 240ml cooking liquid.

Add reserved pasta cooking liquid and 2 teaspoons marjoram to skillet and stir, scraping up browned bits. Add drained pasta to sauce and toss to coat. Add 120g cheese; stir until melted. Transfer pasta to large bowl; sprinkle with remaining 60g cheese and 1 teaspoon marjoram.

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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