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Creamy Baked Rigatoni with Spinach

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Introduction

Creamy Baked Rigatoni with Spinach is a hearty pasta dish featuring tender rigatoni tossed in a rich cream sauce, folded with vibrant spinach, and baked until bubbly and golden. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.

Origin

Baked pasta dishes trace their roots to Italian cucina povera, where simple ingredients were layered and baked to feed families. This creamy version reflects modern Italian-American comfort cooking.

Cultural Significance

Baked pasta symbolizes gathering and generosity—big dishes meant to be shared. Adding spinach brings freshness and balance to a traditionally indulgent meal.

Ingredients and Quantities

  • 450 g (1 lb) rigatoni pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Additions

  • Cooked chicken or Italian sausage
  • Mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Ricotta cheese dollops

Tips for Success

  1. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Prevents mushy texture after baking.
  2. Season the Sauce Well: Cream needs salt.
  3. Wilt Spinach Gently: Avoid excess moisture.
  4. Rest Before Serving: Helps set the bake.

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta:
    • Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Make Cream Sauce:
    • Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
    • Sauté onion until soft; add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
    • Stir in flour and cook 1 minute.
    • Gradually whisk in cream and milk until smooth.
    • Simmer until thickened.
    • Stir in seasoning, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
  5. Add Spinach & Cheese:
    • Fold spinach into sauce until just wilted.
    • Stir in half the mozzarella and Parmesan.
  7. Assemble:
    • Combine pasta and sauce.
    • Transfer to greased baking dish.
    • Top with remaining cheeses.
  9. Bake:
    • Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
    • Bake 25–30 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
  11. Serve:
    • Rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

Description

This dish is luxuriously creamy with perfectly cooked rigatoni, silky sauce, and tender spinach throughout. The cheesy top adds a satisfying golden finish.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated fat: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg

Conclusion

Creamy Baked Rigatoni with Spinach is the ultimate comfort pasta—rich, hearty, and balanced with greens. It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser you’ll make again and again.

Recommendation

Serve with garlic bread and a crisp Caesar or green salad. Leftovers reheat beautifully the next day.

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

Add extra spinach, use half-and-half instead of cream, or mix in whole-wheat pasta to enjoy this indulgent dish with a lighter touch.

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