Best 8 Creamy Spinach Rigatoni Bake Recipes

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Creamy spinach rigatoni bake is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. This hearty meal combines the flavors of creamy spinach, tender rigatoni pasta, and a blend of melty cheeses to create a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. Whether you're looking for a weeknight meal or a special occasion dish, creamy spinach rigatoni bake is sure to be a hit.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CREAMY SPINACH & RIGATONI BAKE



Creamy Spinach & Rigatoni Bake image

Macaroni and cheese is one of the ultimate comfort foods. My recipe gives it an Italian twist. -Tammy Rex, New Tripoli, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 45m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 package (16 ounces) rigatoni
8 ounces sliced pancetta, chopped
3/4 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup chopped onion
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon pepper
5-1/4 cups 2% milk
4 cups shredded Italian cheese blend
1 can (14 ounces) water-packed artichoke hearts, rinsed, drained and chopped
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°. Cook rigatoni according to package directions., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook pancetta over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Discard drippings; wipe skillet clean., In same pan, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until blended; gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese blend until melted., Stir in artichokes, spinach and pancetta. Drain rigatoni; add to cheese sauce. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese., Bake, uncovered, until golden brown and bubbly, 20-25 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 643 calories, Fat 35g fat (20g saturated fat), Cholesterol 99mg cholesterol, Sodium 1438mg sodium, Carbohydrate 53g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 28g protein.

BAKED SPINACH RIGATONI RECIPE



Baked Spinach Rigatoni Recipe image

Baked Spinach Rigatoni - this cheesy pasta is perfect for a meatless dinner. Once this is served, your family will request it again and again.

Provided by Lisa Grant

Categories     Meatless Monday

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 16 ounce box dried rigatoni pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 16 ounce bag frozen chopped spinach
1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
14 ounces tomato sauce
1 tablespoon dried italian herbs
salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook rigatoni a la dente according to box instructions. Drain when cooked. In a large sauce pan, heat oil to medium high and sauté garlic for a few minutes until it starts to get translucent. Add the spinach, crushed tomatoes, sauce and Italian seasoning. Bring mixture to a simmer, cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. When pasta is drained, add to the sauce pot and remove from heat. Gently mix in the parmesan and ricotta cheese. Pour the pasta mixture into a large casserole pan and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Loosely cover with aluminum foil. Bake for about 30 minutes or until pasta is bubbling. Remove foil and cook for 5 more minutes or until cheese melts and starts to turn golden.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 680 calories, Fat 17 g, Carbohydrate 81 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 31 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 1109 mg, Sugar 5 g

BAKED RICOTTA AND SPINACH RIGATONI



Baked Ricotta and Spinach Rigatoni image

This is a one pot, one dish meal. If you can get your hands on smoked mozzarella versus the regular stuff, you'll take the flavor to the next level.

Provided by Dave Lieberman

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h30m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 pound rigatoni
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 tablespoons butter
1 large shallot, minced
2 cloves garlic, pressed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup white wine
2 cups milk
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 (10-ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed of excess water
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 eggs, lightly beaten
8 ounces smoked or fresh mozzarella, grated

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Cook rigatoni for 5 minutes in a pot of boiling, salted water. Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Set aside.
  • To make the bechamel sauce:
  • Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat and add the shallots and garlic. Sweat the shallots and garlic for a few minutes until softened and but not colored. Add the flour and stir until a smooth paste forms. Gradually whisk in the wine and then the milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking constantly and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper, to taste. Let cool slightly.
  • Transfer cooled bechamel to a large mixing bowl and add the spinach, ricotta, and eggs. Mix in rigatoni and transfer to a greased 9 by13-inch baking dish. Top with grated mozzarella. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes, or until cheese is lightly browned on top, the center is no longer runny, and the sides are bubbly.

CHICKEN AND SPINACH RIGATONI CASSEROLE



Chicken and Spinach Rigatoni Casserole image

Quick, easy and delicious. The recipe calls for 4 garlic cloves, but I only added 2 and should have added 3-4 cloves. I also added more parmesan because of preference. This is a hit with the kids. My friend Kathy sent me this recipe and now I am indebted to her forever.

Provided by heather in Ont

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 40m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

10 ounces rigatoni pasta (uncooked)
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, chopped
1 (20 ounce) can whole tomatoes, undrained, coarsely chopped
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 1/4 teaspoons dried basil
3/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes, crushed
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to pkg directions and drain.
  • Place spinach on paper towel and squeeze until barely moist.
  • Add oil to a large non stick skillet and place over medium heat until hot.
  • Add onion and garlic and sauté until tender.
  • Add chicken and cook until it loses its pink colour, stirring constantly.
  • Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano and crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Bring to a boil and then reduce heat.
  • Simmer 5 minutes, uncovered stirring occasionally.
  • Combine pasta, spinach, chicken mixture and 1/4 cup cheese in a bowl; stir well.
  • Spoon into 13 X 9 baking dish coated with cooking spray.
  • Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup parmesan cheese over the top.
  • Bake at 350° for 20 minutes.
  • Makes 8 servings.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 277.6, Fat 6.4, SaturatedFat 2, Cholesterol 71.8, Sodium 247.6, Carbohydrate 33.6, Fiber 3.8, Sugar 4.5, Protein 22.1

CREAMY RIGATONI FLORENTINE



Creamy Rigatoni Florentine image

Pan-roasted garlic adds heady savor to a rich and creamy basil-infused tomato sauce. Tender cubes of sauteed chicken and fresh, green spinach go for a quick simmer along with cooked rigatoni. Toss this marvelous meal with mozzarella cheese and serve.

Provided by Colleen

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Chicken

Time 55m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (16 ounce) package rigatoni pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 pounds boneless chicken, cubed
¼ cup sliced fresh mushrooms, or more to taste
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 (26 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1 pint half-and-half
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, or to taste
1 (10 ounce) package fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon shredded Parmesan cheese, or more to taste
8 leaves fresh basil, or to taste

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; saute chicken until no longer pink in the center, about 10 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate. Add mushrooms to skillet; saute until mushrooms are tender, 5 to 10 minutes. Add garlic; saute until fragrant and golden, 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Stir spaghetti sauce, half-and-half, and Italian seasoning into mushroom mixture; cook and stir over medium heat until sauce thickens, 10 to 15 minutes. Mix cooked chicken and spinach into sauce and cook until spinach is wilted, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir pasta into sauce and add mozzarella cheese; stir until cheese melts. Garnish dish with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 591.7 calories, Carbohydrate 58.6 g, Cholesterol 90.8 mg, Fat 24.7 g, Fiber 5.2 g, Protein 34.5 g, SaturatedFat 9.9 g, Sodium 577.9 mg, Sugar 10.4 g

CREAMY SPINACH AND CHICKEN RIGATONI



Creamy Spinach and Chicken Rigatoni image

I am a nutrition fanatic, but I live in New Orleans and like a lot of flavor. This low-fat italian dish has "all dat" and more. The flour-based "cream" sauce provides richness while remaining heart healthy!

Provided by Lauren Wagner

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 1/4 cups low-fat milk (1%)
3/4 teaspoon mild chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 inch chunks
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
10 ounces rigatoni pasta

Steps:

  • Place the flour in a large saucepan over medium heat, and gradually whisk in the milk.
  • Bring to a boil and whisk in the chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture slightly thickens, about 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat.
  • In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil until hot but not smoking over medium heat.
  • Add the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for about 1 minute.
  • Add the chicken and cook until slightly browned, about 3 minutes.
  • Add the spinach, stirring to coat.
  • Stir in the milk mixture, cheddar, and parmesan and cook until the cheddar has melted and the chicken is cooked through, about 2 minutes longer.
  • Meanwhile, cook the rigatoni in boiling water until just tender.
  • Drain well.
  • Transfer chicken mixture to a large bowl, add the rigatoni, and toss to combine.
  • Spoon the pasta mixture onto plates and serve.

CREAMY ZUCCHINI & SPINACH RIGATONI



Creamy Zucchini & Spinach Rigatoni image

Get 'em to say Yes! to zucchini and spinach with this creamy spinach-rigatoni pasta dish. Creamy Zucchini & Spinach Rigatoni is great for weeknights.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Thanksgiving Recipes

Time 40m

Yield 6 servings, 1-1/3 cups each

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 cups (1/2 of 16-oz. pkg.) rigatoni pasta, uncooked
1 tsp. oil
1 zucchini, sliced
1/2 lb. sliced fresh mushrooms
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp. flour
1/4 tsp. each dried basil leaves, dried oregano leaves and crushed red pepper
1 cup fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Neufchatel Cheese, cubed
1 pkg. (6 oz.) baby spinach leaves
1/4 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese
1-1/2 cups KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese with a TOUCH OF PHILADELPHIA, divided

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 375ºF.
  • Cook pasta as directed on package, omitting salt.
  • Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet on medium heat. Add zucchini, mushrooms and garlic; cook 3 to 4 min. or until zucchini is crisp-tender, stirring frequently. Add flour and seasonings; cook and stir 1 min. Stir in broth; cook 2 to 3 min. or until thickened, stirring frequently. Add Neufchatel; cook and stir 2 to 3 min. or until melted.
  • Drain pasta. Add to zucchini mixture along with the spinach, Parmesan and 1/2 cup mozzarella; mix lightly. Spoon into 2-qt. casserole sprayed with cooking spray; top with remaining mozzarella.
  • Bake 10 min. or until mozzarella is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 330, Fat 13 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 35 mg, Sodium 460 mg, Carbohydrate 35 g, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 3 g, Protein 19 g

LAYERED RIGATONI BAKE



Layered Rigatoni Bake image

Enjoy your dinner with this delicious pasta and cheese layered casserole made using spinach and Muir Glen™ organic tomatoes - perfect if you love Italian cuisine.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h15m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 package (16 oz) uncooked rigatoni pasta
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups fat-free (skim) milk
1 container (15 oz) low-fat ricotta cheese, drained on paper towels
1 box (9 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, squeezed to drain
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 can (28 oz) Muir Glen™ organic whole peeled tomatoes, undrained
2 packages (1 oz each) fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup Progresso™ panko crispy bread crumbs
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package except omit salt; keep warm.
  • Spray 3-quart saucepan with cooking spray; heat over medium heat. Add onions to saucepan; cook and stir 1 minute. Add butter and flour; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly; remove from heat. Gradually stir in milk with wire whisk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly; boil and stir 1 minute. Remove from heat; stir in ricotta cheese and spinach.
  • In separate 3-quart heavy saucepan, heat oil over medium heat; add tomatoes to oil, crushing tomatoes with spoon. Stir in basil, salt and pepper; cook uncovered about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture begins to simmer and basil wilts. Remove from heat; discard basil.
  • Over bottom of baking dish, spread half of the tomato sauce (1 1/4 cups). Arrange half of the pasta, 7 rows lengthwise by 9 or 10 rows widthwise, over tomato sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture (2 cups) over pasta. Repeat layers, ending with ricotta mixture. Sprinkle with bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake uncovered 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 310, Carbohydrate 45 g, Cholesterol 20 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 3 g, Protein 15 g, SaturatedFat 3 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 500 mg, Sugar 3 g, TransFat 0 g

Tips:

  • Use fresh spinach: Fresh spinach has a more vibrant flavor and color than frozen spinach. If you are using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before using.
  • Cook the spinach properly: Spinach should be cooked until it is wilted but still has a slight crunch. Overcooked spinach will be mushy and flavorless.
  • Use a good quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will greatly affect the flavor of the dish. Use a cheese that melts well and has a strong flavor, such as Parmesan, Gruyère, or cheddar.
  • Don't overcook the pasta: Pasta should be cooked al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and flavorless.
  • Serve immediately: Creamy spinach rigatoni bake is best served immediately after it is cooked. The pasta will start to absorb the sauce and become mushy if it sits for too long.

Conclusion:

Creamy spinach rigatoni bake is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is made with simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry and refrigerator. The dish is also customizable, so you can add or subtract ingredients to suit your taste. Whether you are a novice cook or a seasoned pro, you are sure to enjoy this creamy and cheesy pasta bake.

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