Hey there, pasta lovers! If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy, and veggie-packed pasta dish, then this Spinach Ricotta Rigatoni is exactly what you need. Picture creamy ricotta and fresh spinach blending together in a saucy, flavorful pasta dish that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a family gathering. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked. The best part? It’s as easy to make as it is delicious, so you can enjoy it without any stress. Let’s dive in and see why this dish is an instant favorite.
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Why You’ll Love Spinach Ricotta Rigatoni
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a show-stopping dish at dinner parties. This recipe will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe). It’s equally satisfying for a quiet night in or a gathering with friends.
Budget-Friendly: No need for fancy ingredients—just a few staples like pasta, spinach, and ricotta cheese. This dish proves that simple, affordable ingredients can come together to create something amazing.
Quick and Easy: The steps are simple and straightforward, making this recipe a great option for beginners. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, so you’ll have a delicious meal without spending all night in the kitchen.
Customizable: Love garlic? Add a little extra. Want more veggies? Toss in some mushrooms or zucchini. This recipe is so easy to tweak based on what you love or have on hand.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a hit with everyone—kids and adults alike. This creamy, cheesy pasta has a perfect balance of flavors that makes it irresistible to all ages.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this dish—just a few simple ingredients that come together to create something spectacular. Let’s take a closer look:
Rigatoni: The pasta of choice! The large, ridged tubes are perfect for holding onto the creamy ricotta sauce, making every bite extra satisfying.
Ricotta Cheese: The creamy, mild cheese that adds richness and a soft texture to the dish.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a burst of color, flavor, and nutrients. It wilts down perfectly, blending with the ricotta and making each bite feel like a warm hug.
Garlic: The aromatic kick that brings everything together with its savory, rich flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: The finishing touch for a little extra cheesy goodness. A sprinkle of Parmesan on top makes everything even more irresistible.
Olive Oil: A little olive oil to sauté the garlic and spinach, creating the base of this flavorful dish.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this creamy, cheesy pasta masterpiece:
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water to help bring the sauce together.
Sauté the Garlic and Spinach: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Then, toss in the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts down, about 3-4 minutes.
Combine Ricotta and Pasta: Lower the heat and add the ricotta cheese to the skillet with the spinach. Stir to combine, creating a creamy sauce. Add a little reserved pasta water to help smooth it out if necessary. Then, add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy mixture.
Season and Serve: Sprinkle in some grated Parmesan, season with salt and pepper to taste, and give everything one final toss. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if you like!
How to Serve Spinach Ricotta Rigatoni
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:
Fresh Salads: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the creamy pasta.
Garlic Bread: Serve it with warm garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce and add a little extra crunch.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers are a great way to add more flavor and color to your meal.
As a Standalone: This dish is hearty enough on its own, but feel free to garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to make this recipe even easier:
Prep Ahead: You can wash and chop the spinach ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for easy access when you’re ready to cook.
Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or chili powder to give this dish a little heat.
Dietary Adjustments: Want a dairy-free option? Swap the ricotta for a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or coconut milk-based ricotta.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or milk to bring back the creaminess.
Double the Batch: This recipe freezes well! Make extra and freeze it for a quick and easy meal on a busy day.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute ricotta cheese with something else?
A1: Yes, you can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream if you’re looking for a lighter or dairy-free version.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a little added water or milk to restore creaminess.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! This dish freezes beautifully. Simply store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
Q5: How do I reheat this pasta?
A5: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a little bit of pasta water or milk to keep it creamy. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds.
Q6: Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
A6: Definitely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or even peas would make excellent additions to this pasta.
Q7: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A7: Yes, you can use any pasta you like—penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti would work well in this dish.
Q8: Is this recipe spicy?
A8: This recipe is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes for a little heat if you prefer.
Q9: How can I make this dish lighter?
A9: You can lighten it up by using a reduced-fat ricotta or by swapping out some of the cheese for Greek yogurt.
Q10: Can I add meat to this dish?
A10: Absolutely! Grilled chicken, Italian sausage, or even bacon would make great additions to this dish if you’re craving some extra protein.
Conclusion
Spinach Ricotta Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food. It’s cheesy, creamy, and loaded with fresh spinach, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. So go ahead—give it a try, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Print
Spinach Ricotta Rigatoni
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This cheesy Baked Rigatoni with Spinach & Ricotta is a comforting dish that combines creamy ricotta, savory marinara, and melted mozzarella. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - Cook the pasta:
Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Sauté the spinach:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. - Cook the spinach:
Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat. - Mix the ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni, ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, sautéed spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine. - Assemble the dish:
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. - Bake:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. - Serve:
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg