Barilla Al Bronzo Mezzi Rigatoni 13 Minute Cook Pasta for Quick Busy Weeknight Dinners
Barilla Al Bronzo Mezzi Rigatoni 13 Minute Cook Pasta for Quick Busy Weeknight Dinners
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Why you'll love it
- authentic Italian heritage and imported-from-Italy status signals premium quality
- bronze-cut textured surface grips sauce better than standard pasta, delivering more flavor per bite
- trusted legacy brand (Barilla, since 1877) reduces purchase risk
- free from major allergens (lactose, peanut, shellfish, fish, tree nut, soy) and non-GMO for dietary peace of mind
- Kosher and vegetarian-friendly broadens household suitability
- 13-minute cook time fits busy weeknight schedules without sacrificing quality
- bronze die extrusion creates rougher surface that sauce clings to externally and fills internally
- short mezza rigatoni size means more pieces per bite and easier sauce coverage
- shorter than traditional rigatoni, preferred by some over full-size
- cheese sauce filled the inside diameter of the pasta and clung to the outside
- 'toothy' chewy texture that is satisfying
- cooks exactly in 15 minutes for al dente
- holds up better than regular pasta when refrigerated for leftovers
- arrived fresh and in remarkably good shape via online order
- sauce-clinging quality means less wasted sauce left on the plate
- bucatini is described as fun to say
Perfect for
- weeknight family pasta dinner ready in 13 minutes
- elevated Italian dinner party with sauce-clinging bronze-cut pasta
- baked pasta al forno casserole with Mezzi Rigatoni
- pairing with hearty Bolognese or seafood sauces for rustic Italian meals
- vegetarian or allergen-restricted meal preparation
- chili mac casserole baked for 45 minutes with a roux-based four-cheese sauce (brie, Parmesan, Gruyere, extra sharp cheddar)
- three-meat bolognese finished in sauce with reserved pasta water and parm rind
- broccoli sausage orecchiette dish
- goulash (using orecchiette 'little ears')
- baked ziti with leftovers and meal prepping
- Alfredo and cheese-based pasta dishes
- bucatini preparation
Product Information
FUSILLONI PASTA: Capture sauce the Italian way with Al Bronzo Fusilloni pasta! Each bag contains 8 servings of pasta. AL BRONZO PREMIUM PASTA: Traditional bronze-cut pasta, for extraordinary sauce grip and more flavor in every bite. Now you can enjoy Scarpetta, with pasta! EXPERTLY CRAFTED TO HOLD PASTA SAUCES: Made in Italy with our bronze crafting method, Al Bronzo pasta has a uniquely textured, porous surface that effortlessly clings to every drop of sauce. BRONZE-CUT PASTA: Al Bronzo pasta is made using one of our original methods of pasta-making. Our exclusive bronze crafting method, creates delicate micro-grooves on the dough’s surface—perfectly designed to capture every drop of sauce. BARILLA AL BRONZO: Transform your everyday pasta dishes into remarkable culinary experiences with Al Bronzo pasta, perfect for both special occasions and weeknight dinners. IMPORTED FROM ITALY: Al Bronzo is made in Italy from high quality durum wheat. QUICK & EASY TO COOK PREMIUM PASTA: Al Bronzo pasta cooks to "al dente" perfection in 11 minutes. For more tender pasta, cook an additional 1-2 minutes. NON-GMO & KOSHER PASTA: Al Bronzo pasta is made with high quality, Non-GMO durum wheat; Kosher certified. FREE FROM MAJOR ALLERGENS: Al Bronzo pasta is lactose free, peanut free, shell fish free, fish free, tree nut free and soy free; Suitable for vegetarians. Show more
Package Dimensions : 6.97 x 5.59 x 2.56 inches; 1 Pounds UPC : 076808012729 Manufacturer : Barilla Units : 16.0 Ounce Best Sellers Rank: #7,629 in Grocery & Gourmet Food
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this pasta really cook to al dente in just 13 minutes for rushed weeknights?
Yes. Barilla Al Bronzo Mezzi Rigatoni reaches perfect al dente in 13 minutes, with an additional 1 to 2 minutes for a softer texture, making it one of the fastest premium bronze cut pastas on the market for busy weeknight cooks.
Can I keep this on hand as a reliable weeknight dinner backup?
Absolutely. With a long shelf life and a 13 minute cook time, Al Bronzo Mezzi Rigatoni is a dependable pantry anchor for the nights when you need a quality meal without a trip to the store.
How many servings does the 1 lb bag provide for family meal planning?
Each 1 lb (16 oz) bag contains 8 standard servings, ideal for batch cooking, family dinners, or portioning into meal prep containers for the work week ahead.
Does this pasta reheat well for next day work lunches?
Yes. Customers consistently report that Al Bronzo holds its texture better than regular pasta when refrigerated and reheated, making it an excellent choice for make ahead work lunches and intentional meal prepping.
Can I use this for a quick baked pasta casserole without extra prep time?
Yes. The 13 minute boil plus 30 to 45 minute bake fits easily into a busy weeknight, and Mezzi Rigatoni's short tubes trap cheese sauce inside while crisping on top for a low effort, high reward dinner.
Is this pasta available for online ordering when local stores are sold out?
Yes. Barilla Al Bronzo can be ordered online through major retailers, making it easy to keep your pantry stocked without an extra trip to the store, even when local shelves run low.
How does the 13 minute cook time compare to other bronze cut pastas?
Most bronze cut artisanal pastas require 14 to 18 minutes; Al Bronzo's 13 minute timing is meaningfully faster, giving you premium texture without the longer wait of competing artisan brands.
Can I meal prep multiple dinners from a single bag of this pasta?
Yes. With 8 servings per bag, you can split a batch into two dinners, pair it with different sauces across the week, or use it for both dinner tonight and lunch leftovers tomorrow.
Does this pasta pair well with store bought sauces for a 20 minute meal?
Yes. The bronze cut surface grips jarred marinara, alfredo, and pesto far better than standard pasta, so a quick boil plus warmed sauce is a genuinely elevated 15 to 20 minute weeknight solution.
Is the cook time consistent batch after batch for predictable weeknight planning?
Yes. Barilla's quality control ensures reliable 13 minute al dente results every time, so you can plan timing around the rest of your dinner with confidence and avoid last minute surprises.
Can I freeze cooked leftovers of this pasta for future quick meals?
Yes. Al Bronzo holds up well to freezing in sauce, making it a great option for batch freezing casseroles like baked ziti, chili mac, or four cheese al forno for effortless future dinners.
Does this pasta require any special technique or equipment to cook quickly?
No special equipment needed. Just a large pot, plenty of salted boiling water, and 13 minutes, exactly the same simple process as standard pasta, with better results and faster timing.
Is this pasta a smart choice for office potlucks or shared work meals?
Yes. It travels well, holds up under warming trays, and the sauce clinging quality means it looks and tastes fresh even after sitting, making it a reliable option for professional and shared meal settings.
How does this compare to quick cook pasta brands for speed?
While some quick cook pastas finish in 5 to 8 minutes, they typically lack bronze cut texture and sauce grip. Al Bronzo offers premium quality at only a marginally longer cook time, a worthwhile trade for most home cooks.
Is it easy to coordinate this pasta with multiple dishes on a tight dinner timeline?
Yes. The predictable 13 minute cook time makes it easy to time your sauce, protein, and sides so everything finishes together, removing the stress of multi dish weeknight cooking.
Can I cook this pasta ahead of time and just reheat when ready to serve?
Yes. Slightly undercook it to 11 minutes, rinse briefly, toss with a little olive oil, and reheat in sauce for a finish that tastes freshly made, perfect for hosting without last minute scrambling.
How do I cook Barilla Al Bronzo Mezzi Rigatoni to al dente?
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add a generous amount of salt, then add the pasta and cook for 13 minutes for al dente or 14 to 15 minutes for a softer texture. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water, and toss immediately with your sauce.
How much pasta should I cook per person?
Plan on about 2 oz (dry) per adult serving, which means a 1 lb bag yields roughly 8 servings. For hungry appetites or heartier sauces, scale up to 3 oz per person.
What is the best way to store uncooked and leftover cooked pasta?
Store uncooked pasta in a cool, dry place in its sealed bag. Refrigerate leftover cooked pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 to 5 days, and toss with a little olive oil or sauce to prevent clumping.
Does this pasta work with any sauce, from marinara to Alfredo to pesto?
Yes. The bronze cut surface grips virtually any sauce beautifully, from chunky ragus and seafood sauces to creamy Alfredo, four cheese, pesto, and simple butter and Parmesan preparations.
Can I substitute Mezzi Rigatoni in any recipe that calls for rigatoni or penne?
Yes. Mezzi Rigatoni works as a direct substitute for full size rigatoni or penne in nearly any recipe, including baked ziti, pasta al forno, casseroles, and sauced weeknight dishes, with the same cook time.
What comes in the box when I order a bag?
Each order includes a 1 lb (16 oz) sealed bag of Barilla Al Bronzo Mezzi Rigatoni, containing 8 servings of bronze cut pasta imported from Italy. No additional accessories or tools are required to begin cooking.
Is this pasta safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity?
No. Barilla Al Bronzo Mezzi Rigatoni is made from durum wheat semolina and contains gluten, so it is not suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Look for certified gluten free pasta alternatives if needed.
How long is the shelf life of an unopened bag?
Unopened bags of Barilla Al Bronzo typically have a shelf life of about 2 years when stored in a cool, dry place. Always check the best by date printed on the bag for the most accurate information.
What is the difference between bronze cut pasta and regular pasta?
Bronze cut pasta is extruded through traditional bronze dies, creating a rough, porous surface with micro grooves that grip sauce externally and absorb it internally. Standard pasta is typically extruded through Teflon dies, resulting in a smoother surface that sauce slides off of, often leaving flavor on the plate.
