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Sweet & Savory Cranberry Feta Rigatoni

A festive pasta dish combining tender rigatoni with sweet cranberries, tangy feta, and a silky savory sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta
Sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.75 cup dried cranberries
  • 1.5 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 cup reserved pasta water as needed
  • 0.75 cup feta cheese crumbled

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve pasta water and drain.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  4. Stir in cranberries, honey, and balsamic vinegar. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
  5. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
  6. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat.
  7. Add pasta water gradually until sauce is silky.
  8. Remove from heat and fold in feta. Serve warm.

Notes

Adjust sweetness or tanginess by adding more honey or feta to taste.